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Michael "Mike" Spence, Real Estate Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Over 40 years of legal practice

Seattle, WA

Practicing real estate in Seattle since 1986.

40+
Years practicing
1
Bar admission

Practices in

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Quick answer

Michael "Mike" Spence is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Real Estate. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience.

Based in
Seattle, WASHINGTON
Experience
over 40 years
Known for
Real Estate
  • Handles Real Estate matters from Seattle, WASHINGTON.
  • Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026).

About Michael "Mike" Spence: Michael "Mike" Spence is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Real Estate. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Real Estate cases in Seattle, Washington

Michael takes real estate matters in Seattle, 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

Meet Michael "Mike" Spence — real estate lawyer in Seattle

Michael "Mike" Spence is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Real Estate. Michael has over 40 years of legal experience.

Mike has been licensed to practice law since 1986 and his practice emphasizes real estate transactions, land use/zoning, alternative dispute resolution and litigation. A significant part of his practice involves waterfront properties and aquatic lands. He is a certified mediator and arbitrator and has served as a court-appointed referee and expert witness on real estate matters. Prior to joining Helsell Fetterman, Mike practiced in his own firm for 20 years and represented the Realtor® organization to local, state and federal legislative bodies. In that capacity, he has had a hand in the drafting of many major pieces of real estate-related legislation.

Mike studied planning and economics at the University of Wisconsin and worked as a Planner and in the Title Insurance industry before becoming licensed to practice law. Because of this combination of experience, Mike was invited to Shanghai, China to consult with Chinese housing and land use officials on real estate matters, and he subsequently took a one-year leave of absence from his former firm to serve as Lead Attorney for a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and World Bank-sponsored land reform project in the former Soviet Republic of Moldova.

Mike is passionate about real estate education, and has been a licensed as a real estate law instructor for 31 years. In that time, he has taught hundreds of real estate law classes to thousands of residential and commercial real estate brokers throughout Washington. He is a frequent speaker on real estate topics in print and electronic media throughout the region. In 2009 he was elected to the Bainbridge Island School Board and served as its President from 2012 – 2014. Mike is a part owner of the Green Bay Packers.

Working with Michael on a real estate matter

Mike has been licensed to practice law since 1986 and his practice emphasizes real estate transactions, land use/zoning, alternative dispute resolution and litigation. A significant part of his practice involves waterfront properties and aquatic lands. He is a certified mediator and arbitrator and has served as a court-appointed referee and expert witness on real estate matters. Prior to joining…

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for real estate matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

  • William Mitchell College of Law

    JD · 1986

  • University of Wisconsin–Green Bay

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • Washington

    1986 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at JD in William Mitchell College of Law and — in University of Wisconsin–Green Bay.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed JD in William Mitchell College of Law and — in University of Wisconsin–Green Bay. 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.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Michael has received 7 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Education Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Education Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Environmental Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Land Use and Zoning Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026).

Locations

Michael "Mike" Spence's office in Seattle

Michael's primary office is at 800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3200, Seattle, Washington, 98104. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

800 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3200

Seattle, Washington 98104

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael "Mike" Spence

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 "Mike" Spence — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new real estate 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 real estate attorney in Seattle, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many real estate 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 real estate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every real estate 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 real estate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael "Mike" Spence

  • How much does it cost to hire Michael for a real estate 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 real estate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.

  • How long do real estate cases in Washington typically take?

    Simple real estate 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 Seattle?

    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 real estate 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

Real Estate attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

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

More counsel

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