About
Your Trusted Advocate for Justice
Michael Flemming is the founder of Flemming Law and a formidable advocate for those facing life-altering challenges. Driven by an unwavering commitment to justice, he established the firm with a singular purpose: to stand between his clients and injustice with strength, strategy, and resolve. What began as a deep conviction to protect the vulnerable has grown into a firm defined by discipline, preparation, and results.
Meet the Founder
Michael has long maintained an unwavering commitment to justice, built on the principle that the courtroom is where rights are defended and futures are decided. He dedicates his practice to protecting his clients with disciplined preparation, strategic command, and resolute advocacy.
Formative Years
While growing up in South Mississippi, Michael witnessed firsthand instances of injustice—particularly abuses of authority—which strengthened his resolve to pursue a career in law. These experiences shaped his commitment to defending individuals whose rights and voices might otherwise go unprotected. While still in high school, he began gaining practical legal experience, serving as a clerk for the county and a local law firm, further grounding his ambitions in real-world advocacy.
Academic Pursuits
After a year of junior college, Michael went to study at the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) where he earned a B.A. in International Studies from the Croft Institute of International Studies. While at Ole Miss, Michael focused on East Asia, Global Security, and gained a minor in Mandarin Chinese. Ultimately, his studies landed him at Peking University in Beijing before he went on to attend law school in here San Diego.
Diverse Experience
During law school, Michael earned a prestigious legal fellowship on Capitol Hill in the Office of the late U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, where he worked on complex and high-stakes legislative matters. Following graduation, he served as a law clerk for the Navy Office of General Counsel aboard Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base where he gained vast experience across multiple legal disciplines further sharpening his analytical and advocacy acumen.
Dedication to Justice
In 2014, Michael joined the San Diego County Primary Public Defender’s Office, where he dedicated a decade to representing indigent clients. While at the Public Defender’s Office, Michael successfully tried 75 jury trials to verdict. His disciplined preparation, relentless courtroom advocacy, and consistent winning record earned him the distinguished William Fletcher Award in 2016, recognizing Michael’s excellence in trial practice and continued ‘commitment to justice.
After serving nearly a decade at the San Diego County Public Defender's Office, Michael took a position as Deputy Director of Government Affairs for ACLU Cal Action where he lobbied state and local officials on social justice issues. After a year at ACLU, Michael returned to San Diego and re-launched Flemming Law, A.P.C.
Community Engagement
Beyond the courtroom, Michael remains actively engaged in the San Diego community, supporting philanthropic initiatives focused on addressing critical social issues and strengthening citizen–police relations. His commitment to justice extends beyond his practice and into meaningful civic involvement.
Outside of his legal work, Michael enjoys sports and cooking, and values time with his family. He lives in Vista with his wife, Vanessa, their son, and their dog Brutus