Michael Knisely, Trusts Attorney in Austin, Texas
Over 24 years of legal practice
Practicing trusts in Austin since 2002.
- 24+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Michael Knisely?
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Quick answer
Michael Knisely is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Trusts. Michael has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Osborne, Helman, Scott, Knisely & Stanton LLP.
- Based in
- Austin, TEXAS
- Experience
- over 24 years
- Known for
- Trusts
- Handles Trusts matters from Austin, TEXAS.
- Over 24 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (Austin) (2026).
About Michael Knisely: Michael Knisely is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Trusts. Michael has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Osborne, Helman, Scott, Knisely & Stanton LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Trusts cases in Austin, Texas
Michael takes trusts matters in Austin, Texas. 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 Knisely — trusts lawyer in Austin
Michael Knisely is an attorney based in Austin, TEXAS. The practice focuses on Trusts. Michael has over 24 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Osborne, Helman, Scott, Knisely & Stanton LLP.
Mr. Knisely is a partner of Osborne, Helman, Scott, Knisely & Stanton, LLP. His practice involves representing individuals and institutions in fiduciary litigation, including primarily trust, estate and guardianship disputes. Mr. Knisely also advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries with regard to complex and contentious trust and estate administrations. In addition, he handles appeals of a wide array of civil matters in both state and federal courts, with a focus on appeals involving trust, estate and fiduciary matters, and he has significant experience in insurance matters and in representing charitable organizations in a variety of controversies. After law school, Mr. Knisely served as a law clerk to both the Honorable Reynaldo G. Garza, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and the Honorable Felix Recio, of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
Working with Michael on a trusts matter
Mr. Knisely is a partner of Osborne, Helman, Scott, Knisely & Stanton, LLP. His practice involves representing individuals and institutions in fiduciary litigation, including primarily trust, estate and guardianship disputes. Mr. Knisely also advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries with regard to complex and contentious trust and estate administrations. In addition, he handles appeals of a wide…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for trusts matters in Austin and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of Texas
J.D. · 2002
Southwestern University
B.A. - History and Communication · 1999
University of Valencia
—
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Texas, State Bar of
2002 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in The University of Texas, B.A. - History and Communication in Southwestern University, and — in University of Valencia.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in The University of Texas, B.A. - History and Communication in Southwestern University, and — in University of Valencia. 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
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 2 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (Austin)
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (Austin) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026).
Locations
Michael Knisely's office in Austin
Michael's primary office is at 3800 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 350, Austin, Texas, 78756. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Osborne, Helman, Scott, Knisely & Stanton LLP
3800 North Lamar Boulevard, Suite 350
Austin, Texas 78756
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael Knisely — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new trusts 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 trusts attorney in Austin, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many trusts 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 trusts practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every trusts 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 trusts practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Knisely
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a trusts 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 trusts attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do trusts cases in Texas typically take?
Simple trusts 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 Austin?
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 trusts 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
Trusts attorneys serving Austin, Houston and Dallas in Texas
Michael handles trusts matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified trusts attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated trusts attorneys in Texas
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these trusts attorneys in Austin handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





