Testimonials

“Michael is very good at getting clients to understand the underlying interests, legal issues and prospects of both parties.  My clients like and trust him, and see how committed he is to reaching agreement.”

Ryan D. Golds, Esq.
A Professional Law Corporation

“Michael worked for me on an extremely contentious case and did a brilliant job resolving it.  His undeniable integrity, critical thinking skills, and unfailing courtesy dissolved the animus of the opposing parties.”

Dr. L. W. Gertmenian, International Negotiator
for Presidents Nixon and Ford
Distinguished Professor,
Graziadio School of Business & Management,
Pepperdine University

“I first became acquainted with Michael Rainey when my now ex-wife and I became separated approximately 13 years ago.  At that time he helped us make important decisions that would shape the outcome of our divorce, not only from a financial standpoint, but more importantly of what was right for our kids and how it would impact them.  He did a remarkable job back then and as a result of his efforts, my ex-wife and I have been able to have a very amicable relationship over the years, which has been reflected in our wonderful children.

Now, 13 years later, I find myself in a rather unpleasant situation of having to revisit our agreement due to financial constraints which left me with no other alternative.  I spoke to my ex-wife and we both agreed that we would like Michael to step in once again to help us determine a fair and equitable agreement for both parties.  Once again, within a few hours Michael was able to lay out the foundation for us to have a new agreement which would carry us through our youngest daughter graduating from high school.

The great thing about working with Michael is he lays everything out on the table as to what both parties can expect.  He makes sure everyone has a clear understanding of the process, and goes for a win-win result.  I will definitely refer Michael to anyone who seeks a solution to conflict of any nature.”

Steve Hankla, Owner
Envision Lending Group

“I hired Michael to teach in the graduate business school and later took the class that he taught in the law school.  He was far and away the best professor in the law school.  His teaching is very practical, showing how the principles work in actual cases, and relating his own mediation and arbitration experiences to the material.”

Stan Mann, Program Director
Graziadio School of Business & Management,
Pepperdine University

“Michael has a strong sense of integrity and genuine desire to achieve the best resolution possible.  He puts forth every effort to understand the facts and issues, so that he can reach a fair decision.  At the same time, he’s able to cut through superfluous information easily.”

Pat Hagemann, Branch Manager
Coldwell Banker

“Michael approaches things in a very thorough, thoughtful and intentional way.  He is one of the most patient people I’ve ever met. He’s compassionate and he gives good advice.  Michael goes well beyond what’s expected of him and doesn’t brag about it.  I have no reservations about referring clients to him.”

Jim Stott, Principal and Senior Consultant Stott & Associates
Conflict Resolution & Organization Development

“Michael was the XO [Executive Officer] of the National Guard unit where I was the Chief Warrant Officer.  He led missions involving over 40 pilots with strong personalities, a very important and challenging job, and he did it well.  Since then, he represented several people that were in our unit, doing an outstanding job handling their legal cases.  Michael is cool-headed and doesn’t jump to conclusions, which makes him very effective at what he does.”

Richard Lindekins, Retired Captain, American Airlines
Former Chief Warrant Officer, National Guard

“ Michael understands the issues very well, looks at the strengths and weaknesses of each side, and always works towards the best resolution possible.  I’ve mentored many lawyers and have seldom seen any that approach their task with the enthusiasm that he has.  He wants to do it as well as it can be done.”

M. Eugene Wooley, Esq., Kern & Wooley, LLP

“Michael is such an honest, understanding individual with a great calming effect on people.  He did mediation for me, and I really see him as a friend now, not just as someone with whom I had a business relationship.  He really cares about what he does, rather than just looking at it as a source of income.  He is very qualified and knowledgeable, and makes people feel comfortable.”

Marjorie D. (wishes to remain anonymous)
Client

“My family has used Michael for our legal needs over the past 20 years, and I’ve referred several clients to him for mediation. Michael is an advocate for human growth and integrity. He is calm and thoughtful, and brings peace and a high level of respect to all situations. He has a keen ability to perceive and provided the type of support that’s needed.”

Susan Ewell, Marriage, Family and Child Counselor

“Great instructor, one of the best in the program.”

“I loved the simple tactics that can be used for problem-solving.”

“This was the most fun I have had in the program. The professor is knowledgeable, intriguing, interesting and a model mentor. I loved the class and learned a great deal.”

“Actively preparing for and participating in the mock negotiations/mediations provided much more insight into the process than just reading the material.”

“I loved the class. Possibly will take more courses with professor. Class actually made me a better person.”

“Simply a great course taught by a class-act professor. Would highly recommend to anyone in the program.”

Anonymous student evaluations,
Pepperdine MBA Course: Business Negotiation & The Resolution of Conflict

In September 2011, during a two month visit to the U.S., I became involved in an altercation with a Las Vegas police officer. As a result of the incident I spent a night in jail and was charged with assault and battery on a police officer, a matter that is understandably taken very seriously by the police and courts. Even though I felt that it had been spun out of all proportion, I was alone on the other side of the world, with these charges, and feeling as though I had no one to turn to for help.

By what seemed like a miracle, I was put in touch with Michael through a friend of a friend. Immediately Michael was able to put me at ease and added some perspective to my situation. However, it was difficult not to worry knowing that I had an impending court date and was also due to leave the U.S. in a matter of days. I put my trust into Michael and caught my flight back to New Zealand awaiting further instructions.

I am still not entirely sure how he managed to do it, but Michael was able to ensure that the charges against me be dropped. I did not have to return for my court date, I did not have to pay any fines, and most importantly I do not have any convictions against my name. What makes it even more impressive is that Michael was able to resolve my situation in the State of Nevada while being himself located in California. I believe that this is a reflection of his incredible professionalism, broad coverage and persuasive approach.

I have not even met Michael in person; our only communication has been through email and phone. Even with this he was willing to offer me help when I needed it the most.

I am extremely grateful for the generosity, support and empathy that you have shown Michael. You have helped me to move on with my life without my name being tarnished. I cannot express how important being able to leave this incident behind is for me. You have had a very positive and lasting influence on my life. Thank you Michael.

Anonymous, New Zealand