Michael L. Stern

Judge Michael L. Stern has presided over civil trial courts since his appointment to the Los Angeles Superior Court in 2001. He is a frequent speaker on trial practice matters. As an attorney, he tried cases throughout the United States. He is a graduate of Stanford University and Harvard Law School.

Articles written by this author:

Abraham Lincoln

He was called Honest Abe in part because of his ethics as a lawyer for more than 25 years

Michael L. Stern

2014 July

Abraham Lincoln teaches cross-examination

Reflecting on the use of Lincoln’s techniques to accomplish better outcomes in our own examination of adverse witnesses

Michael L. Stern

2015 July

What if Abraham Lincoln had lived to practice law again?

A look at what history suggests Lincoln’s life might have been like had he survived the presidency

Michael L. Stern

2016 July

Mark Twain tickles the legal funny bone

The legendary author and humorist satirized the law to promote his ideal of justice

Michael L. Stern

2017 July

Lawyer Lincoln’s trial tactics

How Abraham Lincoln developed his trial skills and prepared himself to persuade juries

Michael L. Stern

2018 July

Lessons from my first jury trial and error

Judge Stern recalls his baptism under fire as a Federal Public Defender in an unlawful detainer eviction action in front of an impatient judge

Michael L. Stern

2019 July

The craziest client I ever represented

We’ve all had one

Michael L. Stern

2020 July

Thunderbirds forever

A legal odyssey

Michael L. Stern

2021 July