Michael J. Bentley, Appellate Attorney in Jackson, Mississippi
focused on Appellate, Business, and Construction
Jackson, MS
Trusted appellate attorney serving Jackson.
Practices in
Are you Michael J. Bentley?
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Quick answer
Michael J. Bentley is an attorney based in Jackson, MISSISSIPPI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction.
- Based in
- Jackson, MISSISSIPPI
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Appellate · Business · Construction
- Handles Appellate, Business, and Construction matters from Jackson, MISSISSIPPI.
- Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice, Jackson (MS) (2023).
About Michael J. Bentley: Michael J. Bentley is an attorney based in Jackson, MISSISSIPPI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael J. Bentley
Michael concentrates on appellate, business, construction, litigation, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Appellate
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Business
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Construction
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Litigation
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Zoning
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Appellate cases in Jackson, Mississippi
Michael takes appellate matters in Jackson, Mississippi. 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.
Business cases in Jackson, Mississippi
Michael takes business matters in Jackson, Mississippi. 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.
Construction cases in Jackson, Mississippi
Michael takes construction matters in Jackson, Mississippi. 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 Jackson, Mississippi
Michael takes litigation matters in Jackson, Mississippi. 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.
Zoning cases in Jackson, Mississippi
Michael takes zoning matters in Jackson, Mississippi. 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 J. Bentley — Attorney of Mississippi appellate experience
Michael J. Bentley is an attorney based in Jackson, MISSISSIPPI. The practice focuses on Appellate, Business, and Construction.
Michael Bentley is a partner in the Jackson, Mississippi office, where he concentrates his practice on appellate and commercial litigation. In addition to his responsibilities at the firm, Michael was elected Chair of the Mississippi Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Section (2013-2014) and currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Bar Association of the Federal Fifth Circuit. Prior to joining the firm, Michael clerked for Judge Leslie H. Southwick at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Michael's approach to appellate cases
Michael Bentley is a partner in the Jackson, Mississippi office, where he concentrates his practice on appellate and commercial litigation. In addition to his responsibilities at the firm, Michael was elected Chair of the Mississippi Bar Association’s Appellate Practice Section (2013-2014) and currently serves on the Board of Governors for the Bar Association of the Federal Fifth Circuit. Prior…
Clients Michael works with
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, business, and construction matters in Jackson and the surrounding Mississippi area.
Credentials
Michael J. Bentley's legal education and bar admissions
Mississippi College
J.D. · 2007
Millsaps College
B.A. · 2000
Michael studied at J.D. in Mississippi College and B.A. in Millsaps College.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in Mississippi College and B.A. in Millsaps College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Mississippi is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael J. Bentley
Michael has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice, Jackson (MS)
2023
Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Construction, Jackson (MS)
2023
Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning
2026
Legal awards and honors
Lawyer of the Year — Appellate Practice, Jackson (MS) (2023). Lawyer of the Year — Litigation - Construction, Jackson (MS) (2023). Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Commercial Litigation (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Construction (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Land Use and Zoning (2026).
Locations
Michael J. Bentley's office in Jackson
Michael's primary office is at 188 East Capitol Street, Jackson, Mississippi, 39201. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michael J. Bentley
Michael has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michael J. Bentley — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new appellate 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 appellate attorney in Jackson, Mississippi
A short list to run through before you commit: How many appellate 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 appellate practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every appellate 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 appellate practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael J. Bentley
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a appellate 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 appellate attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do appellate cases in Mississippi typically take?
Simple appellate 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 Jackson?
Michael is licensed in Mississippi. Matters governed by Mississippi 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 appellate 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
Appellate attorneys serving Jackson, Ridgeland and Gulfport in Mississippi
Michael handles appellate matters throughout Mississippi. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated appellate attorneys in Mississippi
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these appellate attorneys in Jackson handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.