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

How long do business cases in Texas 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. 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 Dallas?

Michael is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas 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 business clients right now?

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

Michael D. Tanner, Business Attorney in Dallas

Quick answer

Michael D. Tanner is a partner based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Insurance. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Touchstone Bernays Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Dallas, TX
Experience: over 34 years
Known for: Business · General · Insurance

Handles Business, General, and Insurance matters from Dallas, TX.
Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Michael takes on

Michael concentrates on business, general, insurance, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Dallas, Texas

Michael takes business matters in Dallas, Texas. 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 Dallas, Texas

Michael takes general matters in Dallas, Texas. 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 Dallas, Texas

Michael takes insurance matters in Dallas, Texas. 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 Dallas, Texas

Michael takes litigation matters in Dallas, Texas. 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.

Personal Injury cases in Dallas, Texas

Michael takes personal injury matters in Dallas, Texas. 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 D. Tanner — business lawyer in Dallas

Michael D. Tanner is a partner based in Dallas, TX. The practice focuses on Business, General, and Insurance. Michael has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Touchstone Bernays Law Firm. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Experience

Mike Tanner is a trial lawyer who resolves disputes, by trial, when it is in the best interest of his client. He specializes in cases involving allegations of sexual molestation of minors, other personal injury claims involving children, and wrongful death, dram shop, transportation and auto litigation, allegations of bad faith and insurance code violations, and business litigation. He is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell. Mike has successfully represented clients in numerous counties in Texas.

Areas of Practice

Defense of sexual molestation cases against minorsInsurance LawUM/UIM casesPersonal InjuryProducts LiabilityToxic TortsTrucking Industry Liability

Professional Affiliations

State Bar of TexasChildren’s Cancer Fund of Texas, 1996 – 1997; President of the BoardCamp John Marc, Special Camps for Special Kids, 1999 – present; DirectorBaylor University School of Nursing Advisory CouncilChildren’s Medical Center of Dallas Foundation TrusteeChildren’s Medical Center of Dallas,Leadership Children’s GraduateChildren’s Medical Center of Dallas, Children’s Council Executive Leadership

Education

Baylor University School of Law, Waco, TX, J.D. 1992Baylor School of Law Award – Outstanding AdvocateNational Mock Trial TeamOrder of the BarristersPhi Delta PhiBaylor University, Waco, Texas, B.A. with Honors 1989, Major: Political ScienceSigma Chi

Birth Information

Born July 29, 1967, Denver, Colorado.

Admitted

Texas, 1992U.S. District Court Northern District of Texas

Personal Information

First and second grade Sunday School Teacher, St. Michael and All Angels Church Dallas.Coach elementary age soccer and basketball.Conversational in Spanish and Russian.Avid sports fan.

Successful Results

Hopkins County: favorable resolution of sexual molestation lawsuit where alleged perpetrator admitted molestation, and was convicted of same. Upshur County: successful resolution of sexual molestation lawsuit involving several alleged victims, where alleged perpetrator had been convicted of multiple counts. Tarrant County: favorable resolution of sexual molestation lawsuit involing allegations against a teenage boy for molesting younger neighbor girl. Ellis County: successful resolution of sexual molestation lawsuit involving defendant who was convicted of indecency with a child, and where alleged perpetrator had prior allegations of molestations. Erath County: trial to verdict and jury finding of negligence on the plaintiff; no negligence, no breach of contract, no DTPA violation on defendant in dairy equipment installation and maintenance case with jury demand exceeding $400,000. Dallas County: no negligence jury verdict in case where defendant’s truck struck a child on a bicycle. Denton County: favorable jury verdict in rear-end auto accident case. Fannin County: take-nothing jury verdict in motor vehicle accident case in which defendant turned left in front of the plaintiff. Jury determined plaintiff driver was 80% negligent. Grayson County: motion for summary judgment granted in suit where adolescent girl was partially blinded by paintball shot by teenage client. Tarrant County: favorable settlement of falling merchandise case against a prominent national retailer where plaintiff underwent multiple back surgeries, alleged permanent impairment, and permanent loss of earning capacity of approximately $2 million. Dallas County: negotiated small settlement of trucking case involving prominent produce distributor, where accident resulted in brain damaged plaintiff. Wise County: successful settlement of fire case where restaurant kitchen fire suppression system did not activate; involved allegations against client of negligent maintenance, breach of contract, breach of warranty, violations of DTPA, and defective product. Collin County: take-nothing jury verdict, 100% negligence on the plaintiff in auto collision case. Dallas County: take-nothing jury verdict, 100% negligence on plaintiff in trucking collision case. Kaufman County: jury trial to verdict with no negligence finding and $0 damages awarded in under-insured motorist case of a tractor-trailer collision on the interstate. Kaufman County: motion for summary judgment granted in case where personal water craft hit plaintiff resulting in brain injury. Bowie County: nuisance value settlement in land owner’s liability case where plaintiff’s ATV crash resulted in amputated leg.

