Michael J. Skinner

Michael J. Skinner, Cannabis Attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Over 19 years of legal practice · focused on Cannabis, Civil Rights, and Consumer

MemberatSkinner Law Firm

West Chester, PA

Practicing cannabis in West Chester since 2007.

19+
Years practicing
3
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Michael J. Skinner is a member based in West Chester, PA. The practice focuses on Cannabis, Civil Rights, and Consumer. Michael has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Skinner Law Firm.

Based in
West Chester, PA
Experience
over 19 years
Known for
Cannabis · Civil Rights · Consumer
  • Handles Cannabis, Civil Rights, and Consumer matters from West Chester, PA.
  • Over 19 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

About Michael J. Skinner: Michael J. Skinner is a member based in West Chester, PA. The practice focuses on Cannabis, Civil Rights, and Consumer. Michael has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Skinner Law Firm.

Areas of practice

Michael's practice areas in West Chester

Michael concentrates on cannabis, civil rights, consumer, criminal defense, and drug crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Cannabis cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Michael takes cannabis matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. 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.

Civil Rights cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Michael takes civil rights matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. 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.

Consumer cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Michael takes consumer matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. 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 West Chester, Pennsylvania

Michael takes criminal defense matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. 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.

Drug Crimes cases in West Chester, Pennsylvania

Michael takes drug crimes matters in West Chester, Pennsylvania. 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 J. Skinner, cannabis attorney serving West Chester

Michael J. Skinner is a member based in West Chester, PA. The practice focuses on Cannabis, Civil Rights, and Consumer. Michael has over 19 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Skinner Law Firm. Michael works from West Chester, Pennsylvania and takes on cannabis matters across the region.

Michael J. Skinner is the founder of Skinner Law Firm and has been practicing criminal law for many years. As a former Assistant District Attorney in Chester County, Michael has handled various types of criminal cases, including DUI cases, drug charges, violent crimes, and homicide cases. His insight into how the criminal justice system works and how prosecutors think is valuable to successfully defending any criminal case.

Before deciding to open his own criminal defense firm, Michael spent several years working for the Chester County District Attorney’s (DA’s) Office. He began working as an intern during law school, but upon graduation and demonstration of a high level of talent and knowledge, he was quickly promoted to Assistant District Attorney.

Through this position, he handled hundreds of criminal cases in a variety of practice areas and prosecuted numerous DUI cases. Before his time at the DA’s office, Michael gained significant criminal defense experience working for a private law firm.

Prior to attending college, Michael – a Pennsylvania native, spent several years working as an arborist in his father’s tree business, where he learned the values of hard work and responsibility. He was born and raised in Delaware County, and has been living in Chester County since 2001.

Notable Verdicts/Settlements

• Man acquitted of murder, not guilty on all charges

• Third-degree murder withdrawn, reduced to aggravated assault

• Aggravated assault dismissed, reduced to summary offense

• DUI dismissed, charges dismissed for lack of evidence

• Chemical test refusal dismissed, DUI refusal suspension overturned

• Felony rape and kidnapping dismissed, charges reduced

• Felony sex crimes dismissed, all charges dismissed

Honors And Awards

• Main Line Today Magazine, Top Lawyers, 2015 – 2019

• Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Selectee, 2017

• National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2015 – 2017

• American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 10 Best for Client Satisfaction, 2015

• American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys, 10 Best for Client Satisfaction, 2015

• Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Appreciation of Service and Dedication, 2011

Publications

• PRWEB , Supreme Court to Decide if Dissipation of Alcohol in Bloodstream is Exigent Circumstances, 2013

• PRWEB , Sexual Offenses and Penalties in Pennsylvania Among Recent Sex Abuse Allegations, 2012

• PRWEB, Pennsylvania Sexting Law Goes into Effect, 2012

• PRWEB, Medical Marijuana Legislation Recently Proposed in Pennsylvania , 2011

Work Experience

• Skinner Law Firm, LLC, Founder, 2011 – Present

• Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Assistant District Attorney, 2006 – 2011

• Delaware Civil Clinic, Trial Counsel, 2006

• Goldberg, Meanix & Muth, Legal Assistant, 2003 – 2004

Professional Associations & Memberships

• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 2015 – Present

• American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, Member, 2015

• American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys, Member, 2015

• National College for DUI Defense, Member, 2015 – Present

• Rotary Club of West Chester, Member, 2015 – 2018

• Better Business Bureau, Member, 2013 – 2015

• Chester County Bar Association, Young Lawyer’s Division – Past Secretary-Elect, 2012

• Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 2011 – Present

• Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present

• Chester County Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present

• American Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present

Working with Michael on a cannabis matter

Michael J. Skinner is the founder of Skinner Law Firm and has been practicing criminal law for many years. As a former Assistant District Attorney in Chester County, Michael has handled various types of criminal cases, including DUI cases, drug charges, violent crimes, and homicide cases. His insight into how the criminal justice system works and how prosecutors think is valuable to successfully…

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for cannabis, civil rights, and consumer matters in West Chester and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Michael studied and practices

  • Widener University School of Law

    J.D. · 2017

  • West Chester University of Pennsylvania

    B.S. · 2003

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

  • United States Distri

    2008 · ACTIVE

  • Pennsylvania

    2007 · ACTIVE

  • New Jersey

    2007 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. in Widener University School of Law and B.S. in West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. in Widener University School of Law and B.S. in West Chester University of Pennsylvania. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Michael J. Skinner's office in West Chester

Michael's primary office is at 105 E Evans Street, Suite D, West Chester, PA, 19380. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Skinner Law Firm

105 E Evans Street, Suite D

West Chester, PA 19380

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael J. Skinner

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Hiring guide

How to hire Michael J. Skinner — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new cannabis 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 cannabis attorney in West Chester, Pennsylvania

A short list to run through before you commit: How many cannabis 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 cannabis practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every cannabis 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 cannabis practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Michael J. Skinner

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

  • How long do cannabis cases in Pennsylvania typically take?

    Simple cannabis 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 West Chester?

    Michael is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania 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 cannabis 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

Cannabis attorneys serving West Chester, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania

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

More counsel

If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these cannabis attorneys in West Chester handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.