Michael W. Smith

Michael W. Smith, Workers Comp Attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Over 43 years of legal practice · 4.5/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews

PartneratCipriani & Werner P.C.

Pittsburgh, PA

Practicing workers comp in Pittsburgh since 1983.

43+
Years practicing
4.5 ★
3 client reviews
4
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

Michael W. Smith is a partner based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Michael has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cipriani & Werner P.C.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Based in
Pittsburgh, PA
Experience
over 43 years
Known for
Workers Comp
  • Handles Workers Comp matters from Pittsburgh, PA.
  • Over 43 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About Michael W. Smith: Michael W. Smith is a partner based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Michael has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cipriani & Werner P.C.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael W. Smith

Michael concentrates on workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Workers Comp cases in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Michael takes workers comp matters in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 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. Smith — Over 43 years of Pennsylvania workers comp experience

Michael W. Smith is a partner based in Pittsburgh, PA. The practice focuses on Workers Comp. Michael has over 43 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cipriani & Werner P.C.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.

Michael W. Smith is a lawyer practicing workers compensation. Michael received a B.A. degree from Bucknell University in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Michael practices at Cipriani & Werner P.C. in Pittsburgh, PA.

How Michael handles workers comp matters

Michael W. Smith is a lawyer practicing workers compensation. Michael received a B.A. degree from Bucknell University in 1980, and has been licensed for 43 years. Michael practices at Cipriani & Werner P.C. in Pittsburgh, PA.

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for workers comp matters in Pittsburgh and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Michael W. Smith's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Pittsburgh School of Law

    J.D. · 1983

  • Bucknell University

    B.A. · 1980

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeal

    1991 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1988 · ACTIVE

  • Pennsylvania

    1983 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    1983 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in University of Pittsburgh School of Law and B.A. in Bucknell University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in University of Pittsburgh School of Law and B.A. in Bucknell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael W. Smith

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

  • Allegheny County Bar Association

    Member, Sections on: Worker's Compensation and Civil Litigation · membership

Locations

Michael W. Smith's office in Pittsburgh

Michael's primary office is at 650 Washington Rd., Ste. 700, Pittsburgh, PA, 15228. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cipriani & Werner P.C.

650 Washington Rd., Ste. 700

Pittsburgh, PA 15228

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael W. Smith — 4.5/5 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 workers comp attorneys in Pittsburgh.

4.5

3 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael W. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new workers comp 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 workers comp attorney in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every workers comp 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 workers comp practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael W. Smith

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

  • How long do workers comp cases in Pennsylvania typically take?

    Simple workers comp 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 Pittsburgh?

    Michael is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania 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 workers comp 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

Workers Comp attorneys serving Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Harrisburg in Pennsylvania

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

More counsel

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