Michael S. Carnahan, ADR Attorney in Southlake, Texas
Over 43 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Business, and Contracts · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Founding PartneratCarnahan Thomas LLP
Southlake, TX
Practicing adr in Southlake since 1983.
- 43+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Michael S. Carnahan?
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Quick answer
Michael S. Carnahan is a founding partner based in Southlake, TX. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Contracts. Michael has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carnahan Thomas LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Southlake, TX
- Experience
- over 43 years
- Known for
- ADR · Business · Contracts
- Handles ADR, Business, and Contracts matters from Southlake, TX.
- Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael S. Carnahan: Michael S. Carnahan is a founding partner based in Southlake, TX. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Contracts. Michael has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carnahan Thomas LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on adr, business, contracts, general, and insurance. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Business
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Contracts
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Slip & Fall
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ADR cases in Southlake, Texas
Michael takes adr matters in Southlake, 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.
Business cases in Southlake, Texas
Michael takes business matters in Southlake, 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.
Contracts cases in Southlake, Texas
Michael takes contracts matters in Southlake, 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.
General cases in Southlake, Texas
Michael takes general matters in Southlake, 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.
Insurance cases in Southlake, Texas
Michael takes insurance matters in Southlake, 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 S. Carnahan — adr lawyer in Southlake
Michael S. Carnahan is a founding partner based in Southlake, TX. The practice focuses on ADR, Business, and Contracts. Michael has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Carnahan Thomas LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Michael S. Carnahan is a lawyer practicing alternative dispute resolution, auto liability, black mold litigation and 11 other areas of law. Michael received a B.B.A. degree from University of Texas in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Michael practices at Carnahan Thomas LLP in Southlake, TX.
Michael's approach to adr cases
Mr. Michael S. Carnahan is a lawyer practicing alternative dispute resolution, auto liability, black mold litigation and 11 other areas of law. Michael received a B.B.A. degree from University of Texas in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Michael practices at Carnahan Thomas LLP in Southlake, TX.
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, business, and contracts matters in Southlake and the surrounding Texas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Texas
J.D. · 1983
University of Texas
B.B.A. · 1980
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
Texas Texas Northern
1983 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Texas and B.B.A. in University of Texas.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Texas and B.B.A. in University of Texas. 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 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of Texas American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Defense Research Institute Dallas, Tarrant County and Northeast Tarrant County Bar Associations Texas Association of Defense Counsel Dallas Association of Defense Counsel
membership
Locations
Michael S. Carnahan's office in Southlake
Michael's primary office is at 1190 N. Carroll Ave., Southlake, TX, 75227. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael S. Carnahan — 5.0/5 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 adr attorneys in Southlake.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael S. Carnahan claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael S. Carnahan — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr 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 adr attorney in Southlake, Texas
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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 adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael S. Carnahan
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a adr 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 adr attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Texas typically take?
Simple adr 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 Southlake?
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 adr 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
ADR attorneys serving Southlake, Houston and Dallas in Texas
Michael handles adr matters throughout Texas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in Texas
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Southlake handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





