John Geelan Michael, ADR Attorney in Fresno, California
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and IP · 4.7/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews
Shareholder
Fresno, CA
Practicing adr in Fresno since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.7 ★
- 13 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John Geelan Michael?
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Quick answer
John Geelan Michael is a shareholder based in Fresno, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and IP. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
- Based in
- Fresno, CA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- ADR · Business · IP
- Handles ADR, Business, and IP matters from Fresno, CA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About John Geelan Michael: John Geelan Michael is a shareholder based in Fresno, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and IP. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on adr, business, ip, litigation, and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Business
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IP
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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ADR cases in Fresno, California
John takes adr matters in Fresno, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Fresno, California
John takes business matters in Fresno, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
IP cases in Fresno, California
John takes ip matters in Fresno, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Fresno, California
John takes litigation matters in Fresno, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Fresno, California
John takes real estate matters in Fresno, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John Geelan Michael — adr lawyer in Fresno
John Geelan Michael is a shareholder based in Fresno, CA. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and IP. John has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 13 client reviews.
John Geelan Michael is a lawyer practicing business litigation, intellectual property, commercial law and 3 other areas of law. John received a B.S. degree from California State University, Northridge in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. John practices in Fresno, CA.
How John handles adr matters
John Geelan Michael is a lawyer practicing business litigation, intellectual property, commercial law and 3 other areas of law. John received a B.S. degree from California State University, Northridge in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. John practices in Fresno, CA.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and ip matters in Fresno and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of California at Davis
J.D. · 1982
California State University, Northridge
B.S. · 1979
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1991 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1990 · ACTIVE
California
1982 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1982 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of California at Davis and B.S. in California State University, Northridge.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of California at Davis and B.S. in California State University, Northridge. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
California Trial Lawyers Association
membership
Locations
John Geelan Michael's office in Fresno
John's primary office is at 5260 N. Palm, Ste. 421, Fresno, CA, 93704. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Geelan Michael — 4.7/5 rating from 13 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing adr attorneys in Fresno.
4.7
13 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John Geelan Michael claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John Geelan Michael — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a adr attorney in Fresno, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Geelan Michael
How much does it cost to hire John for a adr case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some adr attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in California typically take?
Simple adr matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Fresno?
John is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new adr clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
ADR attorneys serving Fresno, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
John handles adr matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in California
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Fresno handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
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Michael Brett Abramson
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Gregory Michael Garrison
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