Michael S. Nissenbaum

Michael S. Nissenbaum has spent more than a decade standing between his clients and the full weight of the system. A Birmingham-based trial attorney, he has defended people in municipal, district, circuit, and juvenile courts and on appeal. He brings the same things to every case: thorough preparation, vigorous advocacy, and a client who is never treated like a file number.

Michael began his career as a staff attorney at the Legal Aid Society of Birmingham, where he represented children in the juvenile justice system as both defense attorney and guardian ad litem. That work gave him a lasting commitment to protecting the constitutional rights and best interests of young people, one that has run through his career ever since.

He went on to serve as an assistant public defender at the Tuscaloosa County Public Defender's Office, representing clients in municipal, district, and circuit courts. He then built a private practice focused on criminal defense, juvenile defense, and appellate advocacy, while continuing to represent underserved clients in Jefferson County Family Court.

More recently, Michael served as staff attorney for the University of Alabama School of Law Criminal Defense Clinic. There he supervised law students representing defendants in municipal and state proceedings, helping train the next generation of defense lawyers.

At The People's Defender, Michael brings that full range of experience to clients and families facing the hardest moments of their lives. He has been a public defender, a children's advocate, an appellate lawyer, and a teacher.

Originally from Chicago, Michael grew up in Birmingham and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Arts in English literature. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2012 and is admitted to practice in both Alabama and New York.

Outside the courtroom, Michael follows college and professional football and spends time with his wife and two young sons.