Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver

California's premier full-service law firm with an emphasis on the representation of peace officers in disciplinary, criminal, labor, workers' compensation, personal injury and other civil matters.

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      • Example of Case Results
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Principal
Michael L. Rains
Pleasant Hill
P: 925.609.1699
F: 925.609.1690
MRains@rlslawyers.com
Principal
Michael L. Rains
Pleasant Hill
P: 925.609.1699
F: 925.609.1690
MRains@rlslawyers.com

Mike Rains is a principal and founding member of Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver, PC (“RLS”).  He heads the firm’s Criminal Defense Practice Group and is the emeritus Chair of the firm’s Legal Defense of Peace Officers Practice Group. Mike is one of California’s top trial attorneys.  He has over 40 years of experience representing peace officers and other high-profile clients in civil and criminal litigation. Mike’s practice focuses on criminal trial work in both state and federal courts. Over the course of his career, Mike has defended peace officers in some of the most complex and controversial criminal trials in California history, including the successful defenses of the “Corcoran 8” and the “Oakland Riders.” Mike also represented former BART Officer Johannes Mehserle, who was accused of murder by the Alameda District Attorney.  Mike also handles civil and labor-related actions, and has served as both defense and plaintiff’s counsel in state and federal court employment cases.

Before founding what is now RLS in 1999, Mike was a partner with the San Francisco firm of Carroll, Burdick and McDonough. He joined the Carroll, Burdick firm in 1982 after several years representing police officers in Los Angeles.

Mike enthusiastically shares his knowledge and expertise in police disciplinary matters by teaching at numerous criminal justice academies and at POST-approved seminars, addressing topics such as internal affairs investigations, the handling of critical incidents, and sexual harassment.

After graduating from the California State University at Long Beach, summa cum laude, Mike served in Vietnam with the United States Marine Corps. He joined the Santa Monica Police Department after his military service. While a member of the Santa Monica P.D., he was awarded a scholarship to attend Golden West University School of Law. He was also president of the Santa Monica Police Officers’ Association at this time. Attending classes at night, he graduated magna cum laude and was valedictorian.

He is licensed to practice in the state courts of California and the Ninth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals.

Disclaimer: Any results set forth herein are based upon the facts of that particular case and do not represent a promise or guarantee.

Education

• B.A., Magna Cum Laude, California State University at Long Beach
• J.D., Summa Cum Laude, Golden West University School of Law

