G. Michael Brelje
Experience:
15 years
Language(s):
English
G. Michael Brelje | Santa Barbara Real Estate Lawyer
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About G.
Mr. Brelje‘s practice includes all forms of civil procedure, discovery and motion practice, as well as trial and appellate appearances.
Before joining Cappello & Noël in 2022, Mr. Brelje was a senior attorney at both Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, LLP and Grokenberger & Smith, where he represented clients involved in real estate transactions and disputes, construction, landlord/tenant and trust administration and estate-related issues.
Mr. Brelje has worked on and tried numerous complex civil and appellate cases, including arguing these cases in the California Court of Appeal.
Mr. Brelje is an active member of the Santa Barbara legal community. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association for several years and is a current member, and was the former president of the Santa Barbara Barristers. As a frequent contributor to the Santa Barbara Rental Property Association, he has lectured on and authored numerous articles related to real property law, civil litigation, landlord/tenant relations and other legal issues.
Mr. Brelje was selected as a top-rated attorney, in the area of Real Estate Law, to the Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list for Southern California during the years 2020-2021.
Before joining Cappello & Noël in 2022, Mr. Brelje was a senior attorney at both Rogers, Sheffield & Campbell, LLP and Grokenberger & Smith, where he represented clients involved in real estate transactions and disputes, construction, landlord/tenant and trust administration and estate-related issues.
Mr. Brelje has worked on and tried numerous complex civil and appellate cases, including arguing these cases in the California Court of Appeal.
Mr. Brelje is an active member of the Santa Barbara legal community. He previously served on the Board of Directors of the Santa Barbara County Bar Association for several years and is a current member, and was the former president of the Santa Barbara Barristers. As a frequent contributor to the Santa Barbara Rental Property Association, he has lectured on and authored numerous articles related to real property law, civil litigation, landlord/tenant relations and other legal issues.
Mr. Brelje was selected as a top-rated attorney, in the area of Real Estate Law, to the Super Lawyers’ Rising Stars list for Southern California during the years 2020-2021.
$650.00 per hour
Experience
Associate
Cappello & Noël LLP
2022-Current
Santa Barbara, California
Senior Attorney
Rogers, Sheffield & Campell, LLP
2018-2022
Santa Barbara, California
Senior Associate Attorney
Grokenberger & Smith
2010-2017
Santa Barbara, California
Admission
Supreme Court of the United States
2018
United States District Court, Eastern District of California
2018
United States District Court, Central District of California
2010
California
2010
Education
University of California Santa Barbara
B.A. (Communication)
2003
Recognitions & Achievements
Associations
-
Santa Barbara County Bar Association
Honors / Awards
-
Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Southern California ()2020-2021
Notable Work
Cases
Garl v. Justin Vineyards & Winery, LLC
Represented Plaintiff during a Three Week Court Trial, SOD in favor of Plaintiff.
Zissler v. Saville
Represented Plaintiff during a Three Week Court Trial, Judgment in favor of Plaintiff.
Publications
Santa Barbara Lawyer Medical Marijuana: Questions and Answers regarding Reasonable Accommodation Requests by Residential Tenants
2017
Santa Barbara Lawyer Pre-Judgment Writ of Attachment: A Powerful and Unique Provisional Remedy, If Used Correctly
2016
Santa Barbara Rental Property Association: Rental Property News Ask an Expert
2016
Santa Barbara Rental Property Association: Rental Property News City of Santa Barbara Tenant Displacement Assistance Ordinance
2016
Santa Barbara Rental Property Association: Rental Property News Landlord's Responsibility to Provide Reasonable Accommodations for Companion Animals
2013
Santa Barbara Rental Property Association: Rental Property News What Are Fixtures and Does the Landlord or Tenant Own them at the End of a Tenancy?
2012
Questions & Answers
Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
Over the last few years I have been involved in numerous real estate, landlord/tenant, and litigation matters involving real property and disputes that were either settled or adjudicated favorably. Two cases resolved prior to litigation being filed during a mediation, which benefited the clients to avoid having to spend money and time; especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How did you build a successful practice?
By working extremely hard and be available for clients during off hours and weekend days. Having a hard work ethic is key.
What should clients look for in a lawyer?
Experience, positive reviews, drive, determination, work ethic, and personality.
How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
Very important, especially knowing the local judges and mediators.
What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
General recommendations, estimated fees, and engagement letter/retainer amounts.
What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
Adverse parties to run a conflict check, the client's contact information, expectations, and ability to pay retainer.
What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
Work ethic, drive, experience, settlement master with court, results, etc.
What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Helping client's resolve their disputes in a cost effective manner and getting to know them personally while working on their cases.
What are your other interests in addition to law?
Golf, tennis, parenting, reading, cooking, etc.
Are you involved in your community?
Yes, I give back my time as a settlement master to the Santa Barbara Superior Court.