Michael D. Warner — Attorney in Houston, Texas
Over 42 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatPachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP
Houston, TX
Practicing law in Houston since 1984.
- 42+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael D. Warner?
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Quick answer
Michael D. Warner is an attorney based in Houston, TX. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Houston, TX
- Experience
- over 42 years
- Known for
- legal services
- Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael D. Warner: Michael D. Warner is an attorney based in Houston, TX. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Biography
About Michael D. Warner — Over 42 years of Texas legal experience
Michael D. Warner is an attorney based in Houston, TX. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael D. Warner, resident in the firm’s Texas office, has a nationwide corporate restructuring practice spanning over 40 years. Mike combines his legal and trial skills with his accounting background to provide significant insight, guidance, and strategic counsel to clients in today’s highly complex business environment. Mike is as calculated at the negotiation table as he is in the courtroom trial setting.
Over the course of Mike’s practice, he has been appointed by multiple courts as an independent fiduciary, including as postconfirmation trustee in IEH Auto Parts (PepBoys) (Bankr. S.D. Tex.),Talen Energy Supply (Bankr. S.D. Tex.), KP Engineering (Bankr. S.D. Tex.), and University General Health System (Bankr. S.D. Tex.); as chapter 7 trustee in MLCJR (Cox Operating) (Bankr. S.D. Tex), and as examiner in ASARCO (Bankr. S.D. Tex.); and Crayhon Research (Bankr. D. Nev.).
Mike brings significant business acumen to his client’s representation due to his vast experience in multiple industries and financial situations as well as depth of experience advancing each of his client’s unique priorities and objectives in both in and out-of-court matters. Mike has represented debtors, secured and unsecured creditors, official creditor and equity committees, bond debt trustees and agents, postconfirmation and other court-appointed trustees, hedge and securitized funds, and equity holders in a host of industries such as oil/gas, energy, financial services, mortgage lending and securitization, steel, airline, hospitality, retail, real estate development and operation, agriculture and technology industries.
Mike’s experience in numerous industries and business settings has led to his retention in matters requiring creative solutions and high-profile litigation. Mike was retained as special equine counsel in a significant Fort Worth, Texas chapter 11 case, a position previously unseen. Mike has led litigation involving significant legal issues, including fiduciary breach claims, lien validity issues, valuation issues, and fraudulent-transfer claims. His accounting experience has allowed him to focus on financial issues and expert testimony hand in hand with retained experts to facilitate a coherent and more precise presentation at the negotiation table as well as in the courtroom. Mike’s accounting skills allow him to seamlessly examine and cross-examine experts on a host of financial issues, including insolvency and valuation.
Mike regularly represents clients as members of official creditors’ committees, sitting side by side with his client providing strategic advice and guidance. These representations have provided Mike with significant insight into the importance of the committee’s role in chapter 11 cases.
Mike is a native of Los Angeles, California, and graduated from California State University Northridge (B.S., accounting, 1981) and Southwestern University School of Law (J.D., 1984). Mike is licensed to practice law in California and Texas. For the last 30 years Mike has lived on a working horse and cattle ranch in Texas with his wife. Mike is a member of the executive committee of the board of directors of the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo.
News
PSZJ Achieves Precedent-Setting Chapter 15 Victory on Behalf of Advantage Tankers
September 4, 2025
PSZJ Continues to Rank Among Leading Law Firms in Prestigious Chambers USA Guide
Chambers USAJune 5, 2025
PSZJ Attorneys Named in 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch
August 15, 2024
PSZJ Continues to Rank Among Leading Law Firms in Prestigious Chambers Guides Chambers Global, Chambers USA
June 4, 2024
PSZJ Attorneys Named in 2024 Edition of Best Lawyers in America
August 17, 2023
PSZJ Continues to Rank Among Leading Law Firms in Prestigious Chambers Guides
Chambers Global, Chambers USAJune 1, 2023
Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones Recognized With American Bankruptcy Institute's 2023 Asset Sale of the Year Award
May 1, 2023
PSZJ Attorneys Named in 2023 Edition of Best Lawyers in America
August 18, 2022
PSZJ Continues to Rank Among Leading Law Firms in Prestigious Chambers Guides
Chambers USA, Chambers GlobalJune 1, 2022
PSZJ Attorneys Named in 2022 Edition of Best Lawyers in America
August 19, 2021
Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones to Open Texas Office With the Addition of Michael Warner
January 11, 2021
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case across a general legal practice in Houston and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Michael D. Warner's legal education and bar admissions
Southwestern University School of Law
J.D. · 1984
California State University Northridge
B.S. · 1981
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Texas
1995 · ACTIVE
United States Suprem
1988 · ACTIVE
California
1984 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.S. in California State University Northridge.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Southwestern University School of Law and B.S. in California State University Northridge. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael D. Warner
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Michael D. Warner's office in Houston
Michael's primary office is at 440 Louisiana Street, Suite 900, Houston, TX, 77002. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Pachulski Stang Ziehl & Jones LLP
440 Louisiana Street, Suite 900
Houston, TX 77002
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael D. Warner — 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 legal attorneys in Houston.
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 D. Warner claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael D. Warner — 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 Houston, Texas
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 D. Warner
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 Texas 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 Houston?
Michael is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas 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.
Areas served
Attorneys serving Houston, Dallas and Austin in Texas
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