Michael A Rataj

Michael A Rataj, Business Attorney in Detroit, Michigan

Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Car Accidents, and Civil Rights · 4.4/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

Criminal Defense AttorneyatMichael A. Rataj PC

Detroit, MI

Practicing business in Detroit since 1989.

37+
Years practicing
4.4 ★
8 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael A Rataj is a criminal defense attorney based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Car Accidents, and Civil Rights. Michael has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael A. Rataj PC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Based in
Detroit, MI
Experience
over 37 years
Known for
Business · Car Accidents · Civil Rights
  • Handles Business, Car Accidents, and Civil Rights matters from Detroit, MI.
  • Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Michael A Rataj: Michael A Rataj is a criminal defense attorney based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Car Accidents, and Civil Rights. Michael has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael A. Rataj PC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael A Rataj

Michael concentrates on business, car accidents, civil rights, consumer, and criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Detroit, Michigan

Michael takes business matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Car Accidents cases in Detroit, Michigan

Michael takes car accidents matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Civil Rights cases in Detroit, Michigan

Michael takes civil rights matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Consumer cases in Detroit, Michigan

Michael takes consumer matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Criminal Defense cases in Detroit, Michigan

Michael takes criminal defense matters in Detroit, Michigan. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michael agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Michael A Rataj — Over 37 years of Michigan business experience

Michael A Rataj is a criminal defense attorney based in Detroit, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Car Accidents, and Civil Rights. Michael has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Michael A. Rataj PC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.

Michael A Rataj is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, terrorist offenses, criminal law and 88 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S.B.A. degree from Wayne State University in 1985, and has been licensed for 37 years. Michael practices at Michael A. Rataj PC in Detroit, MI.

How Michael handles business matters

Michael A Rataj is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, terrorist offenses, criminal law and 88 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S.B.A. degree from Wayne State University in 1985, and has been licensed for 37 years. Michael practices at Michael A. Rataj PC in Detroit, MI.

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, car accidents, and civil rights matters in Detroit and the surrounding Michigan area.

Credentials

Michael A Rataj's legal education and bar admissions

  • Detroit College of Law

    J.D. · 1989

  • Wayne State University

    B.S.B.A. Corporate · 1985

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • U.S. District Court,

    1989 · ACTIVE

  • Michigan

    1989 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Detroit College of Law and B.S.B.A. Corporate in Wayne State University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Detroit College of Law and B.S.B.A. Corporate in Wayne State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael A Rataj

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

  • State Bar of Michigan National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan

    membership

Locations

Michael A Rataj's office in Detroit

Michael's primary office is at Historic Ford Building, 615 Griswold Street, Suite 1116, Detroit, MI, 48226-3603. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Michael A. Rataj PC

Historic Ford Building, 615 Griswold Street, Suite 1116

Detroit, MI 48226-3603

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael A Rataj — 4.4/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of Michael. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Detroit.

4.4

8 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael A Rataj claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael A Rataj — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michael usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Michael charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael'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; Michael will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Detroit, Michigan

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Michael

Michael discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. Michael confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Michael's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael A Rataj

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michael walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Michael offer a free consultation?

    Michael charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michael's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Michigan typically take?

    Simple business 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. Michael gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Michael take my case if I'm outside Detroit?

    Michael is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michael 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 Michael?

    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. Michael will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Michael accepting new business clients right now?

    Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Detroit, Grand Rapids and Southfield in Michigan

Michael handles business matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Detroit handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.