Presentations

• 2006 Continuing Education Lecture: “Tort Reform & Wrongful Death Update” to Texas Farm Bureau claims representatives;• 2006 Continuing Education Lecture: “Tort Reform & Wrongful Death Update” to 21st Century Insurance Company claims representatives;• 2006 Continuing Education Lecture: “Locating the Responsible Third Party and Efficient and Effective Case Management and Resolution” to Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company claims representatives;• 2009 Continuing Education Lecture: “Tort Reform and Wrongful Death Update, and Efficient and Effective Case Management Resolution” to Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company claims representatives;• 2009 Continuing Education Lecture: “Equine Law, Animals Roaming, Recreational Use & Attractive Nuisance” to Texas Farm Bureau Insurance Company claims representatives;• 2011 Continuing Education Lecture: “Adjuster’s Guide to Recognizing & Preventing Insurance Fraud” and “Update of Recent Texas Supreme Court Insurance Cases” to Western World claims representatives;• 2012 Continuing Education Lecture: “Comparative Negligence” and “Tort Reform and Wrongful Death Update” to Texas Farm Bureau claims representatives.• 2012 Camp John Marc staff training video “Keeping Campers Safe from Inappropriate Contact”.

Pro Bono

North Texas Housing Crisis CenterCamp Esperanza/Bridewell Foundation

Honors and Awards

Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubble

Selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers by peers 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

How Michael handles business matters

Experience Mike Tanner is a trial lawyer who resolves disputes, by trial, when it is in the best interest of his client. He specializes in cases involving allegations of sexual molestation of minors, other personal injury claims involving children, and wrongful death, dram shop, transportation and auto litigation, allegations of bad faith and insurance code violations, and business litigation. He…

The kind of cases Michael takes

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, general, and insurance matters in Dallas and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Baylor University
J.D. · 1992
Baylor University
B.A. · 1989

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

Texas
1992 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Baylor University and B.A. in Baylor University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Baylor University and B.A. in Baylor University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Texas 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.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Michael D. Tanner's office in Dallas

Michael's primary office is at Comerica Bank Tower, 1717 Main Street, Suite 3400, Dallas, TX, 75201. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Touchstone Bernays Law Firm

Comerica Bank Tower, 1717 Main Street, Suite 3400

Dallas, TX 75201

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael D. Tanner — 5.0/5 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 business attorneys in Dallas.

5.0

1 client review

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael D. Tanner — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new business 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 business attorney in Dallas, Texas

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 Michael

Michael 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. 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 business practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael D. Tanner

How much does it cost to hire Michael for a business 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 business attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Texas 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. 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 Dallas?
Michael is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas 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 business clients right now?
Michael's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Texas residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Michael D. Tanner. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What Are The Penalties For Non-Compliance With Labor Laws In Texas?
My business in Houston just received a notice for a labor law violation regarding employee overtime pay. I’m worried about the potential penalties, including fines or back pay. Wha
1 verified answer · Business · Texas
What Are The Consequences Of Not Complying With Business Licenses In South Carolina?
I launched a catering business in Greenville, South Carolina, without realizing I needed specific licenses. I could face fines or even business closure if I'm not compliant. What a
1 verified answer · Business · South Carolina
What Are The Steps To Dissolve My Corporation In California?
My partnership decided to dissolve our corporation in California due to lack of business. We filed all taxes but didn't know about the formal steps to dissolve it legally. We still
1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota
Can My Business Be Impacted By A Personal Lawsuit Against Me In Pennsylvania?
I’m facing a personal lawsuit in Philadelphia, and I’m concerned about the potential impact on my small business. My business and personal finances are intertwined. Can my business
1 verified answer · Business · Pennsylvania

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Dallas, Houston and Austin in Texas

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

Michael D. Tanner, Business Attorney in Dallas, Texas

Quick answer