Micah Schwartzbach

Attorney · UC Law San Francisco

Micah Schwartzbach is Nolo’s digital editorial director, overseeing digital editorial content and other aspects of the company’s publishing operation. He considers himself fortunate to work with the talented and experienced team of Nolo editors.

Education. Micah earned his B.A. from UC Davis, where he graduated with highest honors, and his J.D. from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), where he graduated cum laude. He received several academic awards from both institutions, among them a distinction for excellence in the study of evidence law. 

Law practice. Before coming to Nolo, Micah practiced criminal defense law. In his early career, he represented clients throughout Northern California in various stages of criminal cases as part of a small law practice. In his next opportunity, his work centered on writing, editing, and research. One of his most rewarding moments was overcoming a government argument against financial compensation for an innocent man who spent nearly nine years in prison.

Nolo. Micah’s relationship with Nolo began in 2012, when he started to contribute articles to the renowned publishing company as a freelance writer. He joined the staff the next year as a Legal Editor, creating articles and editing books across areas of law. Beyond the websites in the Nolo family, Micah’s analysis has appeared on HowStuffWorks and in the Daily Journal, a periodical for attorneys.

Like other team members, Micah finds tremendous meaning in spreading understanding of and access to the legal system.


Articles by Micah Schwartzbach

Should I Tell My Criminal Defense Lawyer the Truth?
What is the best strategy when it comes to telling your criminal defense lawyer your side of the story? Should you tell your lawyer everything?
The Attorney-Client Privilege When a Third Person Is Present
Wondering if you should bring someone into a meeting with your lawyer? It's usually not a good idea if you want communications to remain confidential. Find out when attorney-client privilege is lost and why it matters.
DUI Testing: Breath, Blood, and Search Warrants
In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court held that laws that make it a crime to refuse a blood test after a DUI arrest are unconstitutional.
Does the attorney-client privilege apply if you haven't hired the lawyer yet?
Each day, countless people with legal problems consult attorneys before deciding if they want to hire them. Many, if not most, criminal defense attorneys offer free consultations for potential clients. Understandably, some defendants wonder whether such consultations—with attorneys who don’t yet
The Attorney-Client Privilege
The attorney-client privilege protects almost all confidential communications between lawyers and their clients.
Can I be arrested for yelling or swearing at a cop?
Police officers generally cannot arrest people, nor can the government prosecute them, simply for what they've said. But not all speech is protected.
Arraignment: Getting to Court
People who have been arrested—particularly those who haven’t bailed out of jail or been released on their own recognizance—want to know when they’ll get in front of a judge for their arraignment.
Threatening to Press Criminal Charges: Is That Legal?
Threatening to file criminal charges against another to unlawfully gain property or services is a form of extortion. Learn about this crime and other consequences for this behavior.
Bail Jumping
Forfeiting bail isn't necessarily all an absent defendant will have to deal with. Learn the consequences of failing to show up at court after bailing out.
What Is a Probable Cause Hearing?
"Probable cause hearing” typically refers to a quicker proceeding involving a determination that there was a valid basis for arrest.