
Michael T. Christy
Current Employment Position
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Practice Areas:
- Mediation
- Child and Spousal Support
- Custody Disputes
- Premarital and Pre-Divorce Counseling
- Domestic Violence
- Parenting Coordinator
- Minor’s Counsel
- Relationship Coach
- Collaborative Law
- Complex Community Property Issues

Biography
For over 27 years, Michael Christy has zealously advocated for fair and equitable results for his clients. Michael has practiced family law exclusively since January 2005 and is a founding partner of Christy, Keith & Donnell Family Law Group. Michael is a Certified Family Law Specialist (certified by the State Bar of California – Board of Legal Specialization), a certified Mediator, a certified Minor’s Counsel, a certified Collaborative Law Attorney, a Parenting Coordinator, and a Relationship Coach.
Michael specializes in practicing and resolving all aspects of family law, including complex child custody disputes, child and spousal support issues, property division, post-judgment modification proceedings, and domestic violence restraining orders.
Michael is an experienced mediator and collaborative law attorney assisting clients in resolving their disputes outside of litigation. Michael often represents children as a minor’s counsel, advocating on behalf of a child in high-conflict custody matters. Michael also serves as a parenting coordinator where parents authorize him to make binding decisions on various parenting disputes. Michael is also available to serve as a relationship coach to help individuals or couples navigate their relationship challenges.
Michael is a former Special Assistant United States Attorney and Staff Judge Advocate (JAG) in the United States Air Force where he served on active duty until April of 2003. As a JAG Officer, Michael deployed to Kuwait and Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 attacks on America. Michael was named the Air Force Outstanding JAG Officer of the Year in 2002 for the Air Force Space Command and the 14th Air Force Command.
After separating from the Air Force, Michael joined Dillingham & Murphy, LLP in 2003 where he practiced civil litigation and acted as a volunteer attorney through San Francisco’s Volunteer Legal Services Program, representing indigent clients in family law matters. In January 2005, Michael joined Berra Stross & Wallacker, LLP, where he practiced only family law matters. In September 2007, Michael and Jennifer Keith founded Christy & Keith Family Law Group, now known as Christy, Keith & Donnell Family Law Group.
Michael earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1991 and his law degree from the University of San Diego, School of Law in 1997. Michael practices law throughout California and Colorado.
Education
- University of San Diego School of Law, San Diego, California
- J.D. – 1997
- Magdalen College, University of Oxford
- 1995
- University of California, Los Angeles
- B.A. – 1991
Bar Admissions
- California
- Colorado
- Washington, D.C.
- U.S. District Court Central District of California
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of California
- U.S. District Court Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court Southern District of California
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
- U.S. Air Force Court of Criminal Appeals
- U.S. District Court District of Colorado
Honors
- Northern California Super Lawyer, 2011 - 2024
- Chair of the San Mateo County Bar Association Family Law Section, 2008
- Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service Award, 2004
- Recipient-Air Force Outstanding Judge Advocate of the Year, 2002
- Recipient-Air Force Meritorious Service Medal for service at VAFB , 2002
- Recipient-Air Force Meritorious Service Medal for service in Afghanistan, 2002
- Nominee-Air Force Outstanding Judge Advocate of the Year, 2001
- White House Intern, 1997-1998
Certified Legal Specialties
- Certified Family Law Specialist, State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization
Professional Associations
- Association of Certified Family Law Specialists
- California Bar Association
- Colorado Bar Association
- Washington, D.C. Bar Association
- The Mediation Association of Colorado