Bulletins & Publications:
The Unwarranted, Corrupt Political Hit That Almost Worked
Five Oakland Police Officers Ordered Reinstated After Court Finds that City “Manipulated” Hearing Officer’s Decision
Senate Bill 2 – What It Does and How It Works
Outline of Implementation of AB 1506: The New Law Dealing with Fatal Shootings of Unarmed Civilians
Police Shootings of “Unarmed Civilians” to be Investigated by State DOJ
Demystifying Qualified Immunity
RLS Partners Mike Rains and Justin Buffington Win Complete Acquittal of Rocklin Officer in Felony Use of Force Trial
California Attorney General Declines to Apply SB 1421 Retroactively
Statement from Rains Lucia Stern St. Phalle & Silver regarding Senate Bill 1421
Urgent Legal Challenge to Prevent Retroactivity of Bill Regarding Release of Peace Officer Personnel Records
Assembly Bill 748 Makes Video Evidence Captured by Police Agencies in Two Types of Cases Subject to Disclosure as Public Records
Senate Bill 1421 Makes 4 Separate Categories of Internal Affairs Investigations Subject to Disclosure as “Public Records”
Court of Appeal Issues New Decision Concerning Brady Discovery Precluding Law Enforcement Agencies from Transmitting “Brady Lists” to Prosecutors
PERS Announces Greater Scrutiny of Industrial Disability Retirements
PORAC and RLS Work Together on RIPA Letter
RLS in the California Supreme Court – Great Victory for Police Officers in Brady Discovery Case
Mike Rains – To Discuss the Ferguson Grand Jury Results on National Public Radio, “To the Point.” 11/26/14 at 11:10 a.m.
California Supreme Court Agrees to Hear (and Hopefully Overturn) Recent Appellate Decision Allowing District Attorneys Direct Access to Peace Officer Personnel Files for Brady Material Review
RLS Asks the California Supreme Court to Overturn a Dangerous Decision Concerning Brady Discovery
Federal Jury in San Francisco Clears Former Bart Police Officer Johannes Mehserle of Constitutional Rights Violations in the Fatal Shooting of Oscar Grant III
RLS’s Mike Rains Successfully Defends Johannes Mehserle in Civil Rights Trial
COURT OF APPEAL DISMISSES CIVIL SUIT FILED BY L.A.P.D. OFFICERS FOR NUMEROUS VIOLATIONS COMMITTED BY INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATORS
The Ultimate Backup Expands to Southern California
RLS Adds Veteran Lawyer to Sacramento Office
Limited First Amendment Rights of Public Employees
Mike Rains Teaches Class on Officer-Involved Shootings and the Mehserle Case to 600 Detectives in Los Angeles
The RLS Brady Summit: Renowned Speakers and A Sell-Out Audience
The Saga of Oakland Police Sergeant Derwin Longmire – Irresponsible Media, An Indefensible Investigation, Dishonest Decision-Making, and the Inevitable Politics of A High Profile Police Case
Murder/Manslaughter Charges Against Stanislaus Deputy Sheriff Dismissed Following Preliminary Hearing
District Attorney’s Offices are not Required to Obtain Officers’ Dates of Birth and Run “Rap Sheets” on Officers Who May be “Material Witnesses” in Criminal Cases
Recent Appellate Court Decision Discusses A Police Officer’s Right of Association With Others While Off Duty
Oakland “Riders” Acquitted
News & Press:
Report: Vallejo Police Officer Who Threatened Chronicle Journalist Cleared of Wrongdoing
2 ex-Alameda County Deputies Charged in S.F. Beating Received Quiet Plea Deals from Boudin’s Office
Vallejo Police Officers’ Association: Chief is a failed leader
Bisa French Reinstated as Richmond Police Chief After 9-month Leave of Absence
Judge says Oakland Improperly Fired 5 Officers Following Killing of Unhoused Man
Claim Alleges False Testimony by Vallejo Police Chief
Judge Upholds Manslaughter Charge Against San Leandro cop in Walmart killing, But Says ‘There’s No Way in the World’ a Jury Will Convict
Is California’s New Police Deadly Force Law Making a Difference?
ABC7 News: Michael L. Rains Talks the Derek Chauvin Verdict
Antioch POA Issues Statement on Antioch’s Investigation of City Council Member Tamisha Torres-Walker
Attorney Confident Vallejo Police Will Be Cleared in Destruction of Evidence Probe
Contra Costa DA’s Change in Approach to Police Shootings Ignites Tensions
Rash of Deadly Shootings by Police in Bay Area
Brown Act violation Reinstates Oakland officers Fired Involved in 2018 Fatal Shooting
Former Oakland Coliseum Exec Could Work Out Deal in Criminal Case
California Lawmakers: Time to Consider Revoking Badges of Problem Officers
Contra Costa County Assessor Gus Kramer Accused of Creating Hostile Workplace, May Face Removal
Adachi Leak Case: Police Executed Seven Search Warrants on Cops, Journalist
California Journalists Shield Law One of the Strongest in the Nation
New Records Show Deputy Linked to SF Beating Shot Two Suspects in Fatal Police Shootings
Fired Police Chief Bullied Others, Ignored Bad Evidence Locker, Termination Letter Says
Intent to Fire Chief Arouses Attorney’s Ire
Michael Rains Interview by Beverly Barela.
Charges Dismissed Against Former San Leandro Cop Who had Sex with Minor
John Burris and Michael Rains: Justice is in the eyes of the beholder
Richmond Police: Attorney for terminated police officers fires back
Former Stanislaus sheriff’s detective Kari Abbey takes plea deal
Alameda County deputies plead not guilty to SF beating charges
San Jose: Local NAACP petitions court to make city challenge officer’s reinstatement
Judge drops contempt-of-court complaints against Stanislaus prosecution investigator, chief prosecutor
Details surrounding San Jose inmate’s death still sketchy
Oakland man arraigned Friday in Hayward officer’s killing
Convicted Former SFPD Officer to Produce Training Video for Department
Attorney weighs in on Novato POA case
