Michael P. Shay, Government Attorney in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Government, Insurance, and Workers Comp · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatShay, Santee & Kelhart
Bethlehem, PA
Practicing government in Bethlehem since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 4
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Michael P. Shay?
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Quick answer
Michael P. Shay is a member based in Bethlehem, PA. The practice focuses on Government, Insurance, and Workers Comp. Michael has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shay, Santee & Kelhart. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Bethlehem, PA
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Government · Insurance · Workers Comp
- Handles Government, Insurance, and Workers Comp matters from Bethlehem, PA.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael P. Shay: Michael P. Shay is a member based in Bethlehem, PA. The practice focuses on Government, Insurance, and Workers Comp. Michael has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shay, Santee & Kelhart. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on government, insurance, workers comp, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Government
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Insurance
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Workers Comp
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Zoning
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Government cases in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Michael takes government matters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 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.
Insurance cases in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Michael takes insurance matters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 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.
Workers Comp cases in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Michael takes workers comp matters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 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.
Zoning cases in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Michael takes zoning matters in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 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 P. Shay — government lawyer in Bethlehem
Michael P. Shay is a member based in Bethlehem, PA. The practice focuses on Government, Insurance, and Workers Comp. Michael has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Shay, Santee & Kelhart. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael P. Shay is a lawyer practicing insurance defense, workers compensation, municipal law and 2 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Lehigh University in 1972, and has been licensed for 50 years. Michael practices at Shay, Santee & Kelhart in Bethlehem, PA.
How Michael handles government matters
Michael P. Shay is a lawyer practicing insurance defense, workers compensation, municipal law and 2 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Lehigh University in 1972, and has been licensed for 50 years. Michael practices at Shay, Santee & Kelhart in Bethlehem, PA.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for government, insurance, and workers comp matters in Bethlehem and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Pennsylvania Law School
J.D. · 1975
Lehigh University
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1981 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1976 · ACTIVE
Pennsylvania
1976 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Pennsylvania Law School and B.A. in Lehigh University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Pennsylvania Law School and B.A. in Lehigh University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Northampton County, Pennsylvania and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Michael P. Shay's office in Bethlehem
Michael's primary office is at 44 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA, 18016. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael P. Shay — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
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 government attorneys in Bethlehem.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael P. Shay claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael P. Shay — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new government 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 government attorney in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many government 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 government practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every government 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 government practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael P. Shay
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a government 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 government attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do government cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple government 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 Bethlehem?
Michael is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania 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 government 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
Government attorneys serving Bethlehem, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
Michael handles government matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified government attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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