About Michael L.
Michael L. Claessens is a California attorney with over 40 years of experience in government and administrative law. He was admitted to the California State Bar in 1986, holding. His license is currently active. Mr. Claessens serves as the Managing Partner at License Advocates Law Group LLP, a firm specializing in defending California licensed or certified workers against disciplinary actions, including revocation or suspension. The firm is located at 225 S. Lake Ave., Third Floor, Pasadena, CA 91101.
Mr. Claessens earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of La Verne. Prior to his legal career, he worked as a plumber and carpenter, obtaining General Building and Plumbing Contractor Licenses over 30 years ago. He also served as a Building Mechanical Inspector for the Los Angeles City Department of Building and Safety, eventually becoming Chief Inspector. Additionally, he taught Fire Science at California State University, Los Angeles, where his curricula on fire sprinkler design and code enforcement received the Award for Excellence from the L.A. Fire Department.
Throughout his career, Mr. Claessens has focused on defending California licensed or certified workers in administrative proceedings. His practice encompasses all stages of litigation, including hearings, appeals, negotiations, and trials. He has represented clients in various administrative matters, particularly those involving public works contracts and professional licensing issues.
Before founding License Advocates Law Group LLP, Mr. Claessens served for over 22 years as an attorney for the City of Los Angeles. His roles included prosecutor in the Los Angeles criminal courts, defense litigator in state and federal civil courts, and senior lead counsel in internal investigations and complex and class action matters. He advanced to the position of Managing Senior Assistant City Attorney, supervising and managing more than 100 attorneys and legal support staff. In this capacity, he defended lawsuits related to governmental misconduct, employment discrimination, racial and sexual harassment, employment retaliation, personal injury, property damage, and contract cases.
Mr. Claessens is an active member of the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and the San Fernando Valley Bar Association, Criminal Law Section. He is also a certified arbitrator through the California Office of Administrative Hearings' Public Works Contract Arbitration Program. He resides in La Crescenta, California, and is an elected representative to the Crescenta Valley Town Council, specializing in coordination and direction of community emergency services. He is also an Elk (Pasadena) and a motorcycle enthusiast with 42 years of experience.
