Michael W. Ballance, Appellate Attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina
focused on Appellate, Employment, and Litigation · 3.1/5 rating from 1 verified client review
ShareholderatDickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.
Raleigh, NC
Trusted appellate attorney serving Raleigh.
- 3.1 ★
- 1 client review
Practices in
Are you Michael W. Ballance?
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Quick answer
Michael W. Ballance is a shareholder based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Employment, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.. Rated 3.1 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Raleigh, NC
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Appellate · Employment · Litigation
- Handles Appellate, Employment, and Litigation matters from Raleigh, NC.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Michael W. Ballance: Michael W. Ballance is a shareholder based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Employment, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.. Rated 3.1 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael W. Ballance
Michael concentrates on appellate, employment, litigation, and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Employment
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Litigation
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Workers Comp
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Appellate cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
Michael takes appellate matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. 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.
Employment cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
Michael takes employment matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. 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 Raleigh, North Carolina
Michael takes litigation matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. 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.
Workers Comp cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
Michael takes workers comp matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. 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
About Michael W. Ballance — Attorney of North Carolina appellate experience
Michael W. Ballance is a shareholder based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Appellate, Employment, and Litigation. Currently practicing at Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.. Rated 3.1 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael W. Ballance is the Managing Attorney of the Raleigh office of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. He is an experienced civil litigator with his practice concentrated in the areas of administrative law, appellate practice, employment law, and workers’ compensation. He represents clients at all stages of civil trials and administrative proceedings, from mediation through appeals to the Supreme Court. Mr. Ballance has appeared as counsel in over two dozen North Carolina Court of Appeals and Supreme Court cases. He is also a certified mediator who regularly helps parties resolve their disputes without going to trial.
Additionally, Mr. Ballance serves as an Adjunct Professor at both The University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill and Campbell University School of Law in Raleigh where he currently teaches Workers’ Compensation Law and Practice. The deans from both universities have appointed him to represent their schools in North Carolina’s transition to adopting the Uniform Bar Exam. He is one of five lawyers chosen to develop a required course of study and examination on the state’s workers’ compensation law. Mr. Ballance has also taught Legal Writing and Appellate Advocacy and is a frequent writer and speaker on workers’ compensation topics.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Ballance clerked for Chief Justice I. Beverly Lake, Jr. of the North Carolina Supreme Court and was in private practice with other law firms in Raleigh.
Professional Accomplishments
•The Best Lawyers in America since 2013: Workers’ Compensation Law - Employers
•North Carolina Super Lawyers - Rising Stars 2009
Speaking Engagements
•“Affirmative Defenses to North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Claims” (CLE Organizer and Presenter); North Carolina Bar Association, 2013 Workers’ Compensation Fall Program; Cary, NC; 10/3/2013
•“Ethics in North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Claims” (Insurance CLE Presenter); Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote Client In-Service Program; Charlotte, NC; June 2013
•“Communicating with Health Care Providers - Utilization of the New Procedures of G.S. 97-25.6” (CLE Presenter); North Carolina Bar Association, 2012 Workers’ Compensation Fall Program; Cary, NC; 9/20/2012
Publications
•“Denying a claim for misrepresentation,” NC Workers’ Comp News (publication of the North Carolina Association of Self-Insurers), Spring 2012
•“N.C.G.S. 97-12.1: N.C. Legislature Adopts a New Defense for Misrepresentation During Hiring,” Course & Scope (publication of Workers’ Compensation Section of the North Carolina Bar Association), Dec. 2011
•“The Supreme Court Clarifies Written Notice Requirements Under G.S. 97-22 - Or Does It?,” Course & Scope (publication of Workers’ Compensation Section of the North Carolina Bar Association), May 2010
•“Rewarding Liars and Punishing Truth Seekers: The Misguided Law on Misrepresentation by Employees at Hiring in North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law, and a Proposal for Legislative Change,” 1 Charlotte Law Review 277 (2009)
Publications
•“Denying a claim for misrepresentation,” NC Workers’ Comp News (publication of the North Carolina Association of Self-Insurers), Spring 2012
•“N.C.G.S. 97-12.1: N.C. Legislature Adopts a New Defense for Misrepresentation During Hiring,” Course & Scope (publication of Workers’ Compensation Section of the North Carolina Bar Association), Dec. 2011
•“The Supreme Court Clarifies Written Notice Requirements Under G.S. 97-22 - Or Does It?,” Course & Scope (publication of Workers’ Compensation Section of the North Carolina Bar Association), May 2010
•“Rewarding Liars and Punishing Truth Seekers: The Misguided Law on Misrepresentation by Employees at Hiring in North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law, and a Proposal for Legislative Change,” 1 Charlotte Law Review 277 (2009)
Community
•Seeds of Mustard Ministries (Board of Directors)
Articles
5/11/2012 Articles
NC Workers’ Comp News publishes article by Michael Ballance
Press Releases
8/21/2025 Press Releases
Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote Lawyers Recognized as Best Lawyers in America Award Recipients
8/15/2024 Press Releases
Forty-Six Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized as Best Lawyers Award Recipients
8/17/2023 Press Releases
Forty-Four Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized as Best Lawyers Award Recipients
8/25/2022 Press Releases
Forty-Three Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote Lawyers Named to 2023 Best Lawyers List
8/25/2021 Press Releases
2022 Best Lawyers List includes 44 Attorneys from Dickie McCamey
8/19/2020 Press Releases
Forty-Five Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote Lawyers Named to 2021 Best Lawyers list
8/3/2020 Press Releases
Dickie McCamey Attorney Named Chair of North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Section
8/15/2019 Press Releases
Forty-Two Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2020
8/15/2018 Press Releases
Forty-Two Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2019
8/15/2017 Press Releases
Thirty-Seven Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2018
5/31/2017 Press Releases
Michael Ballance Chosen by Law Schools to Assist in NC Bar Exam Transition
8/15/2016 Press Releases
Thirty-Eight Dickie McCamey Lawyers Recognized in Best Lawyers in America 2017
Michael's approach to appellate cases
Michael W. Ballance is the Managing Attorney of the Raleigh office of Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C. He is an experienced civil litigator with his practice concentrated in the areas of administrative law, appellate practice, employment law, and workers’ compensation. He represents clients at all stages of civil trials and administrative proceedings, from mediation through appeals to the Supreme…
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, employment, and litigation matters in Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Michael W. Ballance's legal education and bar admissions
The University of North Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 1996
North Carolina State University
B.A. · 1992
Michael studied at J.D. in The University of North Carolina School of Law and B.A. in North Carolina State University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in The University of North Carolina School of Law and B.A. in North Carolina State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael W. Ballance
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Locations
Michael W. Ballance's office in Raleigh
Michael's primary office is at 2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 400, Raleigh, NC, 27607. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Dickie, McCamey & Chilcote, P.C.
2501 Blue Ridge Road, Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27607
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael W. Ballance — 3.1/5 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 appellate attorneys in Raleigh.
3.1
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael W. Ballance claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael W. Ballance — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael W. Ballance
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple appellate 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 Raleigh?
Michael is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina 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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving Raleigh, Charlotte and Durham in North Carolina
Michael handles appellate matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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