Michael W. Self, ADR Attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on ADR and Family Law · 4.5/5 rating from 2 verified client reviews
PartneratMcDougall, Self, Currence & McLeod, LLP
Columbia, SC
Practicing adr in Columbia since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 2 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Michael W. Self?
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Quick answer
Michael W. Self is a partner based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDougall, Self, Currence & McLeod, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
- Based in
- Columbia, SC
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- ADR · Family Law
- Handles ADR and Family Law matters from Columbia, SC.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Michael W. Self: Michael W. Self is a partner based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDougall, Self, Currence & McLeod, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on adr and family law. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Michael takes adr matters in Columbia, South 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.
Family Law cases in Columbia, South Carolina
Michael takes family law matters in Columbia, South 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
Meet Michael W. Self — adr lawyer in Columbia
Michael W. Self is a partner based in Columbia, SC. The practice focuses on ADR and Family Law. Michael has over 41 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McDougall, Self, Currence & McLeod, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 2 client reviews.
Mr. Michael W. Self is a lawyer practicing family law, family mediation. Michael received a B.A. degree from Wofford College in 1980, and has been licensed for 41 years. Michael practices at McDougall, Self, Currence & McLeod, LLP in Columbia, SC and 1 other location.
How Michael handles adr matters
Mr. Michael W. Self is a lawyer practicing family law, family mediation. Michael received a B.A. degree from Wofford College in 1980, and has been licensed for 41 years. Michael practices at McDougall, Self, Currence & McLeod, LLP in Columbia, SC and 1 other location.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr and family law matters in Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of South Carolina School of Law
J.D. · 1985
Wofford College
B.A. Economics · 1980
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
South Carolina
1985 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. Economics in Wofford College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of South Carolina School of Law and B.A. Economics in Wofford College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in South Carolina 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
Richland County and Sumter County (Member, Family Law Section) Bar Associations South Carolina Bar South Carolina Trial Lawyers Association
membership
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (South Carolina Chapter, Treasurer, 2005-2007
bar_fellowship
Secretary, 2007-2009, Vice President, 2009—)
bar_fellowship
Locations
Michael W. Self's office in Columbia
Michael's primary office is at 791 Greenlawn Drive, Suite 4, Columbia, SC, 29290. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
McDougall, Self, Currence & McLeod, LLP
791 Greenlawn Drive, Suite 4
Columbia, SC 29290
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael W. Self — 4.5/5 rating from 2 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 adr attorneys in Columbia.
4.5
2 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael W. Self claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael W. Self — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr 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 adr attorney in Columbia, South Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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 adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael W. Self
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a adr 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 adr attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in South Carolina typically take?
Simple adr 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 Columbia?
Michael is licensed in South Carolina. Matters governed by South 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 adr 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
ADR attorneys serving Columbia, Charleston and Greenville in South Carolina
Michael handles adr matters throughout South Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
- Columbia4,189 attorneys
- Charleston2,702 attorneys
- Greenville2,449 attorneys
- Mount Pleasant1,100 attorneys
- Spartanburg583 attorneys
- Myrtle Beach506 attorneys
- North Charleston476 attorneys
- Lexington379 attorneys
- Rock Hill372 attorneys
- Hilton Head Island347 attorneys
- Florence335 attorneys
- Summerville299 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in South Carolina
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Columbia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





