Michael J. Chmiel, Appellate Attorney in Buffalo, New York
Over 26 years of legal practice · focused on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense · 4.5/5 rating from 22 verified client reviews
MemberatChelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte, P.C.
Buffalo, NY
Practicing appellate in Buffalo since 2000.
- 26+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 22 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael J. Chmiel?
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Quick answer
Michael J. Chmiel is a member based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense. Michael has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte, P.C.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.
- Based in
- Buffalo, NY
- Experience
- over 26 years
- Known for
- Appellate · Bankruptcy · Criminal Defense
- Handles Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense matters from Buffalo, NY.
- Over 26 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael J. Chmiel: Michael J. Chmiel is a member based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense. Michael has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte, P.C.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michael takes on
Michael concentrates on appellate, bankruptcy, criminal defense, family law, and insurance. 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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Bankruptcy
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Criminal Defense
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Family Law
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Business
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Appellate cases in Buffalo, New York
Michael takes appellate matters in Buffalo, New York. 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.
Bankruptcy cases in Buffalo, New York
Michael takes bankruptcy matters in Buffalo, New York. 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.
Criminal Defense cases in Buffalo, New York
Michael takes criminal defense matters in Buffalo, New York. 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.
Family Law cases in Buffalo, New York
Michael takes family law matters in Buffalo, New York. 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 Buffalo, New York
Michael takes insurance matters in Buffalo, New York. 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 J. Chmiel — appellate lawyer in Buffalo
Michael J. Chmiel is a member based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Appellate, Bankruptcy, and Criminal Defense. Michael has over 26 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte, P.C.. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 22 client reviews.
{newline}{newline}Award:
Semifinalist, Desmond Moot Court Competition, 1997
Classes/Seminars Taught{newline}{newline}"New Developments in Personal Injury Litigation - Healthcare Insurers' Right of Subrogation and Medicare Repayment Issues" for the Erie Institute of Law (Erie County Bar Association) - May 26, 2010{newline}{newline}Professional Associations and Memberships{newline}{newline}Charles S. Desmond Inn of Court{newline}{newline}Defense Trial Lawyers Association{newline}{newline}Erie County Bar Association{newline}{newline}Matrimonial Committee{newline}{newline}Criminal Law Committee{newline}{newline}New York State Bar Association{newline}{newline}Moot Court Board 1996-1999{newline}{newline}University of Buffalo School of Law Alumni Association{newline}{newline}Western New York Trial Lawyers Association.
Michael's approach to appellate cases
{newline}{newline}Award: Semifinalist, Desmond Moot Court Competition, 1997 Classes/Seminars Taught{newline}{newline}"New Developments in Personal Injury Litigation - Healthcare Insurers' Right of Subrogation and Medicare Repayment Issues" for the Erie Institute of Law (Erie County Bar Association) - May 26, 2010{newline}{newline}Professional Associations and Memberships{newline}{newline}Charles…
The kind of cases Michael takes
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for appellate, bankruptcy, and criminal defense matters in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law
J.D. · 1999
State University of New York at Buffalo
B.A. Political · 1995
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
2005 · ACTIVE
U.S. Bankruptcy Cour
2003 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2002 · ACTIVE
New York
2000 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and B.A. Political in State University of New York at Buffalo.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and B.A. Political in State University of New York at Buffalo. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in New York 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 J. Chmiel's office in Buffalo
Michael's primary office is at Main Court Building at Lafayette Square, 438 Main Street, Tenth Floor, Buffalo, NY, 14202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Chelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte, P.C.
Main Court Building at Lafayette Square, 438 Main Street, Tenth Floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael J. Chmiel — 4.5/5 rating from 22 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 appellate attorneys in Buffalo.
4.5
22 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael J. Chmiel claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael J. Chmiel — 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 Buffalo, New York
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. Chmiel
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 New York 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 Buffalo?
Michael is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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 Buffalo and Albany in New York
Michael handles appellate matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified appellate attorneys in that community.
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Other top-rated appellate attorneys in New York
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