Biography ofMichael J. Fitzpatrick
From 1984 until 1999, I was a partner in the firm of Hawkins, Blick & Fitzpatrick in San Jose, California. I then formed this firm as a sole practitioner. I now have the opportunity to concentrate on those areas of the law that I find most personally and professionally rewarding, and the ability to offer the personal attention each of my clients deserve. I am proud to have received the highest possible ratings from Martindale-Hubbell* for both legal ability (very high to preeminent) and for ethical practice (adheres to the highest ethical standards).
* Martindale-Hubbard is the premier national legal ratings service. Ratings are based solely on confidential evaluations from other lawyers and judges- in other words, we are rated by our peers who are familiar with the quality of our work.
- Born Fort Dix, New Jersey, March 1, 1952;
- Admitted to bar, 1984, California.
EDUCATION
- University of California at Santa Cruz (B.A., 1981);
- University of Santa Clara (J.D., 1984).
AWARDS
- Recipient of the Consumer Attorneys of California (CAOC) "Trench Soldier" awards in 1996 and 2000 "For Doing Battle In The Trenches Above And Beyond The Call of Duty".
- Recipient, CAOC Outstanding Achievement Award, 1996
- Recipient, CAOC Revitalization Program Award, 1997
- Recipient, CAOC 2002 Presidential Award of Merit
- Recipient, CAOC 2003 Presidential Award of Merit
- Recipient, Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association Award for Valor, 1996.
- Recipient, Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association "President's Award" 'In Recognition of the Protection of Consumer Rights"
- Recipient, Certificate of Special U.S. Congressional Recognition "In recognition of outstanding and invaluable service to the community" (December 11, 2003)
- Recipient, Certificate of Special Recognition, California State Senate, "In Recognition of Your Commitment and Dedication to the Consumer Attorneys of California and the Consumers of California" (November 8, 2003)
- Recipient, Resolution by the California State Assembly (members resolution No.69) of December 11, 2003, "Relative to commending the fighting spirit of Michael J. Fitzpatrick …who embodies the true spirit of a Trial Attorney, dedicating his career to seeking justice, creatively, tenaciously, and tirelessly."
- Nominee and Finalist for "Trial Lawyer of the Year" award 2006, Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association.
MEMBERSHIPS
- Member: Santa Clara County Bar Association
- State Bar of California
- The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
- Consumer Attorneys of California (Member, Board of Governors, 1995-1998, 2001-2003)
- Santa Clara County Trial Lawyers Association (President Elect, 1998; Member, Board of Governors, 1995-1998).
- Trial Lawyers For Public Justice
- American Civil Liberties Union
- Amnesty International
PRACTICE AREAS
- Personal Injury Law
- Product Liability Law
- Civil Litigation
- Insurance Bad Faith
- Sexual Harassment
- Torts
- Elder Abuse and Neglect/Nursing Homes