About Our Firm

Founded in Stockton in 1985 by Michael Hakeem and Albert Ellis, Hakeem, Ellis & Marengo provides comprehensive legal services to individuals and businesses, from local clients to major national companies. Our firm represents clients in litigation throughout California trial courts and offers expertise in business and corporate law, criminal defense, estate planning, family law, probate, professional license defense, real estate matters, and restraining orders.


While we maintain the personalized attention of a small firm, our attorneys bring the depth of knowledge and range of services typically associated with much larger practices. Each of our four attorneys works closely with clients to deliver practical, cost-effective legal solutions tailored to their needs.


Our team is made up of experienced, dedicated lawyers who are passionate about their work. We understand how to develop and present strong, persuasive cases, and we approach every matter with focus, creativity, and determination. Our reputation is built on loyalty to our clients and straightforward, honest evaluations of every case. To discuss your legal needs, call us at (209) 474-2800.

Our Mission

Our mission is to provide each and every client with skilled legal advice in a timely and efficient manner. We handle every case with accountability and responsiveness. Each of our lawyers is dedicated to focusing on the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on your personal success. Our mission is based on the values we hold true: integrity, service, and excellence.

Our Team

With more than 40 years of experience serving local clients throughout Stockton and surrounding cities, our team is dedicated to helping our clients and our community. 

Michael D. Hakeem

Michael Hakeem has over fifty years of experience in real estate and civil law, focusing on the representation of corporate entities, real estate acquisition and development, environmental compliance, land use, and transactional matters. Throughout the decades Mr. Hakeem has been in practice, he has performed reviews and drafting of contracts of all kinds, and can offer his services and consultation on all matters of written agreements, deeds, and construction contracts. He has advised many of the largest corporations in the Central Valley and has experience in all facets of civil law. Mr. Hakeem regularly appears before the County Board of Supervisors, local Planning Commissions, and other state agencies to represent the interests of the firm's clients. Additionally, he has an unparalleled network of contacts throughout the Central Valley and is well-positioned to recommend a specialist in the rare event that Hakeem, Ellis & Marengo is unable to offer assistance with a particular case. Mr. Hakeem is also an adept negotiator and has been very successful in bringing cases to a resolution through settlement, thereby eliminating the need for litigation.


Born in Stockton, California, on October 15th, 1946. Admitted to the bar, 1973, California & U.S. District Court, Central and Eastern Districts of California. Education: University of San Francisco (B.A., 1968); University of Santa Clara (J.D., 1972). Phi Alpha Delta (President, 1971 - 1972). Member: San Joaquin County Bar Association (Member Board of Governors, 1982 - 1985); Member, 1980 - 1982 and Chairman, 1981 - 1982, Client Relations Committee, President, 1985 - 1986, State Bar of California; California Trial Lawyers Association; San Joaquin County Trial Lawyers. Reported Cases: California Aviation Council v. County of Amador (FHA Properties, Inc.) 200 Cal.App.3rd 337 (1998). Practice Areas: Real Estate Law, Real Property Acquisition and Development, Land Use Entitlements, Environmental Compliance.

Albert M. Ellis

Albert M. Ellis is one of the most well-known and respected trial attorneys in the Central Valley. He has represented clients in countless civil and criminal trials throughout his forty years of practice. Mr. Ellis is a master negotiator and litigator and has concluded thousands of cases by jury trial, court trial, arbitration, mediation, and informal settlement. Mr. Ellis's practice areas include criminal defense, family law, restraining orders, business litigation, employment litigation, defense of licensed professionals before state disciplinary boards, and the defense of attorneys facing discipline by the California State Bar. Mr. Ellis also has experience in cases related to student discipline and the civil rights issues associated with those matters.


Born in Sacramento, California, February 27th, 1955, admitted to the bar, 1978, California, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California, and Supreme Court of the United States; Education: University of California at Berkeley (A.B., with Honors, 1975); Pepperdine University (J.D. 1977), Editor, Clinical Law Journal, 1977 - 1978, Member: San Joaquin County Bar Association and State Bar of California.

Renee M. Marengo

Renee M. Marengo is experienced at advising clients who wish to form a corporation, a partnership, a limited liability company, a non-profit corporation, or other type of business entity in California. She additionally advises corporations and individuals with respect to their assets and liabilities, including the creation of trusts and other wealth-management techniques.


Born in Stockton, California, April 15, 1958: admitted to the bar, 1984, California. Education: University of California at San Diego (B.A., 1980): University of San Francisco (J.D., 1984): Member: San Joaquin County and American Bar Associations, State Bar of California, San Joaquin County Women Lawyers (President, 1985 - 1986). Practice Areas: General Corporation Law Probate and Estate Planning.

Stephen J. Baker

Stephen J. Baker is experienced in all aspects of litigation in both civil and criminal cases, including trials and appeals. He has broad practice areas, including Civil Litigation, Civil Restraining Orders, Real Property and Partition Actions, Eminent Domain, Breach of Contract, Prenuptial Agreements, Family Law, and Criminal Defense.


Born in Stockton, California, on December 28, 1993, admitted to the bar in 2023. Education: Sonoma State University (B.A. with honors), Humphreys University Lawrence Drivon School of Law (J.D., Magna Cum Laude 2022). Other experience: Former Deputy District Attorney at the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office.