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.

Michael Schiavone, Business Attorney in Buffalo

Quick answer

Michael Schiavone is a senior partner based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in: Buffalo, NY
Experience: over 44 years
Known for: Business · Contracts · Elder Law

Handles Business, Contracts, and Elder Law matters from Buffalo, NY.
Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in Buffalo

Michael concentrates on business, contracts, elder law, entertainment, and family law. 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.

Contracts cases in Buffalo, New York

Michael takes contracts 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.

Elder Law cases in Buffalo, New York

Michael takes elder 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.

Entertainment cases in Buffalo, New York

Michael takes entertainment 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.

Biography

Michael Schiavone, business attorney serving Buffalo

Michael Schiavone is a senior partner based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Contracts, and Elder Law. Michael has over 44 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. 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 from 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.

Awards and Recognitions

The Best Lawyers in America
Named to Best Lawyers in America from 2007 to 2026; recognized for Corporate Law, Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Real Estate Law, and Tax Law

Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” 2020
Named Best Lawyers’ 2020 Buffalo “Lawyer of the Year” for Tax Law

Super Lawyers Cover Story
Featured as the subject of Upstate New York Super Lawyers 2013 annual magazine’s cover story.

Client Champion Award from Martindale-Hubbell
Recognizes attorneys who demonstrate a commitment to delivering excellent client service based on the quantity and quality of their client reviews on the Martindale-Hubbell website

Best Lawyers “Lawyer of the Year” 2024
Named Best Lawyers’ 2024 Buffalo “Lawyer of the Year” for Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)

Super Lawyers
Named to Upstate New York Super Lawyers for Business & Corporate and Sports Law from 2007 to 2025; no more than 5 percent of attorneys in any state are named to this publication

Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Who’s Who in Law
Named to the final 2012 issue of Business First/Buffalo Law Journal‘s “Who’s Who in Law” for Business & Corporate

Legal Elite of Western New York
Named to Business First/Buffalo Law Journal ‘s Legal Elite of Western New York

In the News

Fast-Food Franchise Owners May Sue Over Recommended Wage Hike, legal analysis for WGRZ

Mr. Schiavone co-authors article for Buffalo Law Journal on the new Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL) governing commercial electronic messages

Super Lawyers Magazine featured Mr. Schiavone as their cover story, profiling his career and experience, in their 2013 New York, Upstate Edition

Mr. Schiavone Provides Legal Insight For The Buffalo Law Journal on General Mills Legal Terms Controversy

The Jamestown Post-Journal reports on Mr. Schiavone receiving the Fredonia College Foundation’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award

Business First features Mr. Schiavone in a profile detailing his leadership at Lipsitz Green Scime Cambria and his brother’s leadership at a local accounting firm

Business First reports on Nemo Development construction initiative, including comment from Mr. Schiavone

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, contracts, and elder law 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. · 1978

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

New York
1982 · 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 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Michael Schiavone's office in Buffalo

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

Main office

42 Delaware Avenue, Suite 120

Buffalo, NY 14202

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Schiavone — 5.0/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

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 business attorneys in Buffalo.

5.0

3 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael Schiavone claims this profile.

Read all reviews

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.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by New York residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Michael Schiavone. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How Can I Protect My Company’s Intellectual Property In New York?
I own a tech startup in New York City, and I’m concerned about protecting my software and branding from competitors. I’ve heard about trademarks and patents but don’t know which ap
1 verified answer · Business · New York
What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

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.

Michael Schiavone, Business Attorney in Buffalo, New York

Quick answer