
Michael W Stephenson, Civil Rights Attorney in East Lansing, Michigan
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, General, and Health Care · 4.3/5 rating from 14 verified client reviews
ShareholderatWillingham & Coté, P.C.
East Lansing, MI
Practicing civil rights in East Lansing since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 14 client reviews
Are you Michael W Stephenson?
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.
Quick answer
Michael W Stephenson is a shareholder based in East Lansing, MI. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Willingham & Coté, P.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
- Based in
- East Lansing, MI
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · General · Health Care
- Handles Civil Rights, General, and Health Care matters from East Lansing, MI.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael W Stephenson: Michael W Stephenson is a shareholder based in East Lansing, MI. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Willingham & Coté, P.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 14 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in East Lansing
Michael concentrates on civil rights, general, health care, insurance, and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
View other Civil Rights attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Health Care
View other Health Care attorneys
Insurance
View other Insurance attorneys
IP
View other IP attorneys
Medical Malpractice
View other Medical Malpractice attorneys
Personal Injury
View other Personal Injury attorneys
Civil Rights cases in East Lansing, Michigan
Michael takes civil rights matters in East Lansing, Michigan. 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 East Lansing, Michigan
Michael takes general matters in East Lansing, Michigan. 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.
Health Care cases in East Lansing, Michigan
Michael takes health care matters in East Lansing, Michigan. 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 East Lansing, Michigan
Michael takes insurance matters in East Lansing, Michigan. 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.
IP cases in East Lansing, Michigan
Michael takes ip matters in East Lansing, Michigan. 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 W Stephenson, civil rights attorney serving East Lansing
Michael W Stephenson is a shareholder based in East Lansing, MI. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, General, and Health Care. Michael has over 33 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Willingham & Coté, P.C.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 14 client reviews. Michael works from East Lansing, Michigan and takes on civil rights matters across the region.
Michael W Stephenson is a lawyer practicing medical malpractice defense, medical licensing, insurance defense litigation and 28 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1990, and has been licensed for 33 years. Michael practices at Willingham & Coté, P.C. in East Lansing, MI.
Michael's approach to civil rights cases
Michael W Stephenson is a lawyer practicing medical malpractice defense, medical licensing, insurance defense litigation and 28 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1990, and has been licensed for 33 years. Michael practices at Willingham & Coté, P.C. in East Lansing, MI.
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, general, and health care matters in East Lansing and the surrounding Michigan area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
Wayne State University
J.D. · 1993
Michigan State University
B.A. · 1990
Michael studied at J.D. in Wayne State University and B.A. in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Wayne State University and B.A. in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Michigan 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
Ingham County (Former Member: Board of Directors President, Young Lawyers Section), Federal and American Bar Associations State Bar of Michigan Michigan Trial Lawyers Association The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership
Locations
Michael W Stephenson's office in East Lansing
Michael's primary office is at University Place, 333 Albert Avenue, Suite 500, East Lansing, MI, 48823. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Willingham & Coté, P.C.
University Place, 333 Albert Avenue, Suite 500
East Lansing, MI 48823
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael W Stephenson — 4.3/5 rating from 14 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 civil rights attorneys in East Lansing.
4.3
14 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael W Stephenson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael W Stephenson — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights 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 civil rights attorney in East Lansing, Michigan
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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 civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael W Stephenson
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a civil rights 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 civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Michigan typically take?
Simple civil rights 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 East Lansing?
Michael is licensed in Michigan. Matters governed by Michigan 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 civil rights 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
Civil Rights attorneys serving East Lansing, Detroit and Grand Rapids in Michigan
Michael handles civil rights matters throughout Michigan. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated civil rights attorneys in Michigan
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in East Lansing handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





