Michael Bethune Davis, General Attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida
Over 57 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatPaxton & Smith P.A.
West Palm Beach, FL
Practicing general in West Palm Beach since 1969.
- 57+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 7
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael Bethune Davis?
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Quick answer
Michael Bethune Davis is a member based in West Palm Beach, FL. The practice focuses on General. Michael has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paxton & Smith P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- West Palm Beach, FL
- Experience
- over 57 years
- Known for
- General
- Handles General matters from West Palm Beach, FL.
- Over 57 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Bethune Davis: Michael Bethune Davis is a member based in West Palm Beach, FL. The practice focuses on General. Michael has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paxton & Smith P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in West Palm Beach, Florida
Michael takes general matters in West Palm Beach, Florida. 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 Bethune Davis — general lawyer in West Palm Beach
Michael Bethune Davis is a member based in West Palm Beach, FL. The practice focuses on General. Michael has over 57 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Paxton & Smith P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Michael Bethune Davis is a lawyer practicing general practice. Michael received a B.A. degree from Loyola University in 1966, and has been licensed for 57 years. Michael practices at Paxton & Smith P.A. in West Palm Beach, FL.
Working with Michael on a general matter
Mr. Michael Bethune Davis is a lawyer practicing general practice. Michael received a B.A. degree from Loyola University in 1966, and has been licensed for 57 years. Michael practices at Paxton & Smith P.A. in West Palm Beach, FL.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general matters in West Palm Beach and the surrounding Florida area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Northwestern University
J.D. · 1969
Loyola University
B.A. · 1966
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1983 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1983 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1975 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1970 · ACTIVE
Florida
1969 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Northwestern University and B.A. in Loyola University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Northwestern University and B.A. in Loyola University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Florida 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.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Palm Beach County and American Bar Associations The Florida Bar
membership
Locations
Michael Bethune Davis's office in West Palm Beach
Michael's primary office is at Barristers Building, Suite 500, 1615 Forum Place, West Palm Beach, FL, 33401. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Paxton & Smith P.A.
Barristers Building, Suite 500, 1615 Forum Place
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael Bethune Davis — 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 general attorneys in West Palm Beach.
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 Bethune Davis claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Bethune Davis — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new general 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 general attorney in West Palm Beach, Florida
A short list to run through before you commit: How many general 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 general practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every general 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 general practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Bethune Davis
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a general 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 general attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do general cases in Florida typically take?
Simple general 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 West Palm Beach?
Michael is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida 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 general 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
General attorneys serving West Palm Beach, Miami and Tampa in Florida
Michael handles general matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
- West Palm Beach3,699 attorneys
- Miami15,918 attorneys
- Tampa9,739 attorneys
- Orlando7,352 attorneys
- Fort Lauderdale6,726 attorneys
- Jacksonville5,497 attorneys
- Tallahassee4,383 attorneys
- Boca Raton3,668 attorneys
- Coral Gables3,397 attorneys
- Naples2,155 attorneys
- St Petersburg2,098 attorneys
- Sarasota1,994 attorneys
More counsel
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If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in West Palm Beach handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





