Biography

Michael earned a bachelor degree in finance from Brigham Young University.  After obtaining a Juris Doctor from Western State University College of Law in December 1982, he was admitted to the California State Bar that next Spring in 1983. Mr. Hicken initially worked as an associate lawyer for law firms focusing on general civil and tort litigation until 1987 when he joined the firm of Westover & Matthews in Newport Beach (then recognized as a top probate litigation firm in Orange County).  In 1995 he opened his own solo practice continuing to emphasize litigation in probate, trust and estate cases until the present.  Michael offers his clients a personal relationship.  When you want to discuss your case, it will be with him directly. Notwithstanding his solo practice, you will not be deprived of additional help when warranted. Mr. Hicken's network of colleagues and other experts provides a resource for help with unique or special problems. Your case will get the required attention and needed service. If he can’t resolve your problem, he will refer you to someone who can.  

Over the years he has seen a lot.  The old saying: “you can’t make this stuff up” certainly applies to many of the cases Mr. Hicken has had.  He is a regular face at court, appearing nearly weekly in Orange County Probate Court.  He has also litigated numerous cases outside of Orange County, including San Luis Obispo, Kern, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego Counties.

Mr. Hicken serves on the Orange County Court’s volunteer panel and is regularly appointed by Judges as attorney or guardian ad litem for minors, or other individuals with a legal incapacity, who would otherwise be without representation. 

Michael has maintained a solid reputation among his colleagues;  That’s what has kept him in business over the years. A majority of estate planning/probate lawyers do not litigate cases.  When disputes arise, those lawyers usually refer the case to a litigator-but not just any litigator–but to a probate litigator.  Trust, probate and conservatorship matters are governed by the Probate Code, having their own peculiarities distinguishing them from other civil actions.  It is critical that your litigator knows the Probate Code.  A majority of his practice has been built upon referrals (first time and repeat) from other attorneys, who trust him to serve their referrals well, knowing that their reputation is also at stake. He also has clients referred by judges and court personnel who have either observed him first hand or know his reputation.