Judge Michael J. Convey

Judge Michael J. Convey sits at the Stanley Mosk Courthouse within the Los Angeles Superior Court and has served on the bench since his appointment by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in June 2010. His judicial career is centered in family law, and he has been recognized within the court system as an educator and mentor to newly appointed judges on how to handle family law matters — a distinction that reflects both depth of experience and institutional standing in this practice area. Judge Convey's court has been associated with cases involving domestic violence, including proceedings that address psychological abuse. His court was specifically referenced in 2022 coverage of California courts penalizing psychological domestic abuse, and he presided over matters involving Stephen Collins and Faye Gran, indicating exposure to high-profile family law litigation. These associations reflect engagement with evolving and complex standards in domestic violence law, including forms of abuse that extend beyond physical harm. With no analyzed rulings, attorney observations, or ingested content available at this time, the intelligence in this profile is drawn exclusively from court records and public source data. Attorneys should treat this profile as a starting-point orientation rather than a comprehensive behavioral map, and should supplement it with direct research into recent docket activity and any available tentative rulings from Judge Convey's department.

Given Judge Convey's documented role as a family law educator and mentor to other judges, attorneys should expect a judge who is well-versed in procedural nuance and substantive family law doctrine. Arguments that demonstrate command of current California family law statutes and case law — particularly in areas of domestic violence, custody, and support — are well-suited to this courtroom. Superficial or underprepared presentations are unlikely to fare well before a jurist recognized for his own depth of expertise in the field. In matters involving domestic violence, attorneys should be prepared to address psychological abuse as a legally cognizable harm. Judge Convey's court has been publicly associated with proceedings that treat psychological domestic abuse as actionable, and his engagement with evolving legal standards in this area is documented. Counsel representing either petitioners or respondents in DV-adjacent family law matters should be prepared with current authority on the full spectrum of abuse recognized under California law, including Family Code Section 6320 and related provisions. Because no direct ruling analyses or attorney observations are available, attorneys should conduct independent research into recent tentative rulings and minute orders from Judge Convey's department prior to any appearance. Reviewing the department's local standing orders and any posted courtroom policies at Stanley Mosk is a critical preparatory step.

• critical

  Research Recent Docket and Tentative Rulings

  No ruling analyses are available in this profile. Attorneys must independently review recent minute orders and any posted tentative rulings from Judge Convey's department at Stanley Mosk before any appearance.

• critical

  Prepare Comprehensive Domestic Violence Authority

  If the matter involves any domestic violence component — including psychological abuse — prepare current authority under Family Code Section 6320 and related statutes. Judge Convey's court has documented engagement with psychological abuse proceedings.

• critical

  Review Department Standing Orders and Local Rules

  Confirm whether Judge Convey's department has posted standing orders or specific procedural requirements at Stanley Mosk. Compliance with department-specific rules is foundational preparation for any appearance.

• important

  Demonstrate Substantive Family Law Command

  Given Judge Convey's recognized expertise and role mentoring other judges in family law, briefs and oral argument should reflect thorough knowledge of current California family law doctrine, not surface-level familiarity.

• Nice

  Assess High-Profile or Sensitive Case Protocols

  Judge Convey has presided over matters involving public figures. If your matter involves sensitive facts or media interest, research whether the department has protocols for sealing records or managing public access.

• ›Demonstrate thorough preparation on family law doctrine; Judge Convey is recognized as an expert and educator in this field and will notice underprepared counsel.
• ›Treat psychological and emotional abuse allegations with the same evidentiary seriousness as physical abuse claims, consistent with this court's documented engagement with those issues.
• ›Arrive familiar with any standing orders or posted procedures for Judge Convey's department at Stanley Mosk, as compliance with department-specific rules reflects baseline professionalism.
• ›In high-profile or sensitive matters, be prepared to address confidentiality and record-sealing issues proactively, given this court's documented exposure to public-figure litigation.