
Michael Charles Cloninger, General Attorney in Asheville, North Carolina
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on General and Litigation · 4.5/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
MemberatWard and Smith, P.A.
Asheville, NC
Practicing general in Asheville since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 6 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Michael Charles Cloninger?
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Quick answer
Michael Charles Cloninger is a member based in Asheville, NC. The practice focuses on General and Litigation. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ward and Smith, P.A.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
- Based in
- Asheville, NC
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- General · Litigation
- Handles General and Litigation matters from Asheville, NC.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael Charles Cloninger: Michael Charles Cloninger is a member based in Asheville, NC. The practice focuses on General and Litigation. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ward and Smith, P.A.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Charles Cloninger
Michael concentrates on general and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General cases in Asheville, North Carolina
Michael takes general matters in Asheville, North Carolina. 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 Asheville, North Carolina
Michael takes litigation matters in Asheville, North Carolina. 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 Charles Cloninger — Over 44 years of North Carolina general experience
Michael Charles Cloninger is a member based in Asheville, NC. The practice focuses on General and Litigation. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ward and Smith, P.A.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 6 client reviews.
Mr. Michael Charles Cloninger is a lawyer practicing construction, litigation. Michael received a A.B. degree from University of North Carolina in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael practices at Ward and Smith, P.A. in Asheville, NC.
Working with Michael on a general matter
Mr. Michael Charles Cloninger is a lawyer practicing construction, litigation. Michael received a A.B. degree from University of North Carolina in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Michael practices at Ward and Smith, P.A. in Asheville, NC.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general and litigation matters in Asheville and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Michael Charles Cloninger's legal education and bar admissions
University of North Carolina
J.D. · 1982
University of North Carolina
A.B. · 1979
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
North Carolina
1982 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of North Carolina and A.B. in University of North Carolina.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of North Carolina and A.B. in University of North Carolina. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Charles Cloninger
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
Michael Charles Cloninger's office in Asheville
Michael's primary office is at 82 Patton Avenue, Suite 300, Asheville, NC, 28801. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael Charles Cloninger — 4.5/5 rating from 6 verified client reviews
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 Asheville.
4.5
6 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Charles Cloninger claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Charles Cloninger — 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 Asheville, North Carolina
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 Charles Cloninger
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 North Carolina 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 Asheville?
Michael is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina 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 Asheville, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina
Michael handles general matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated general attorneys in North Carolina
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Asheville handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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