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Michael Schiavone, Business Attorney in Buffalo, New York

focused on Business, Family Law, and M&A

Buffalo, NY

Trusted business attorney serving Buffalo.

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Michael Schiavone is an attorney based in Buffalo, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and M&A.

Based in
Buffalo, NEW YORK
Experience
attorney
Known for
Business · Family Law · M&A
  • Handles Business, Family Law, and M&A matters from Buffalo, NEW YORK.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Buffalo) (2024).

About Michael Schiavone: Michael Schiavone is an attorney based in Buffalo, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and M&A.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in Buffalo

Michael concentrates on business, family law, m&a, real estate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Buffalo, New York

Michael takes business matters in Buffalo, New York. 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.

Family Law cases in Buffalo, New York

Michael takes family law matters in Buffalo, New York. 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.

M&A cases in Buffalo, New York

Michael takes m&a matters in Buffalo, New York. 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.

Real Estate cases in Buffalo, New York

Michael takes real estate matters in Buffalo, New York. 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.

Tax cases in Buffalo, New York

Michael takes tax matters in Buffalo, New York. 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

Michael Schiavone, business attorney serving Buffalo

Michael Schiavone is an attorney based in Buffalo, NEW YORK. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and M&A. Michael works from Buffalo, New York and takes on business matters across the region.

Michael Schiavone has provided legal guidance to businesses for 30 years. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business law, commercial real estate, and estate planning.

Mr. Schiavone is experienced in regularly counseling clients in a wide array of legal matters, including:

  • Commercial lending and financial transactions
  • Mergers and acquisitions
  • Corporate, partnership, and limited liability matters
  • Business formation
  • Business succession planning
  • Contract negotiation and dispute resolution
  • Tax planning for businesses and their owners
  • Commercial real estate financing and development
  • Estate planning
  • Sports law

Mr. Schiavone's clients come form a wide range of industries, including banks and financial institutions, hotel and hospitality chains, franchises, health care, manufacturing and distribution companies, and professional sports teams.

Mr. Schiavone is chairman of the firm's Business and Corporate Practice Area and a member of the firm's Management Committee. He is fluent in Italian.

Practice Areas

In the News

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Representative Clients & Matters

  • Counsel to Buffalo Bills in connection with game day stadium operations, lease negotiations, sponsorship matters, intellectual property issues and employment matters
  • Represent clients in the hospitality industry in a multitude of legal matters including all aspects of construction and development, financing, franchise matters, purchases and sales
  • Advise automobile dealers in franchise and financing matters, including purchases and sales of dealerships
  • Counsel to several manufacturing and distribution companies; advising on matters including supply/distribution agreements, confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements
  • Counsel to several closely held family businesses; advising on numerous matters including facilitation of business succession planning and intergenerational transfers
  • Represent businesses in all facets of mergers and acquisitions
  • Assist corporations, partnerships and limited liability companies in connection with the preparation of shareholder’s agreements, partnership agreements and operating agreements
  • Advise clients in connection with all aspects of business formation, operations and disposition: including related tax matters
  • Represent clients in connection with zoning and site plan approval as well as financing for construction projects, which include new home subdivision approval, office buildings, hotels, retail operations and medical facilities

Michael's approach to business cases

Michael Schiavone has provided legal guidance to businesses for 30 years. He concentrates his practice in the areas of business law, commercial real estate, and estate planning. Mr. Schiavone is experienced in regularly counseling clients in a wide array of legal matters, including: Commercial lending and financial transactions Mergers and acquisitions Corporate, partnership, and limited…

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, family law, and m&a matters in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

  • Syracuse University

    J.D. · 1981

  • State University of New York at Fredonia

    B.A.

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • New York, New York S

    ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Syracuse University and B.A. in State University of New York at Fredonia.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Syracuse University and B.A. in State University of New York at Fredonia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Michael's legal honors and published work

Michael has received 31 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Buffalo)

    2024

  • Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Buffalo)

    2020

  • Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Real Estate Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Copyright Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — International Trade and Finance Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Sports Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trademark Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Business Planning

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Closely-Held Businesses

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — COVID-19

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — General Corporate

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Partnership and Limited Liability

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Sports

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — The Best Lawyers in America: Named to

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers: Named to

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Upstate New York Super Lawyers

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Super Lawyers Cover Story: Featured as the subject of

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Who’s Who in Law: Named to the final 2012 issue of

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Business First/Buffalo Law Journal

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — ‘s “Who’s Who in Law” for Business & Corporate

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Legal Elite of Western New York: Named to

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — ‘s Legal Elite of Western New York

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (Buffalo) (2024). Lawyer of the Year — Tax Law (Buffalo) (2020). Best Lawyers in America — Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Corporate Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Mergers and Acquisitions Law (2026).

Locations

Michael Schiavone's office in Buffalo

Michael's primary office is at 42 Delaware Avenue, Suite 120, Buffalo, New York, 14202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

42 Delaware Avenue, Suite 120

Buffalo, New York 14202

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Schiavone

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 Schiavone — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business 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 business attorney in Buffalo, New York

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Schiavone

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

  • How long do business cases in New York typically take?

    Simple business 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 Buffalo?

    Michael is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 business 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

Business attorneys serving Buffalo and Albany in New York

Michael handles business matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

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