Michael Bonasso

Michael Bonasso, Civil Rights Attorney in Charleston, West Virginia

Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, General, and Litigation · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatFlaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC

Charleston, WV

Practicing civil rights in Charleston since 1978.

48+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael Bonasso is a member based in Charleston, WV. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Charleston, WV
Experience
over 48 years
Known for
Civil Rights · General · Litigation
  • Handles Civil Rights, General, and Litigation matters from Charleston, WV.
  • Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Michael Bonasso: Michael Bonasso is a member based in Charleston, WV. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael Bonasso

Michael concentrates on civil rights, general, litigation, personal injury, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Civil Rights cases in Charleston, West Virginia

Michael takes civil rights matters in Charleston, West Virginia. 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.

General cases in Charleston, West Virginia

Michael takes general matters in Charleston, West Virginia. 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 Charleston, West Virginia

Michael takes litigation matters in Charleston, West Virginia. 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.

Personal Injury cases in Charleston, West Virginia

Michael takes personal injury matters in Charleston, West Virginia. 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.

Product Liability cases in Charleston, West Virginia

Michael takes product liability matters in Charleston, West Virginia. 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 Bonasso — Over 48 years of West Virginia civil rights experience

Michael Bonasso is a member based in Charleston, WV. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Litigation. Michael has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Michael Bonasso is a lawyer practicing civil rights, general practice, personal injury and 2 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from West Virginia University in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Michael practices at Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC in Charleston, WV.

Working with Michael on a civil rights matter

Michael Bonasso is a lawyer practicing civil rights, general practice, personal injury and 2 other areas of law. Michael received a B.S. degree from West Virginia University in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Michael practices at Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC in Charleston, WV.

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, general, and litigation matters in Charleston and the surrounding West Virginia area.

Credentials

Michael Bonasso's legal education and bar admissions

  • West Virginia University

    J.D. · 1978

  • West Virginia University

    B.S. · 1975

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Supreme Court

    2002 · ACTIVE

  • West Virginia

    1978 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in West Virginia University and B.S. in West Virginia University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in West Virginia University and B.S. in West Virginia University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in West Virginia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Bonasso

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

  • Defense Research Institute Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia

    President, 1998 · membership

  • Listed, The Best Lawyers in America

    membership

Locations

Office locations for Michael Bonasso in Charleston, West Virginia

Michael's primary office is at Charleston, WV, 25338-3843. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Flaherty Sensabaugh Bonasso PLLC

Charleston, WV 25338-3843

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Bonasso — 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 civil rights attorneys in Charleston.

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 Bonasso claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Bonasso — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in Charleston, West Virginia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Bonasso

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do civil rights cases in West Virginia typically take?

    Simple civil rights 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 Charleston?

    Michael is licensed in West Virginia. Matters governed by West Virginia 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 civil rights 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

Civil Rights attorneys serving Charleston, Morgantown and Huntington in West Virginia

Michael handles civil rights matters throughout West Virginia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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