Michael J. Partos, a member of the firm, joined Cozen O’Connor in October 2000. He practices in the firm’s Los Angeles office, where he focuses on business litigation, insurance litigation, D & O, products liability, general liability defense, toxic torts, employment and construction litigation. Michael currently represents foreign and domestic insurers, financial entities, major property owners, food producers, and manufacturers. He also represents a number of transportation companies, insurers, utilities and marine terminals in Southern California.
Michael has handled complex litigation matters for more than 20 years and successfully tried cases to verdict in the state and federal courts of Los Angeles County, San Diego County, the Central District of California and the Southern District of California. Recent trial victories include the defense of a major embezzlement case in which Michael's client successfully countersued and won an eight figure verdict for defamation (upheld on appeal); defense of a $22 million claim against a major office equipment manufacturer; and defense of a nationwide construction firm in multiple luxury residential construction claims in Malibu Calif. He has successfully represented clients on writs and appeals to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, the Second District Court of Appeal and the California Supreme Court.
Michael serves as a volunteer commercial dispute arbitrator for the Los Angeles County Bar Association. He volunteers for a number of civic and community causes, including the South Pasadena Public Schools.
Michael earned his undergraduate degree from the University of California-San Diego in 1986 and his law degree from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1989.