
Michael Allen Claxton, Business Attorney in Longview, Washington
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law · 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratWalstead Mertsching PS
Longview, WA
Practicing business in Longview since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 2.9 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael Allen Claxton?
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Quick answer
Michael Allen Claxton is a partner based in Longview, WA. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. Michael has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walstead Mertsching PS. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Longview, WA
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Business · Contracts · Elder Law
- Handles Business, Contracts, and Elder Law matters from Longview, WA.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Michael Allen Claxton: Michael Allen Claxton is a partner based in Longview, WA. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. Michael has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walstead Mertsching PS. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on business, contracts, elder law, estate litigation, and estate planning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Contracts
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Elder Law
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Estate Litigation
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Estate Planning
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Government
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Landlord/Tenant
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POA
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Probate
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Real Estate
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Business cases in Longview, Washington
Michael takes business matters in Longview, Washington. 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.
Contracts cases in Longview, Washington
Michael takes contracts matters in Longview, Washington. 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.
Elder Law cases in Longview, Washington
Michael takes elder law matters in Longview, Washington. 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.
Estate Litigation cases in Longview, Washington
Michael takes estate litigation matters in Longview, Washington. 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.
Estate Planning cases in Longview, Washington
Michael takes estate planning matters in Longview, Washington. 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
Meet Michael Allen Claxton — business lawyer in Longview
Michael Allen Claxton is a partner based in Longview, WA. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. Michael has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Walstead Mertsching PS. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael Allen Claxton is a lawyer practicing contracts, corporate, corporation and 12 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Indiana University in 1983, and has been licensed for 31 years. Michael practices at Walstead Mertsching PS in Longview, WA.
Working with Michael on a business matter
Michael Allen Claxton is a lawyer practicing contracts, corporate, corporation and 12 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Indiana University in 1983, and has been licensed for 31 years. Michael practices at Walstead Mertsching PS in Longview, WA.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, contracts, and elder law matters in Longview and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Willamette University
J.D. · 1995
Indiana University
B.A. Portland · 1983
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Oregon
1996 · ACTIVE
Washington
1995 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Willamette University and B.A. Portland in Indiana University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Willamette University and B.A. Portland in Indiana University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Cowlitz County and Washington State Bar Associations Oregon State Bar
membership
Locations
Michael Allen Claxton's office in Longview
Michael's primary office is at Civic Center Bldg., 3rd Fl., 1700 Hudson St., Longview, WA, 98632-7934. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Walstead Mertsching PS
Civic Center Bldg., 3rd Fl., 1700 Hudson St.
Longview, WA 98632-7934
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael Allen Claxton — 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
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 Longview.
2.9
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Allen Claxton claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Allen Claxton — 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 Longview, Washington
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 Allen Claxton
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 Washington 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 Longview?
Michael is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington 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 Longview, Seattle and Spokane in Washington
Michael handles business matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Washington
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Longview handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