California Bill Could Limit Police Access To Body Camera Footage
Barry Bonds’ Obstruction Of Justice Conviction Overturned By 9th U.S. Circuit Court Of Appeals
SAN FRANCISCO OFFICERS INVOLVED IN TEXT SCANDAL MAY BE IMMUNE TO BEING FIRED
Police officers charged in fatal shootings while on duty: 54 cases in the past decade
‘Taser! Taser! Taser!’ a possible clue in dashboard camera video
Video of police shooting isn’t a lock for criminal conviction
South Carolina video may have huge impact on debate over police
Cop Cams Will Change Policing. But Maybe Not The Way You Think.
Kensington police sergeant disciplined in Reno gun-theft scandal
Probation for ex-CHP officer in racy cell photos case
Did CHP officer in racy-photos case ignore fatal car fire?
Second federal police corruption trial opens with testimony about illegal searches
Officer in Nude-Picture Theft Scandal Close to Plea Deal
No charges for Richmond cop who took home pot
For police reformers, California city shows a rough road
CHP nude photo scandal: Officer pleads not guilty
Ex-CHP officer sorry for stealing racy cell photos
Attorney apologizes for CHP Officer’s conduct in nude cellphone photo case
CHP Officer Accused In Nude Pic Theft From Female Suspect’s Phone Appears In Martinez Court
Ex-CHP officer charged with two felonies in nude-photo sharing case
CHP Officer Charged With Stealing Photos From Arrestees’ Phones
In another Ferguson beating, courts examine police use of force
Oscar Grant’s Father Not Entitled to Money for “Loss of Familial Relationship”
Father of Oscar Grant loses lawsuit against BART officer
Jury Finds In Favor Of Johannes Mehserle In Lawsuit Filed By Oscar Grant’s Father
Oscar Grant case: Civil jury rules in favor of Johannes Mehserle, denies award to slain man’s father
Oscar Grant’s Father Wins No Monetary Reward in Civil Suit Against Former BART Cop
Jury denies damages in Oscar Grant’s father’s suit
Civil jury gets case against Johannes Mehserle, second BART officer
Ex-Hayward police officer sued over $500 bribe
State Supreme Court Rules for More Transparency in Police Shootings
Officers’ body cameras raise privacy concerns
Danville Man Declined to Enter Plea on Charges of Civil Rights Violations
4 San Francisco cops plead not guilty to federal corruption charges
Menlo Park council explores binding arbitration in police-discipline cases
Two former officers found not guilty in death of Kelly Thomas
Boy, 6, fatally bitten by relative’s dog
Punished Oakland cops to get ranks back
2009 Oakland police shooting: Arbitrator reverses discipline against officers faulted for tragic SWAT operation
Richmond police officer returns to duty following accusations of violent altercation in Fairfield
4 days, 5 deaths after officer-involved shootings
Guns, marijuana part of Abbey prosecution case
Circuit May Shut Door on Father of Slain BART Patron
Oakland cop faces probe over comments
Oakland police union chief to answer for newspaper story
Oakland police union sides against brass
Rains Lucia Opens S.F. Workers’ Comp Practice
Oakland makes case against OPD takeover
Federal takeover of Oakland cops urged
Attorneys request major changes in Oakland Police Department
Ex-Stanislaus detective’s defense gets more time to prepare for trial
Oakland probes police shooting
Johannes Mehserle Asks Court to Overturn Manslaughter Conviction
Murder charges dismissed against former Stanislaus County detective
Murder conviction could be tough in homeless death
Gascon Drops Another 42 Cases Over Cop Scandal
More undercover drug cases disappear amid growing SFPD scandal
Judge denies Mehserle bail
Despite sentencing legal issues surrounding Mehserle will continue for years
Johannes Mehserle sentenced to 2-year minimum term
People v. Mehserle: Minute Order
Mehserle sentencing: Jury verdict’s mixed signals
For cops, citizen videos bring increased scrutiny
Mehserle’s attorney seeks new trial as new evidence emerges
Mehserle trial: Experts say witnesses’ testimony bolsters defense
Mehserle trial witness’ surprise admission
Burris banned from talking to the media; defense wins another motion in Mehserle murder case
Burris resists being called as Mehserle witness
Oakland civil rights attorney may take the stand in Mehserle trial
Mehserle lawyer wants jury’s options limited
Oakland Officer Sues City For Tarnished Reputation
Tentative deal reached in pay dispute between Oakland, police officer
Oakland cop cleared of Bailey case misconduct
The Persecution of Barry Bonds
Cop’s lawyer defends friendly talks with Bey
Lawyer says cyclist crash deputy was fatigued
Ex-San Leandro cop accused of groping in rights suit
Lawyer says Bonds ‘told them like it is’ ‘PERJURY TRAP’ SET, ATTORNEY CONTENDS
No felony convictions for ex-police officer Jury finds ex-cop guilty of brandishing weapon, but no felony charges
BALCO grand jury extended?
Bonds’s Lawyer Begins Offensive Against Case
The Cream and the Cake
Attorney maintains case against Bonds is weak
Plea date set for cop in sex case
Officer faces charges of wrongly touching 2
Attorney for Bonds lashes out at investigators
Doubt cast on man’s alleged role in slaying of JonBenet
Police officers call Barry Bonds’ attorney when in trouble
Police officer-turned-lawyer goes to bat in Bonds’ defense: Rains runs his Pleasant Hill practice with same passion he brings to court.
Bonds’ lawyer blames the government for leaks
Bonds story to be continued
All Charges Against Officer are Dropped
Police officer charged with three felonies
Newsom says he was right to quickly condemn video Producer apologizes, wants ‘slander’ to end
To Protect and Serve
Upcoming Classes & Speaking Engagements:
8th Annual Representing Cops in the 21st Century Symposium

