Michael Cardoza always knew he wanted to be a lawyer. With an innate passion for helping people, the San Francisco native translated his passion for aiding those in need into an extensive career in law spanning over 40 years.
“I have always had a strong desire to help people through the most difficult situations in their lives,” says Michael. “Whether someone, or their family member, has been affected by severe injuries, wrongful death, or criminal charges, I am a strong advocate ensuring protection of their rights.”
Michael’s strong sense of right or wrong is what led him to pursue a career in law. After graduating from the University of San Francisco and getting his Juris Doctorate from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, Michael got the opportunity to immerse himself in a diverse range of legal roles: from being a prosecutor in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Alameda counties, to serving as a chief Administration Officer for Continental Savings and Loan, and to even becoming a Chairman of the Board of Premier Title Company. But his true passion lies in trial work.
“That’s where I feel most engaged. Whether it's a complex civil dispute or a high-stakes criminal case,” says Michael. “So many civil attorneys have never tried a jury trial; that courtroom experience gives me a real advantage.”
He also stresses the importance of building a strong foundation in the legal field. Earlier in his career, Michael worked in a district attorney’s office where he had the opportunity to try over 200 cases. That experience became the foundation of everything he does.
“At the end of the day, it's the advocacy, the ability to tell a client's story, to shape a case to fight for a just outcome that keeps me in this profession.”
Years of courtroom experience eventually led the seasoned attorney to open his own criminal defense, personal injury, and business litigation firm. The Cardoza Law Offices opened its doors in 1997 and is located right here in Walnut Creek. To him, choosing Walnut Creek was about finding the “perfect fit.”
“Personally, it gives my family the community, opportunities, and work-life balance that we highly value,” Michael explained. “Professionally, it places my law office in the heart of a dynamic, growing market with convenient access to the entire Bay Area.”
As an attorney, Michael has worked on many cases throughout his extensive career, but one that still stands out to him was a triple murder case in Alameda County.
“A man killed his parents and grandfather while under the influence of PCP — it was the first time a PCP intoxication defense was used in court.” Other high-profile cases that stood out to him were the San Francisco dog mauling case, where he represented the victim’s surviving partner in a wrongful death lawsuit, and the tiger attack at the San Francisco Zoo.
Michael’s legal expertise hasn’t just been confined to the courtroom— it has also lit up television screens across the nation. He’s a regular analyst on Larry King Live and has provided expert commentary on high-profile cases, such as Scott Peterson, Michael Jackson, Robert Blake, and JonBenét Ramsey.
But Michael says his television career was unexpected. While working as a prosecutor in Alameda County, he appeared on 60 Minutes and was often asked to discuss his high-profile cases on local television. He has also been featured on shows such as The Today Show, Oprah, Greta Van Susteren, and The O'Reilly Factor.
“It was an unexpected but exciting extension of my legal career,” says Michael.
He still appears as a legal analyst for KRON 4 and KTVU in the Bay Area, bringing his courtroom insights to living rooms across California.
Visit Cardolaw.com or call the office at 925-274-2900 for more information.
“At the end of the day, it's the advocacy, the ability to tell a client's story, to shape a case to fight for a just outcome that keeps me in this profession.”