Michael J. Studenka   |   Partner

Mr. Studenka’s construction experience is focused on defending commercial and residential builders in all aspects of construction litigation, including representing general contractors, owners, and developers in all aspects of construction dispute resolution, delay claims, extra work claims, mechanic’s lien claims, defect litigation, and insurance coverage disputes that arise out of construction litigation.

Mr. Studenka’s employment litigation practice centers on defending employers in matters relating to wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wage and hour complaints, and employee embezzlement.  Mr. Studenka leverages his extensive experience with investigations, witness depositions and interviews, and jury trials to efficiently and successfully defend his clients against such claims.  Mr. Studenka also advises employers on proper employee handbooks and personnel policies, employment contracts, reductions in force, wage and hour issues, and employee terminations.  Mr. Studenka also frequently trains employers in many areas of employment law, including California’s required AB 1825 sexual harassment training.  Mr. Studenka has also successfully briefed and argued appeals before the California Court of Appeal (Scalzo v. Baker (2010) 185 Cal. App. 4th 91).

Prior to joining Newmeyer & Dillion, Mr. Studenka was a Judge Advocate in the United States Marine Corps. In his nearly ten years as a Marine, he served as the Senior Prosecutor and Senior Defense Attorney at various locations, including deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  In total, Mr. Studenka prosecuted and defended over 390 Marines in cases for offenses including premeditated murder, sexual assault, the distribution of narcotics, and larceny.  He defended several Marines in high-profile felony cases that received national and international media attention.  For his service as a Marine Corps defense attorney, he was named the Defense Counsel of the Year Award: 2005-2006.

In 1996, Mr. Studenka graduated with High Honors from the College of William & Mary with a Bachelor of Arts in both History and Government.  He obtained his Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego in 1999.  While serving in the Marine Corps, Mr. Studenka received two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and the Iraqi Campaign Medal.  Mr. Studenka was admitted to the California Bar in 1999. Mr. Studenka is also a member of the Employment Law and Construction Law section of the Orange County Bar Association, the November 10th Association, and the San Clemente Sunrise Rotary.