Michael D. "Mike" Waters, Business Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
Birmingham, AL
Trusted business attorney serving Birmingham.
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Quick answer
Michael D. "Mike" Waters is an attorney based in Birmingham, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Business.
- Based in
- Birmingham, ALABAMA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Business
- Handles Business matters from Birmingham, ALABAMA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026).
About Michael D. "Mike" Waters: Michael D. "Mike" Waters is an attorney based in Birmingham, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Business.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Birmingham
Michael concentrates on business. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business cases in Birmingham, Alabama
Michael takes business matters in Birmingham, Alabama. 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
Michael D. "Mike" Waters, business attorney serving Birmingham
Michael D. "Mike" Waters is an attorney based in Birmingham, ALABAMA. The practice focuses on Business. Michael works from Birmingham, Alabama and takes on business matters across the region.
Michael Waters is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He focuses on issues facing banks, financial institutions, and other financial-services entities. Mike has practiced corporate and securities law, primarily in the financial institutions area, for more than 30 years. He routinely represents banks, bank holding companies, and other financial entities in acquisitions, capital raising transactions, SEC and shareholder issues, new bank formations, and board fiduciary duty issues. He has advised buyers and sellers in approximately 110 bank mergers and acquisitions, ranging from small community banks to the acquisition of a $34 billion holding company. Mike also advises banks regarding regulatory issues, examinations, compliance, and enforcement proceedings. Since 1994, Mike has served as an adjunct professor of law at The University of Alabama School of Law, where he taught banking law for 20 years and currently teaches corporate mergers and acquisitions. He speaks frequently at seminars and has written numerous law review articles on banking and securities. He is the author of Proxy Regulation, published in 1992 by the Practising Law Institute. Mike served as legal advisor to Governor Fob James of Alabama from January 1979 to July 1980.
Michael's approach to business cases
Michael Waters is a partner in the Corporate Practice Group. He focuses on issues facing banks, financial institutions, and other financial-services entities. Mike has practiced corporate and securities law, primarily in the financial institutions area, for more than 30 years. He routinely represents banks, bank holding companies, and other financial entities in acquisitions, capital raising…
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business matters in Birmingham and the surrounding Alabama area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
The University of Alabama
JD · 1977
University of Oxford
MA · 1975
Duke University
BA · 1972
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
ACTIVE
Alabama, Alabama
ACTIVE
Michael studied at JD in The University of Alabama, MA in University of Oxford, and BA in Duke University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed JD in The University of Alabama, MA in University of Oxford, and BA in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Alabama is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Michael's legal honors and published work
Michael has received 5 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Financial Services Regulation Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Secured Transactions
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Banking and Finance Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Financial Services Regulation Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Secured Transactions (2026).
Locations
Michael D. "Mike" Waters's office in Birmingham
Michael's primary office is at 420 Twentieth Street North, Suite 1100, Birmingham, Alabama, 35203. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael D. "Mike" Waters
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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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael D. "Mike" Waters — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business 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 business attorney in Birmingham, Alabama
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael D. "Mike" Waters
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Alabama typically take?
Simple business 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 Birmingham?
Michael is licensed in Alabama. Matters governed by Alabama 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 business 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
Business attorneys serving Birmingham, Montgomery and Mobile in Alabama
Michael handles business matters throughout Alabama. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated business attorneys in Alabama
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Birmingham handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





