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

How long do legal cases in New York typically take?

Simple legal 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 Binghamton?

Michael is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 legal clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael C. Whittaker — Attorney in Binghamton, New York

Over 6 years of legal practice

Special CounselatCoughlin & Gerhart, LLP

Binghamton, NY

Practicing law in Binghamton since 2020.

6+: Years practicing
1: Bar admission

Are you Michael C. Whittaker?

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Quick answer

Michael C. Whittaker is a special counsel based in Binghamton, NY. Michael has over 6 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP.

Based in: Binghamton, NY
Experience: over 6 years
Known for: legal services

Over 6 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Biography

Meet Michael C. Whittaker — legal lawyer in Binghamton

Michael C. Whittaker is a special counsel based in Binghamton, NY. Michael has over 6 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP.

Michael C. Whittaker joined Coughlin & Gerhart in 2024 as special counsel. He primarily works out of the Cortland office. He is an accomplished attorney practicing in areas of real estate, trust & estates, landlord and tenant work as well as municipal, and energy. He earned his Juris Doctor from Syracuse University College of Law in 2019 and was admitted to the New York State Bar in January 2020.

Prior to joining Coughlin & Gerhart, Michael worked at Barclay Damon LLP in Syracuse, NY. where he practiced contract negotiation, drafting, and review, including commercial leases and financing documents. He assisted clients in the sale and purchase of commercial and residential properties and provided comprehensive due diligence for renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and hydroelectric developments. In addition, he represented clients in court for commercial and residential eviction proceedings.

Pervious to Barclay Damon LLP, Michael worked at Pomeroy, Armstrong, Casullo, LLP, representing clients in various matters including courtroom appearances and municipal representation. Michael’s legal career has also included representing municipalities, towns, and fire districts, offering him valuable insights into municipal law. His broad experience equips him to navigate complex legal challenges and deliver practical solutions.

Before his law career, he held significant roles in education and coaching, reflecting his multifaceted talents and commitment to leadership. Michael resides in Moravia, NY, and is passionate about community development, athletics, fostering educational growth, and the law.

Past Positions

• Attorney at Barclay Damon LLP 2021 - 2024

• Attorney at Pomeroy, Armstrong, Casullo, LLP 2018–2021

• Law Clerk for The Honorable Glenn T. Suddaby, Chief Judge Summer 2017

• Head Ice Hockey Coach, SUNY Onondaga Community College 2012–2019

Professional Associations

• New York State Bar Association (Member, 2020 – Present)

• Cortland County Bar Association. (Member, 2024 – Present)

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Binghamton and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Syracuse University College of Law, Syracuse, New York
J.D. · 2019
State University of New York at Oswego M.S. Education State University of New York at Oswego
B.S. Technology · 2008

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

New York
2020 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Syracuse University College of Law, Syracuse, New York and B.S. Technology in State University of New York at Oswego M.S. Education State University of New York at Oswego.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Syracuse University College of Law, Syracuse, New York and B.S. Technology in State University of New York at Oswego M.S. Education State University of New York at Oswego. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

New York State Bar Association Cortland County Bar Association
membership

Locations

Michael C. Whittaker's office in Binghamton

Michael's primary office is at 99 Corporate Drive, Binghamton, NY, 13904. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP

99 Corporate Drive

Binghamton, NY 13904

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael C. Whittaker

Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael C. Whittaker — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new legal 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 legal attorney in Binghamton, New York

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every legal 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 legal practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael C. Whittaker

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a legal 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 legal attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do legal cases in New York typically take?
Simple legal 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 Binghamton?
Michael is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 legal clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.