Sanford L. Michelman, Chairman of M&R, is a litigation partner in the firm's Los Angeles Office. Sanford focuses his practice primarily on the insurance, financial services, advertising and digital media industries. A leading trial attorney and litigator, he is routinely called upon to represent clients in the most difficult and complex matters that frequently extend into a wide array of industries. Sanford advocates in arbitration, administrative proceedings and in state and federal courts all over the country.

Sanford has defeated scores of class actions and large exposure cases. He routinely represents insurers, broker/agents, underwriters, private equity groups, banks, and advertising and media companies throughout the United States. Sanford also represents clients in investigations conducted by various governmental agencies including Departments of Insurance, Attorney General's Offices, Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Trade Commission and Department of Real Estate, among others.

Sanford not only represents clients in matters involving the government, he also has experience representing the government itself and handling matters for government officials. He worked for U.S. Senator Howard M. Metzenbaum (D-Ohio), assisting with the investigation of Executive Life Insurance, Inc. and the nomination of Associate Justice Clarence Thomas to the United States Supreme Court.

In 2001, the Governor of California appointed Sanford to the State Athletic Commission of which he was elected Vice-Chairman in 2002 and Chairman in 2004. In 2016, Sanford was elected as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco's board of directors. Currently,

Sanford serves as the Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank's Audit and Risk Management Committee.