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 California 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 Fresno?

Michael is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael Francis Ball, General Attorney in Fresno, California

Over 42 years of legal practice · focused on General, Government, and Litigation · 4.8/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews

PartneratMccormick Barstow Llp

Fresno, CA

Practicing general in Fresno since 1984.

42+: Years practicing
4.8 ★: 5 client reviews
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

General Government Litigation Medical Malpractice Nursing Home Personal Injury +2 more →

Are you Michael Francis Ball?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Michael Francis Ball is a partner based in Fresno, CA. The practice focuses on General, Government, and Litigation. Michael has over 42 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mccormick Barstow Llp. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.

Based in: Fresno, CA
Experience: over 42 years
Known for: General · Government · Litigation

Handles General, Government, and Litigation matters from Fresno, CA.
Over 42 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on general, government, litigation, medical malpractice, and nursing home. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

General cases in Fresno, California

Michael takes general matters in Fresno, California. 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.

Government cases in Fresno, California

Michael takes government matters in Fresno, California. 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 Fresno, California

Michael takes litigation matters in Fresno, California. 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.

Medical Malpractice cases in Fresno, California

Michael takes medical malpractice matters in Fresno, California. 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.

Nursing Home cases in Fresno, California

Michael takes nursing home matters in Fresno, California. 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

Meet Michael Francis Ball — general lawyer in Fresno

Michael Francis Ball is a lawyer practicing litigation, primarily professional liability defense, medical malpractice and 6 other areas of law. Michael received a A.B. degree from University of Miami in 1981, and has been licensed for 42 years. Michael practices at McCormick Barstow LLP in Fresno, CA.

Working with Michael on a general matter

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for general, government, and litigation matters in Fresno and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Law
J.D. · 1984
University of Miami
A.B. English · 1981

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Illinois
1985 · ACTIVE
California
1984 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Law and A.B. English in University of Miami.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Law and A.B. English in University of Miami. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

Associations Mr
membership
He is also a Senior fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America
membership
Mr
membership
Ball has served on the Board of Directors of the Fresno County Young Lawyers Association and is an active member of the Fresno County Bar Association
membership
Currently, he is a member of the Defense Research Institute and the Litigation, Trial Practice and Health Care Sections of the American Bar Association
membership
American Bar Foundation
bar_fellowship
Litigation Counsel of America
bar_fellowship

Locations

Michael Francis Ball's office in Fresno

Michael's primary office is at 7647 N. Fresno Street, Fresno, CA, 93720. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Mccormick Barstow Llp

7647 N. Fresno Street

Fresno, CA 93720

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Francis Ball — 4.8/5 rating from 5 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 Fresno.

4.8

5 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Francis Ball claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Francis Ball — 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 Fresno, California

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 Francis Ball

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 California 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 Fresno?
Michael is licensed in California. Matters governed by California 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 Fresno, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Michael handles general matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified general attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these general attorneys in Fresno handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.