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Aug. 28, 2025

Judge Michael O'Gara balances efficiency with empathy in debt collection court

With thousands of self-represented defendants facing garnishment and levies, the L.A. County Superior Court's new San Fernando collections judge insists on notice and patience.

Read more about Michael O'Gara...
Judge Michael O'Gara balances efficiency with empathy in debt collection court

Michael O'Gara

Los Angeles County Superior Court

Career Highlights: Elected Los Angeles County Superior Court judge, Nov. 4, 2008; deputy district attorney, Los Angeles County, 1991-2008

Law School: Southwestern University School of Law, 1990
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SAN FERNANDO - In Los Angeles County's collections courts, where dockets are crowded with credit card lawsuits and debt-buyer filings, Superior Court Judge Michael J. O'Gara has become known as a steady and approachable presence.

Now assigned to the San Fernando Courthouse--one of two collections hubs in the county along with Norwalk--he presides over calendars that are both high-volume and deeply consequential. More than 90% of defendants before him are self-r... (continued)

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