Internal Affairs Training

Internal Affairs Training

Internal Affairs Training

Internal Affairs Training

Internal Affairs Training

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation (McClellan, CA)

Webinar: Certification and Decertification of California Cops under SB 2

Internal Affairs Investigations (Dublin, CA)

Internal Affairs Training (Redwood City, CA)

ICI Officer-Involved Shooting and Force Investigation Course (Monterey, CA)

Webinar: Certification and Decertification of California Cops Under SB 2

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Course (McClellan, CA)

Advanced Internal Affairs Investigation Course (Tracy, CA)

ICI Officer-Involved Shooting and Force Investigations Course (Monterey, CA)

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation Course (McClellan, CA)

Internal Affairs Investigation (Dublin, CA)

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation (McClellan, CA)

Internal Affairs Investigation (Santa Rosa, CA)

Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation (Monterey, CA)

Officer-Involved Shooting and Force Investigations (Monterey, CA)

Internal Affairs Training (Santa Clara, CA)

PORAC Legal Defense Fund Member Conference 2023 (Nashville, TN)

Internal Affairs Training (Sunnyvale, CA)

Internal Affairs Investigations

Past Classes:
Internal Affairs

Internal Affairs

Internal Affairs

Internal Affairs

Use of Force Investigations Under PC 835a – Legal and Practical Application

Use of Force Investigations Under the New Law: Legal and Practical Considerations (AB 392)

Use of Force Investigations Under the New Law: Legal and Practical Considerations

Officer-Involved Shooting and Force Investigations Course (Morgan Hill, CA)

CRIA Training Conference (Reno, NV)

Internal Affairs Training Class (Fontana, CA)

Officer-Involved Shooting and Force Investigations Course (Dublin, CA)

Officer-Involved Shootings Investigation Course (Fresno, CA)

Internal Affairs Course (Santa Maria, CA)

Internal Affairs Investigation (Dublin, CA)

Internal Affairs Course (Redwood City, CA)

