Michael Sheltzer

Honorable Michael Sheltzer is an Adjunct Professor of Law at San Joaquin College of Law (SJCL) and currently serves as a Judge of the Tulare County Superior Court since 2013. Prior to his judicial appointment, he spent nearly 29 years as a public defender in San Francisco and Tulare counties, including a tenure as Chief Public Defender for Tulare County (2002–2013), managing an office of 45 attorneys. He has extensive trial experience, including handling numerous murder and capital murder cases.

Education: J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law and B.A. from Tulane University. Before law school, he worked as a probation officer in New Orleans.

Teaching: Professor Sheltzer instructs Advanced Criminal Law at SJCL and has contributed to legal education through roles such as teaching at the California Public Defenders Association Trial Skills Institute and undergraduate law courses. His professional focus emphasizes criminal law practice and advocacy.

Career Highlights: Over 29 years as a public defender, trial expertise, leadership in public defense offices, and contributions to legal education.