W. Michael Horton

W. Michael Horton, Business Attorney in Fort Wayne, Indiana

Over 53 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate · 4.5/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews

Of CounselatBurt, Blee, Dixon, Sutton & Bloom, LLP

Fort Wayne, IN

Practicing business in Fort Wayne since 1973.

53+
Years practicing
4.5 ★
7 client reviews
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

W. Michael Horton is an of counsel based in Fort Wayne, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. W. has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burt, Blee, Dixon, Sutton & Bloom, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.

Based in
Fort Wayne, IN
Experience
over 53 years
Known for
Business · Estate Planning · Probate
  • Handles Business, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Fort Wayne, IN.
  • Over 53 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with BV Distinguished.

About W. Michael Horton: W. Michael Horton is an of counsel based in Fort Wayne, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. W. has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burt, Blee, Dixon, Sutton & Bloom, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by W. Michael Horton

W. concentrates on business, estate planning, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case W. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Fort Wayne, Indiana

W. takes business matters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before W. agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Fort Wayne, Indiana

W. takes estate planning matters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before W. agrees to represent you.

Probate cases in Fort Wayne, Indiana

W. takes probate matters in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before W. agrees to represent you.

Biography

About W. Michael Horton — Over 53 years of Indiana business experience

W. Michael Horton is an of counsel based in Fort Wayne, IN. The practice focuses on Business, Estate Planning, and Probate. W. has over 53 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Burt, Blee, Dixon, Sutton & Bloom, LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 7 client reviews.

About W. Michael Horton View website

Awards

Distinguished Peer Rated This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4. About Awards

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

W. Michael Horton got this award in 2021

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

W.'s approach to business cases

About W. Michael Horton View website Awards Distinguished Peer Rated This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4. About Awards Client Champion Awards Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and…

Clients W. works with

W. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, estate planning, and probate matters in Fort Wayne and the surrounding Indiana area.

Credentials

W. Michael Horton's legal education and bar admissions

  • Indiana University School of Law

    J.D. · 1972

  • Indiana University

    B.A. · 1967

Jurisdictions

W.'s state bar admissions

  • Indiana

    1974 · ACTIVE

  • Idaho

    1973 · ACTIVE

W. studied at J.D. in Indiana University School of Law and B.A. in Indiana University.

Law school and academic background

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

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of W. Michael Horton

W. has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

W.'s professional memberships and bar associations

  • Allen County and Indiana State Bar Associations

    membership

Locations

W. Michael Horton's office in Fort Wayne

W.'s primary office is at 200 East Main Street, Suite 1000, Fort Wayne, IN, 46802. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Burt, Blee, Dixon, Sutton & Bloom, LLP

200 East Main Street, Suite 1000

Fort Wayne, IN 46802

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Client feedback

Client reviews of W. Michael Horton — 4.5/5 rating from 7 verified client reviews

Every review below is from a verified client of W.. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Fort Wayne.

4.5

7 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

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

Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with W. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

W. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain W.'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; W. will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a business attorney in Fort Wayne, Indiana

A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 W.

W. discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every business 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. W. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

W.'s office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about W. Michael Horton

  • How much does it cost to hire W. for a business case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. W. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does W. offer a free consultation?

    W. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain W.'s office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check W.'s current terms during booking.

  • How long do business cases in Indiana typically take?

    Simple business 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. W. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can W. take my case if I'm outside Fort Wayne?

    W. is licensed in Indiana. Matters governed by Indiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — W. 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 W.?

    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. W. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is W. accepting new business clients right now?

    W.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Carmel in Indiana

W. handles business matters throughout Indiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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