Michael Semanchik

Michael Semanchik is the Managing Attorney at Semanchik Law Group. He comes to the team with nearly a decade of experience working for the California Innocence Project (CIP). Michael began as a student at CIP while in law school and found himself as a staff attorney several years later. In 2013, California Lawyer Magazine named him Attorney of the Year for his work on the Brian Banks case. Several months after receiving the award, he embarked on a 712 mile walk to deliver clemency petitions to Governor Brown for 12 innocent clients.

In the fall of 2013, Michael joined the Volunteer Board of the Peninsula Family YMCA. He has worked on the Mission Advancement Committee for two years and through that role has expanded the reach of the YMCA to allow senior citizens to benefit from YMCA services remotely.

In 2014, the San Diego Daily Transcript named Michael a Top Attorney Finalist for his walk to Sacramento, work on the Brian Banks case, and work on the Kenneth Corley case. Michael filed and secured the release of Mr. Corley, who was the first individual released under California’s Proposition 36 – an effort to reduce the prison population by releasing non-violent drug offenders. Michael picked up Mr. Corley from prison and returned him to his family 16 years after he was sentenced to life in prison.

In 2017, Michael became the Managing Attorney at CIP. As the Managing Attorney, he is responsible for budgeting, grant applications, progress reports, procurement, and overseeing program implementation. Michael completed the Office of Justice Programs Grants Financial Management and Grant Administration Training. Since taking over the role, he has successfully applied and received more than $3 Million in grant funding for the program.

Michael’s role at SLG is to oversee the budget, case management system, and administrative procedures and policies. Michael al

California Western School of Law

J.D. (2010) | Criminal Law

2007 - 2010

Honors: Cum Laude

Activities: California Innocence Project

Duquesne University

B.S. (2007) | Business Administration - Economics/Finance

2003 - 2007

Managing Attorney

Semanchik Law Group

2017 - Current

Mike’s role at SLG is to oversee the budget, case management system, and administrative procedures and policies. Michael also consults with nonprofit clients to assist them in having the most impact they can.

Managing Attorney

California Innocence Project

2011 - Current

As the Managing Attorney, Mike is responsible for budgeting, grant applications, progress reports, procurement, and overseeing program implementation. Michael completed the Office of Justice Programs Grants Financial Management and Grant Administration Training. Since taking over the role, he has successfully applied and received more than $3 Million in grant funding for the program.

Wrongful Convictions, FBI Polygraph Program, San Diego, CA

May 3, 2016

FBI

Wrongful Convictions, Continuing Education for Defense Investigators, San Diego

May 29, 2014

Defense Investigators Association

Michael presented on the causes of wrongful convictions.

Top Attorney

San Diego Daily Transcript

2014

Lawyer of the Year

California Lawyer Magazine

2013

In 2013, California Lawyer Magazine named Michael Attorney of the Year in the Criminal Division for his work on the Brian Banks case.

San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association

Member

2011 - Current

State Bar of California  # 272205

Member

2010 - Current

California

Since 2010

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