Use of Force Investigations Under the News Law: Legal and Practical Considerations (Berkeley Class)
Use of Force Investigations Under the New Law: Legal and Practical Considerations
Oct. 2nd – Oct. 4th, 2019 – ACSO Internal Affairs Course (Dublin, CA)
Oct. 2nd – Oct. 3rd, 2019 – Gang Survival Symposium (Salinas, CA)
Sept. 23rd – Sept. 27th, 2019 – Officer-involved Shooting and Force Investigation Course (Monterey, CA)
July 22nd, 2019 – July 23rd, 2019 – PORAC LDF Conference (Las Vegas, NV)
June 20th – June 21st, 2019 – Protecting Cops in the 21st Century Symposium
June 12th, 2019 – Internal Affairs Course (Santa Rosa, CA)
May 23rd, 2019 – Officer-Involved Shooting Course (Location TBA)
May 20th – May 22nd, 2019 – ASCO Internal Affairs Class (Dublin, CA)
May 8th, 2019 – Internal Affairs Course (Carmel, CA)
May 2nd, 2019 – Officer-Involved Shooting Course (Sacramento, CA)
April 10th, 2019 – Internal Affairs Course (Sunnyvale, CA)
Mar. 14th, 2019 – Officer-Involved Shooting Seminar (Sacramento, CA)
Feb. 13th, 2019 – Internal Affairs Seminar (Monterey, CA)
Feb. 6th, 2019 – Internal Affairs Course (Mountain View, CA)
Feb. 4th – 8th, 2019 – Force Science Certification Course (Concord, CA)
Jan. 31st, 2019 – Officer-Involved Shooting Course (Sacramento, CA)
Dec. 17th – Dec. 19th, 2018 – ASCO Internal Affairs Class (Dublin, CA)
Nov. 15th – Nov. 16th, 2018 – Civilian LE Symposium (Concord, CA)
Oct. 8th – Oct. 12th, 2018 – OIS and Force Investigations Course (Dublin, CA)
Sept. 5th – Sept. 7th, 2018 – ASCO Internal Affairs Class (Dublin, CA)
June 21st, 2018 – “Protecting Cops in the 21st Century” Symposium (Costa Mesa, CA)
June 13th – June 15th, 2018 – ASCO Internal Affairs Class (Dublin, CA)
May 9th – May 11th, 2018 – ACSO Internal Affairs Class (Dublin, CA)
April 4th, 2018 – Internal Affairs Course (Santa Clara, CA)
March 8th, 2018 – ICI Officer Involved Shooting (McClellan, CA)
Feb. 21st – Feb. 23rd, 2018 – ACSO Internal Affairs Class (Dublin, CA)
Feb. 12th- Feb. 14th, 2018 – Internal Affairs Class (Redwood City, CA)
Feb. 6th – 8th, 2018 – CRIA Training Conference, 2018 (Reno, NV)
November 29th, 2017 – Internal Affairs Seminar (Santa Clara, CA)
October 19th, 2017 – Officer-Involved Shooting and Force Investigation Course (Seaside, CA)
Sept. 6th – 8th, 2017 – 3rd Annual Law Enforcement Association Leadership Symposium (San Diego, CA)
Aug. 9th, 2017 – Law Enforcement Management South Bay Regional POST Course (Monterey, CA)
July 26 – 27, 2017 – Internal Affairs Investigation (Dublin, CA)
Jun. 28, 2017 – Third Degree’s Internal Affairs Seminar (Redwood City, CA)
Jun. 22, 2017 – Protecting Cops in the 21st Century Symposium (Newport Beach, CA)
Jun. 21, 2017 – POST Management Course, South Bay Regional (San Jose, CA)
Jun. 07, 2017 – POST Management Course, South Bay Regional (Carmel, CA)
Jun. 2, 2017 – Law Enforcement Use of Force & Liability Conference (Los Angeles, CA)
May 24, 2017 – Third Degree’s Internal Affairs Seminar (South Lake Tahoe, CA)
Apr. 18, 2017 – SWAT/Tactical Liability Update (Castro Valley, CA)
Apr. 20, 2017 – SWAT/Tactical Liability Update (Sacramento region, CA)
Apr. 13, 2017 – ICI Officer-Involved Shooting and Force Investigation (McClellan Park, CA)
Mar. 30, 2017 – ICI Officer-Involved Shooting and Force Investigations Course (Seaside, CA)
Mar. 8, 2017 – ICI Officer-Involved Shooting and Force Investigations Course (Seaside, CA)
Mar. 1, 2017 – Third Degree’s Internal Affairs Seminar (Santa Cruz, CA)
Feb. 3, 2017 – RLS Labor Symposium 2017 (Moraga, CA)
Jan. 26, 2017 – ICI Officer Involved Shooting
Sept. 24th – Sept. 26th, 2018 – Internal Affairs (Redwood City, CA)
Dec. 16th – Dec. 18th, 2019 – Internal Affairs Course (Redwood City, CA)
More Past Classes


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  • About Us
  • Practice Areas
    ▼
    • Labor Representation
    • Civil Litigation
    • Personal Injury
      ▼
      • Example of Case Results
    • Workers’ Compensation
    • Maritime Law
    • Estate Planning
    • DOE Security Clearance Hearings
    • Peace Officers
    • Firefighters
    • EMS Agency Investigations
    • Criminal Defense
    • CalPERS Appeals
  • Our Team
  • Classes
  • Media
    ▼
    • Bulletins
    • RLS in the News
  • Resources
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    • Resources
    • Newsletters
  • Clients
  • Career Opportunities
  • Contact Us
  • Disclaimer
Hotline phone numbers. Northern California: 925-609-1699. Southern California: 310-393-1486.