Michael D. Silva, General Attorney in the United States
Over 23 years of legal practice · focused on General, Insurance, and Litigation
DirectoratWhitelaw-Twining
Practicing general since 2003.
- 23+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Michael D. Silva is a director based in Vancouver, BC. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Litigation. Michael has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whitelaw-Twining.
- Based in
- Vancouver, BC
- Experience
- over 23 years
- Known for
- General · Insurance · Litigation
- Handles General, Insurance, and Litigation matters from Vancouver, BC.
- Over 23 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michael D. Silva: Michael D. Silva is a director based in Vancouver, BC. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Litigation. Michael has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whitelaw-Twining.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in the U.S.
Michael concentrates on general, insurance, litigation, personal injury, and business. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Business
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General cases nationwide
Michael takes general matters nationwide. 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.
Insurance cases nationwide
Michael takes insurance matters nationwide. 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 nationwide
Michael takes litigation matters nationwide. 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 nationwide
Michael takes personal injury matters nationwide. 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.
Business cases nationwide
Michael takes business matters nationwide. 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. Silva, general attorney serving the U.S.
Michael D. Silva is a director based in Vancouver, BC. The practice focuses on General, Insurance, and Litigation. Michael has over 23 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Whitelaw-Twining. Michael works from the U.S. and takes on general matters across the region.
Michael Silva joined Whitelaw Twining in June 2003 and became a Partner at the Firm in 2009. He practices in the area of general litigation, with a focus on transportation matters. Mike is one of two partners in charge of our Firm’s Marine & Transportation, Road Maintenance and Subrogation practice groups.
Michael has appeared on behalf of clients in British Columbia Provincial and Supreme Courts, the British Columbia Court of Appeal, in Federal Court, and in a variety of administrative tribunals. He has effectively resolved matters involving vessel and motor carrier collisions, marina fires, cargo claims, helicopter crashes, ship and aviation repair and construction disputes, and derailments.
In addition to his litigation practice, Michael has performed a number of corporate/solicitor related tasks for his marine and trucking clients. This solicitor-based work has focused on risk management and contract drafting, and has included:
negotiation and drafting of complex, client specific carriage and towage agreements;
negotiation and drafting of multimodal transportation contracts to ship aircraft fuselages from Asia to British Columbia by sea, and the subsequent transport by truck to manufacturing and assembly facilities in Quebec;
drafting of sales, warehousing and shipping contracts for both the perishable and non-perishable food and beverage industry;
risk management and regulatory work for motor truck transport of hazardous cargo;
preparation of standard term contracts and Bills of Lading for towboat operators, motor truck carriers and freight forwarders, and advice respecting the proper and effective use of same;
negotiation and drafting of complex dock and terminal use agreements, and related carriage agreements;
purchase and sale, escrow, offshore delivery and related Pleasurecraft and Yacht purchase contracts;
advising on insurance issues and drafting of specific endorsements;
drafting marine related insurance policy wordings;
preparation of Independent Contractor & Employee Protection Agreements for the shipbuilding industry.
How Michael handles general matters
Michael Silva joined Whitelaw Twining in June 2003 and became a Partner at the Firm in 2009. He practices in the area of general litigation, with a focus on transportation matters. Mike is one of two partners in charge of our Firm’s Marine & Transportation, Road Maintenance and Subrogation practice groups. Michael has appeared on behalf of clients in British Columbia Provincial and Supreme…
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, insurance, and litigation matters in the United States.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
Queen's University
LL.B. · 2002
University of British Columbia
B.A. History · 1999
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
British Columbia
2003 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at LL.B. in Queen's University and B.A. History in University of British Columbia.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed LL.B. in Queen's University and B.A. History in University of British Columbia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in the state is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michael D. Silva's office in Vancouver
Michael's primary office is at 2400 - 200 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1S4. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael D. Silva
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael D. Silva — 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 your state
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 D. Silva
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 this state 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 the area?
Michael evaluates matters case by case. If the venue is outside Michael's regular jurisdictions, the intake call will confirm whether direct representation or a referral makes more sense.
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.