
Michael Drew Makofsky, Business Attorney in Cleveland, Ohio
Over 27 years of legal practice · focused on Business, M&A, and Real Estate
PrincipalatMcCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., L.P.A.
Cleveland, OH
Practicing business in Cleveland since 1999.
- 27+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Michael Drew Makofsky?
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Quick answer
Michael Drew Makofsky is a principal based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. Michael has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., L.P.A..
- Based in
- Cleveland, OH
- Experience
- over 27 years
- Known for
- Business · M&A · Real Estate
- Handles Business, M&A, and Real Estate matters from Cleveland, OH.
- Over 27 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michael Drew Makofsky: Michael Drew Makofsky is a principal based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. Michael has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., L.P.A..
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Drew Makofsky
Michael concentrates on business, m&a, real estate, securities, and consumer. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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M&A
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Real Estate
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Securities
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Consumer
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Business cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes business matters in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.
M&A cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes m&a matters in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.
Real Estate cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes real estate matters in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.
Securities cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes securities matters in Cleveland, Ohio. 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.
Consumer cases in Cleveland, Ohio
Michael takes consumer matters in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Drew Makofsky — Over 27 years of Ohio business experience
Michael Drew Makofsky is a principal based in Cleveland, OH. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Real Estate. Michael has over 27 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., L.P.A..
Michael Drew Makofsky is a lawyer practicing mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, business and corporate and 3 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Connecticut, and has been licensed for 27 years. Michael practices at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., L.P.A. in Cleveland, OH.
Michael's approach to business cases
Michael Drew Makofsky is a lawyer practicing mergers and acquisitions, banking and finance, business and corporate and 3 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Connecticut, and has been licensed for 27 years. Michael practices at McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., L.P.A. in Cleveland, OH.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, m&a, and real estate matters in Cleveland and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Michael Drew Makofsky's legal education and bar admissions
Case Western Reserve University Law School, Cleveland, Ohio J.D. CWRU Law Review Case Western Reserve University Law School, Cleveland, Ohio J.D.
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University of Connecticut B.A.
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Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Ohio United States D
1999 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at — in Case Western Reserve University Law School, Cleveland, Ohio J.D. CWRU Law Review Case Western Reserve University Law School, Cleveland, Ohio J.D. and — in University of Connecticut B.A..
Law school and academic background
Michael completed — in Case Western Reserve University Law School, Cleveland, Ohio J.D. CWRU Law Review Case Western Reserve University Law School, Cleveland, Ohio J.D. and — in University of Connecticut B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Activities •Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), Cleveland Chapter, Member •Ohio State Bar Association, Member •Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Member & Chair of Business Law Section
membership
Locations
Michael Drew Makofsky's office in Cleveland
Michael's primary office is at 101 West Prospect Avenue, Suite 1800, Cleveland, OH, 44115. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., L.P.A.
101 West Prospect Avenue, Suite 1800
Cleveland, OH 44115
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Client reviews of Michael Drew Makofsky
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Drew Makofsky — 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 Cleveland, Ohio
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 Drew Makofsky
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 Ohio 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 Cleveland?
Michael is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio 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 Cleveland, Columbus and Cincinnati in Ohio
Michael handles business matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Cleveland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





