
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
Are you Michael Bonasso?
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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
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General
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Product Liability
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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.
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 reviewsHiring 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
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in West Virginia
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.





