About Our Firm

Michael Hakeem and Albert Ellis formed their law firm in Stockton in 1985.  Today, Hakeem, Ellis & Marengo serve individuals and corporate clients, including major companies, local and national. Our practice includes litigation in all trial courts in California, business law, corporate law, criminal defense, estate planning, family law, probate, professional license defense, real estate, and restraining orders.. Unlike larger firms, our four attorneys are able to provide a personal connection to each of our clients at a reasonable cost; however, our breadth of experience and wide range of practice areas allow us to provide a full-service experience similar to larger firms.


Our law firm primarily includes experienced and seasoned lawyers who enjoy their work. We know what it takes to build and present a solid and compelling case, and that's exactly what we do. We will rigorously and earnestly tackle the most complex challenges and pursue your goals with creativity and determination. Our reputation was built on our loyalty to our clients and our willingness to provide an honest evaluation of the facts. 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, CA, 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 Sacramento, California, February 27th, 1955, admitted 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 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, family law matters, criminal defense, and appeals.


Born in Stockton, California, on December 28, 1993, admitted to the California Bar Association 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.