
Michael B Kates, Business Attorney in Hackensack, New Jersey
Over 58 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Civil Rights, and Government · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Of CounselatKates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle, LLP
Hackensack, NJ
Practicing business in Hackensack since 1968.
- 58+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael B Kates?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Michael B Kates is an of counsel based in Hackensack, NJ. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and Government. Michael has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Hackensack, NJ
- Experience
- over 58 years
- Known for
- Business · Civil Rights · Government
- Handles Business, Civil Rights, and Government matters from Hackensack, NJ.
- Over 58 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael B Kates: Michael B Kates is an of counsel based in Hackensack, NJ. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and Government. Michael has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Hackensack
Michael concentrates on business, civil rights, government, litigation, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
View other Business attorneys
Civil Rights
View other Civil Rights attorneys
Government
View other Government attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Zoning
View other Zoning attorneys
Business cases in Hackensack, New Jersey
Michael takes business matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. 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 Hackensack, New Jersey
Michael takes civil rights matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. 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.
Government cases in Hackensack, New Jersey
Michael takes government matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. 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.
Litigation cases in Hackensack, New Jersey
Michael takes litigation matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. 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.
Zoning cases in Hackensack, New Jersey
Michael takes zoning matters in Hackensack, New Jersey. 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
Michael B Kates, business attorney serving Hackensack
Michael B Kates is an of counsel based in Hackensack, NJ. The practice focuses on Business, Civil Rights, and Government. Michael has over 58 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Kates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Michael works from Hackensack, New Jersey and takes on business matters across the region.
Michael B Kates is a lawyer practicing municipal law, zoning and planning, chancery litigation and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Colgate University in 1964, and has been licensed for 58 years. Michael practices at Kates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle, LLP in Hackensack, NJ and 1 other location.
Working with Michael on a business matter
Michael B Kates is a lawyer practicing municipal law, zoning and planning, chancery litigation and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Colgate University in 1964, and has been licensed for 58 years. Michael practices at Kates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle, LLP in Hackensack, NJ and 1 other location.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, civil rights, and government matters in Hackensack and the surrounding New Jersey area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
Rutgers UniversityRutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Law - Newark
J.D. · 1967
Colgate University
B.A. · 1964
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1989 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1984 · ACTIVE
New Jersey
1968 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Rutgers UniversityRutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Law - Newark and B.A. in Colgate University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Rutgers UniversityRutgers, The State University of New Jersey School of Law - Newark and B.A. in Colgate University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New Jersey is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Michael B Kates's office in Hackensack
Michael's primary office is at 190 Moore Street, Suite 306, Hackensack, NJ, 07601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Kates Nussman Ellis Farhi & Earle, LLP
190 Moore Street, Suite 306
Hackensack, NJ 07601
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael B Kates — 5.0/5 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 Hackensack.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael B Kates claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael B Kates — 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 Hackensack, New Jersey
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 B Kates
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 New Jersey 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 Hackensack?
Michael is licensed in New Jersey. Matters governed by New Jersey 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 Hackensack, Trenton and Newark in New Jersey
Michael handles business matters throughout New Jersey. 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 New Jersey
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Hackensack handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





