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 Michigan 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 Kalamazoo?

Michael is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan 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 J. Willis, Business Attorney in Kalamazoo

Quick answer

Michael J. Willis is a director and co-founder based in Kalamazoo, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Litigation. Michael has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Willis Law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.

Based in: Kalamazoo, MI
Experience: over 25 years
Known for: Business · Elder Law · Estate Litigation

Handles Business, Elder Law, and Estate Litigation matters from Kalamazoo, MI.
Over 25 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael J. Willis

Michael concentrates on business, elder law, estate litigation, estate planning, and formation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Michael takes business matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 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 Kalamazoo, Michigan

Michael takes elder law matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 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.

Estate Litigation cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Michael takes estate litigation matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 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.

Estate Planning cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Michael takes estate planning matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 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.

Formation cases in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Michael takes formation matters in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 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 J. Willis — Over 25 years of Michigan business experience

Michael J. Willis is a director and co-founder based in Kalamazoo, MI. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Litigation. Michael has over 25 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Willis Law. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.

Michael Willis co-founded Willis Law with his brother, Shaun Patrick Willis, following in the footsteps of their father, Hon. Frank D. Willis, former Chief Judge for Van Buren County. Michael is a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Michigan. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (Lawyer of the Year in 2020, 2022, and 2023), Super Lawyers, and Leaders in the Law, and holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell. Before founding Willis Law, Michael worked at Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett LLP and Kerr, Russell, Weber, PLC.

Michael earned his J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School and graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. from the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of the Florida and Michigan Bars, the Kalamazoo County Bar Association, and the Christian Legal Society. Michael has served on the board at Holy Cross College and is actively involved with the Corporal Christopher Kelly Willis Foundation, which provides scholarships to children of fallen heroes, as well as with St. Monica Catholic Church and Hackett Catholic Prep High School.

Michael lives in Kalamazoo with his wife, Susan, and their six children.

How Michael handles business matters

Michael Willis co-founded Willis Law with his brother, Shaun Patrick Willis, following in the footsteps of their father, Hon. Frank D. Willis, former Chief Judge for Van Buren County. Michael is a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and is licensed to practice law in both Florida and Michigan. He has been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America (Lawyer of the Year in 2020, 2022, and 2023),…

The kind of cases Michael takes

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

Credentials

Michael J. Willis's legal education and bar admissions

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
J.D. · 2000
Huntington College University of Notre Dame
B.B.A. · 1996

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
2001 · ACTIVE
Florida
2001 · ACTIVE
Michigan
2001 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and B.B.A. in Huntington College University of Notre Dame.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and B.B.A. in Huntington College University of Notre Dame. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Michigan is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael J. Willis

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 J. Willis's office in Kalamazoo

Michael's primary office is at 491 West South Street, Kalamazoo, MI, 49007. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Willis Law

491 West South Street

Kalamazoo, MI 49007

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael J. Willis — 4.5/5 rating from 22 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 business attorneys in Kalamazoo.

4.5

22 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael J. Willis — 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 Kalamazoo, Michigan

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 J. Willis

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 Michigan 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 Kalamazoo?
Michael is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan 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

Real questions asked by Michigan residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Michael J. Willis. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How Can I Legally Terminate An Employee In Michigan?
I’m a small business owner in Detroit, Michigan, and I need to terminate an employee who hasn’t been performing well. I want to do this legally to avoid wrongful termination claims
1 verified answer · Business · Michigan
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My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Kalamazoo, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan

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

Michael J. Willis, Business Attorney in Kalamazoo, Michigan

Quick answer