Michael McNeil, Civil Rights Attorney in Tacoma, Washington
Over 6 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, General, and Personal Injury
AssociateatPfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC
Tacoma, WA
Practicing civil rights in Tacoma since 2020.
- 6+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
Michael McNeil is an associate based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Personal Injury. Michael has over 6 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC.
- Based in
- Tacoma, WA
- Experience
- over 6 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · General · Personal Injury
- Handles Civil Rights, General, and Personal Injury matters from Tacoma, WA.
- Over 6 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michael McNeil: Michael McNeil is an associate based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Personal Injury. Michael has over 6 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael McNeil
Michael concentrates on civil rights, general, personal injury, tbi/sci, and wrongful death. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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General
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Personal Injury
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TBI/SCI
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Wrongful Death
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Civil Rights cases in Tacoma, Washington
Michael takes civil rights matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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.
General cases in Tacoma, Washington
Michael takes general matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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.
Personal Injury cases in Tacoma, Washington
Michael takes personal injury matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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.
TBI/SCI cases in Tacoma, Washington
Michael takes tbi/sci matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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.
Wrongful Death cases in Tacoma, Washington
Michael takes wrongful death matters in Tacoma, Washington. 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 McNeil — Over 6 years of Washington civil rights experience
Michael McNeil is an associate based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Personal Injury. Michael has over 6 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC.
Michael is a spirted and resourceful attorney whose practice includes a wide array of civil litigation, particularly cases representing current and former military members and their families in employment (USERRA), complex personal injury, and military medical malpractice claims.
Prior to joining the firm, Michael was an active duty Combat Engineer (12B) in the US Army for almost nine years. After deploying to Iraq twice in 2006 and 2008, Michael medically retired from the military and began pursuing his education. He attended the Carson School of Business at Washington State University, graduating at the top of his class while competing on his school’s Sales Team at the National College Sales Competition where he placed 23rd out of 144 competitors.
After earning a business degree from Washington State University, Michael attended the University of Washington School of Law where he competed and won the University of Washington 1L Mock Trial Competition, and the University of Washington Steve Calandrillo Contract Negotiation Competition. He would go on to be selected to be a member of the school’s TYLA National Mock Trial Team, Moot Court Honor Board, and Technology Law Journal. Michael also served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Jill Johanson at the Washington State Court of Appeals, Division II.
In his free time, Michael enjoys going to his kids ball games, and spending time outdoors with his family.
Honors
• University of Washington Steve Calandrillo Contract Negotiation Competition Champion, 2020
• University of Washington 1L Mock Trial Competition Champion, 2017
• Washington State University National Collegiate Sales Competition Quarter Finalist, 2017
Representative Cases
• $8 million settlement for survivor of sexual abuse at assisted-living facility
• $6 million settlement with Kiwanis International for failing to protect children from sexual abuse at Kiwanis Vocational Home
• $4.25 million settlement in lawsuit against Issaquah School District for sexual abuse
• $1.3 million settlement for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury after falling down basement stairs in a home that didn’t comply with building codes
Past Positions
• US Army , Staff Sergeant , 2004 to 2013
Michael's approach to civil rights cases
Michael is a spirted and resourceful attorney whose practice includes a wide array of civil litigation, particularly cases representing current and former military members and their families in employment (USERRA), complex personal injury, and military medical malpractice claims. Prior to joining the firm, Michael was an active duty Combat Engineer (12B) in the US Army for almost nine years.…
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, general, and personal injury matters in Tacoma and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Michael McNeil's legal education and bar admissions
University of Washington School of Law
J.D. The · 2020
Washington State University
B.A. Business · 2017
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Washington
2020 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. The in University of Washington School of Law and B.A. Business in Washington State University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. The in University of Washington School of Law and B.A. Business in Washington State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michael McNeil's office in Tacoma
Michael's primary office is at 909 A Street, Suite 700, Tacoma, WA, 98402. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala PLLC
909 A Street, Suite 700
Tacoma, WA 98402
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael McNeil — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in Tacoma, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael McNeil
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Washington typically take?
Simple civil rights 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 Tacoma?
Michael is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington 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 civil rights 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
Civil Rights attorneys serving Tacoma, Seattle and Spokane in Washington
Michael handles civil rights matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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