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

How long do contracts cases in Louisiana typically take?

Simple contracts 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 Lafayette?

Michael is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana 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 contracts 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 Van Ardoin, Contracts Attorney in Lafayette, Louisiana

Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Contracts, Creditor Rights, and Criminal Defense · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Lafayette, LA

Practicing contracts in Lafayette since 1991.

35+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
6: Bar admissions

Practices in

Contracts Creditor Rights Criminal Defense Divorce Energy Personal Injury +1 more →

Are you Michael Van Ardoin?

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

Michael Van Ardoin is an attorney based in Lafayette, LA. The practice focuses on Contracts, Creditor Rights, and Criminal Defense. Michael has over 35 years of legal experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Lafayette, LA
Experience: over 35 years
Known for: Contracts · Creditor Rights · Criminal Defense

Handles Contracts, Creditor Rights, and Criminal Defense matters from Lafayette, LA.
Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on contracts, creditor rights, criminal defense, divorce, and energy. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Contracts cases in Lafayette, Louisiana

Michael takes contracts matters in Lafayette, Louisiana. 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.

Creditor Rights cases in Lafayette, Louisiana

Michael takes creditor rights matters in Lafayette, Louisiana. 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.

Criminal Defense cases in Lafayette, Louisiana

Michael takes criminal defense matters in Lafayette, Louisiana. 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.

Divorce cases in Lafayette, Louisiana

Michael takes divorce matters in Lafayette, Louisiana. 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.

Energy cases in Lafayette, Louisiana

Michael takes energy matters in Lafayette, Louisiana. 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 Van Ardoin — contracts lawyer in Lafayette

Mr. Michael Van Ardoin is a lawyer practicing personal injury law, divorce & separation, criminal defense and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.B.A. degree from Texas A & M University in 1988, and has been licensed for 35 years. Michael practices in Lafayette, LA.

Working with Michael on a contracts matter

Clients Michael works with

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for contracts, creditor rights, and criminal defense matters in Lafayette and the surrounding Louisiana area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Texas Tech University School of Law
J.D. · 1991
Texas A & M University
B.B.A. · 1988

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1996 · ACTIVE
Louisiana
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1993 · ACTIVE
Texas
1991 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Texas Tech University School of Law and B.B.A. in Texas A & M University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Texas Tech University School of Law and B.B.A. in Texas A & M University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Louisiana 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

Lafayette Parish and Louisiana State Bar Associations State Bar of Texas
membership

Locations

Michael Van Ardoin's office in Lafayette

Michael's primary office is at 321 West Main St., Suite 1B, Lafayette, LA, 70501. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

321 West Main St., Suite 1B

Lafayette, LA 70501

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael Van Ardoin — 4.4/5 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 contracts attorneys in Lafayette.

4.4

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael Van Ardoin — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new contracts 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 contracts attorney in Lafayette, Louisiana

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every contracts 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 contracts practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael Van Ardoin

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a contracts 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 contracts attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do contracts cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple contracts 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 Lafayette?
Michael is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana 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 contracts 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

Contracts attorneys serving Lafayette, New Orleans and Baton Rouge in Louisiana

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

More counsel

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