Michael Cafarelli is an associate in the Firm’s Los Angeles office.

Drawing on a diverse entrepreneurial background spanning hospitality management, entertainment production and nonprofit leadership, Michael brings a creative and operational perspective to his legal work.

Before joining Manatt, Michael served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Deborah J. Saltzman of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, provided mediation services for families in the Loyola Center for Conflict Resolution, and assisted with production counsel matters for a boutique entertainment law firm.

Prior to law school, Michael co-founded and led The Studio Kitchen—a live and televised culinary entertainment company—where he oversaw production, operations and investor relations, earning multiple regional Emmy awards. He also held management, partnership and consulting roles with hospitality ventures across the United States, Canada and Mexico, and has worked in community management, nonprofit engagement, youth development and political operations.