MICHAEL C. PASTERNAK

Originally from Denver, Colorado, Mike Pasternak graduated from the University of Southern California with degrees in Psychology and Creative Writing. He received his juris doctorate from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Mike joined the firm in 2010 and has focused his practice primarily in the area of insurance coverage. For insurer carrier clients, Mike provides detailed and objective coverage opinions pertaining to coverage afforded under a variety of policies as applied to a wide range of first- and third-party claims. He also drafts the appropriate reservation of rights, excess, and/or disclaimer letters on behalf of his clients when warranted, deals with co-carriers regarding time-on-risk and contribution issues, and attends mediations to act as representative and advocate for his clients’ coverage positions. Mike has also represented his clients in coverage litigation ranging from declaratory relief, to equitable contribution/subrogation, to bad-faith actions, as well as insurance defense and general civil litigation matters. Outside of his practice, Mike is also involved in the local legal community — he has served as Secretary and board member of the Santa Barbara Barristers, and the editor of the "Motions" column for the Santa Barbara Lawyer Magazine.