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 California 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 Irvine?

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 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.

Michael H. Cooper, Business Attorney in Irvine

Quick answer

Michael H. Cooper is an associate based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Litigation. Michael has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at SMITH LC.

Based in: Irvine, CA
Experience: over 16 years
Known for: Business · Elder Law · Litigation

Handles Business, Elder Law, and Litigation matters from Irvine, CA.
Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in Irvine

Michael concentrates on business, elder law, litigation, nursing home, and product liability. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Irvine, California

Michael takes business matters in Irvine, 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.

Elder Law cases in Irvine, California

Michael takes elder law matters in Irvine, 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 Irvine, California

Michael takes litigation matters in Irvine, 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 Irvine, California

Michael takes nursing home matters in Irvine, 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.

Product Liability cases in Irvine, California

Michael takes product liability matters in Irvine, 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

Michael H. Cooper, business attorney serving Irvine

Michael H. Cooper is an associate based in Irvine, CA. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Litigation. Michael has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at SMITH LC. Michael works from Irvine, California and takes on business matters across the region.

Michael H. Cooper was recently made a shareholder at SMITH LC, having been an outstanding senior associate. Mr. Cooper has focused his practice to litigation and represents both Plaintiffs and Defendants in civil and probate litigation. Before joining SMITH LC, Mr. Cooper was a litigation associate at one of the largest insurance defense firms in Los Angeles County. He primarily represented religious institutions, elder care facilities (SNFs, RCFEs, and adult day care), and medical professionals and healthcare providers in insurance-covered claims.

Now, Mr. Cooper mainly handles commercial litigation matters, including business litigation and contract disputes. Mr. Cooper has substantial trial experience in both state and federal courts and has served as lead/first chair trial counsel. Mr. Cooper has litigated and tried all types of disputes based on contract and tort.

Mr. Cooper has served as an adjunct professor teaching Business Law. During his undergraduate studies, Mr. Cooper was a scholarship recipient cadet of the United States Air Force ROTC and was named Cadet of the Year during his freshman year.

Mr. Cooper enjoys spending his free time with his wife and five children and volunteering time and effort at his local church.

Mr. Cooper is an active member of the Orange County chapters of the Association of the Business Trial Lawyers and is on the Board of Directors of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society. Mr. Cooper was previously a member of the Los Angeles chapter of the J. Reuben Clark Law Society and served on that Chapter’s general board as well.

Michael's approach to business cases

Michael H. Cooper was recently made a shareholder at SMITH LC, having been an outstanding senior associate. Mr. Cooper has focused his practice to litigation and represents both Plaintiffs and Defendants in civil and probate litigation. Before joining SMITH LC, Mr. Cooper was a litigation associate at one of the largest insurance defense firms in Los Angeles County. He primarily represented…

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and litigation matters in Irvine and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

Western Michigan University
J.D. · 2009
Utah Valley University
B.S. Business · 2005

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Utah
2021 · ACTIVE
California United St
2010 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Western Michigan University and B.S. Business in Utah Valley University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Western Michigan University and B.S. Business in Utah Valley University. 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.

Locations

Michael H. Cooper's office in Irvine

Michael's primary office is at 4 Park Plaza, Suite 1050, Irvine, CA, 92614. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

SMITH LC

4 Park Plaza, Suite 1050

Irvine, CA 92614

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael H. Cooper

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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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael H. Cooper — 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 Irvine, California

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 H. Cooper

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 California 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 Irvine?
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 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.

Community Q&A

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Areas served

Business attorneys serving Irvine, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

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

Michael H. Cooper, Business Attorney in Irvine, California

Quick answer