Michael Flemming

Michael Flemming is a trial lawyer with over a decade of experience fighting for the legal rights of indigent Californians.

Prior to joining ACLU California Action,  Michael was a Deputy Public Defender assigned to a Felony Trial Team at the San Diego County Primary Public Defender’s Office in Vista.  While with the Public Defender’s Office, Michael tried approximately seventy-five jury trials and represented hundreds of clients, in criminal matters, ranging from DUI to murder.  

Prior to becoming a Deputy Public Defender, Michael was a Special Assistant at the Western Area Counsel Office aboard Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base where he was assigned to the Labor, Employment, and Litigation section.  While at Western Area Counsel, Michael advised the Commandant’s Office, military commanders, and civilian leadership on all employment, labor, and litigation matters affecting Marine Corps Installations on the West Coast.   

Preceding his employment with the United States Marine Corps, Michael was a Legal Fellow in then Senator Barbra Boxer’s San Diego District Office.  While with Senator Boxer’s Office Michael was charged with conducting policy research on all Immigration, Environmental, and Native American issues.   Prior to joining Senator Boxer’s Office, Michael was Legal Fellow in Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s Office.   While with the Senate Majority Leader’s Office, Michael was assigned to the Democratic Policy Committee where he conducted policy research on all issues pending before the 110^th U.S. Congress.

Michael obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies, with a minor in Mandarin Chinese, from the Croft Institute of International Studies at Ole Miss.  He then received his Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law.  

Michael lives with his wife, son, and two dogs.  Michael is an avid sports fan who enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors.