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

How long do construction cases in New York typically take?

Simple construction 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 Woodbury?

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 construction clients right now?

Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Michael V. DeSantis, Construction Attorney in Woodbury, New York

focused on Construction, Education, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 10 verified client reviews

PartneratKaufman Dolowich LLP

Woodbury New, NY

Trusted construction attorney serving Woodbury.

5.0 ★: 10 client reviews

Practices in

Construction Education General Insurance Litigation Maritime +2 more →

Are you Michael V. DeSantis?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Based in: Woodbury, NY
Experience: attorney
Known for: Construction · Education · General

Handles Construction, Education, and General matters from Woodbury, NY.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in Woodbury

Michael concentrates on construction, education, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Construction cases in Woodbury, New York

Michael takes construction matters in Woodbury, 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.

Education cases in Woodbury, New York

Michael takes education matters in Woodbury, 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.

General cases in Woodbury, New York

Michael takes general matters in Woodbury, 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.

Insurance cases in Woodbury, New York

Michael takes insurance matters in Woodbury, 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.

Litigation cases in Woodbury, New York

Michael takes litigation matters in Woodbury, 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 V. DeSantis, construction attorney serving Woodbury

Michael V. DeSantis is a partner based in Woodbury, NY. The practice focuses on Construction, Education, and General. Currently practicing at Kaufman Dolowich LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 10 client reviews. Michael works from Woodbury, New York and takes on construction matters across the region.

Michael V. DeSantis has 30 years of litigation and trial experience and achieved an “AV Preeminent Rating”, which is the highest possible rating, in both legal ability and ethical standards, in the defense of general liability, professional liability, directors and officers liability, errors and omissions liability, maritime, construction accidents and disputes, labor law, products liability and commercial litigation. He defends a wide range of clients including attorneys, contractors, vertical transportation, banks, maritime entities, engineers, insurance brokers, financial advisors, title companies, home appraisals, real estate brokers, school districts, and medical professionals sued in malpractice actions as well as contractors, owners and managing agents in premises cases. Mr. DeSantis also possesses a niche specialty in the defense of vertical transportation, elevator and escalator cases.

Awards

•AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell

Michael's approach to construction cases

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for construction, education, and general matters in Woodbury and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

Touro College
J.D. · 1993
State University of New York at Binghamton
B.S. · 1988

Michael studied at J.D. in Touro College and B.S. in State University of New York at Binghamton.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Touro College and B.S. in State University of New York at Binghamton. 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.

Affiliations

Michael's professional memberships and bar associations

Professional Memberships •American Bar Association, Trial Tort and Insurance Section, Lawyers' Professional Liability Consortium •New York State Bar Association •Nassau County Bar Association
membership

Locations

Michael V. DeSantis's office in Woodbury

Michael's primary office is at 135 Crossways Park Drive, Suite 201, Woodbury, NY, 11797-2005. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Kaufman Dolowich LLP

135 Crossways Park Drive, Suite 201

Woodbury, NY 11797-2005

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael V. DeSantis — 5.0/5 rating from 10 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 construction attorneys in Woodbury.

5.0

10 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael V. DeSantis — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new construction 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 construction attorney in Woodbury, New York

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every construction 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 construction practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael V. DeSantis

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a construction 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 construction attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do construction cases in New York typically take?
Simple construction 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 Woodbury?
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 construction 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

Construction attorneys serving Woodbury and Albany in New York

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

More counsel

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