Judge Michael S. Berg: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

The Hon. Michael S. Berg is a magistrate on the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. He was appointed to the bench by the judges of the Southern District of California in 2018, filling a seat vacated by the passing of the Hon. David Bartick.

Prior to his appointment, Berg operated his own private practice as a sole practitioner. He handled criminal defense matters, specializing in internet, white-collar, domestic violence, drug, sex, child abuse, and federal crimes. Berg supplemented his practice with service as a judge pro tem for the traffic division of the San Diego County Superior Court.

Berg received a B.A. from the University of South Dakota in 1978. He went on to earn his J.D. from the University of San Diego School of Law in 1981. He is certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization.

His memberships have included the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association, and the California Public Defender’s Association. He has also been involved with the Torrey Pines Men’s Golf Club, and he has served on the Board of Directors of the Rancho Coastal Humane Society and the California Board of Legal Specialists for the State Bar of California.