
Michael Joseph Underwood, ADR Attorney in Columbus, Ohio
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on ADR, Discrimination, and Employment · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratPorter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
Columbus, OH
Practicing adr in Columbus since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael Joseph Underwood?
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Quick answer
Michael Joseph Underwood is a partner based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on ADR, Discrimination, and Employment. Michael has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Columbus, OH
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- ADR · Discrimination · Employment
- Handles ADR, Discrimination, and Employment matters from Columbus, OH.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael Joseph Underwood: Michael Joseph Underwood is a partner based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on ADR, Discrimination, and Employment. Michael has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Michael Joseph Underwood
Michael concentrates on adr, discrimination, employment, employment contracts, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
ADR
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Discrimination
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Employment
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Employment Contracts
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General
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Government
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Litigation
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Trade Secrets
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Whistleblower
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Workers Comp
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Wrongful Termination
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Business
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Health Care
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ADR cases in Columbus, Ohio
Michael takes adr matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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.
Discrimination cases in Columbus, Ohio
Michael takes discrimination matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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.
Employment cases in Columbus, Ohio
Michael takes employment matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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.
Employment Contracts cases in Columbus, Ohio
Michael takes employment contracts matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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 Columbus, Ohio
Michael takes general matters in Columbus, Ohio. 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 Joseph Underwood — Over 46 years of Ohio adr experience
Michael Joseph Underwood is a partner based in Columbus, OH. The practice focuses on ADR, Discrimination, and Employment. Michael has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Michael Joseph Underwood is a lawyer practicing labor & employment, employment discrimination and wrongful discharge litigation, workplace privacy and 17 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Pittsburgh in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. Michael practices at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP in Columbus, OH.
Working with Michael on a adr matter
Michael Joseph Underwood is a lawyer practicing labor & employment, employment discrimination and wrongful discharge litigation, workplace privacy and 17 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from University of Pittsburgh in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. Michael practices at Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP in Columbus, OH.
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for adr, discrimination, and employment matters in Columbus and the surrounding Ohio area.
Credentials
Michael Joseph Underwood's legal education and bar admissions
University of Pittsburgh
J.D. · 1980
University of Pittsburgh
B.A. · 1976
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1981 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1980 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in University of Pittsburgh and B.A. in University of Pittsburgh.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in University of Pittsburgh and B.A. in University of Pittsburgh. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michael runs in Ohio is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Michael Joseph Underwood
Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Michael's professional memberships and bar associations
Columbus (Chairperson, Labor and Employment Law Committee, 1990-1992), Ohio State and American Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Michael Joseph Underwood's office in Columbus
Michael's primary office is at 41 South High St., Ste. 3100, Columbus, OH, 43215-6194. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
41 South High St., Ste. 3100
Columbus, OH 43215-6194
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Michael Joseph Underwood — 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 adr attorneys in Columbus.
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 Joseph Underwood claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael Joseph Underwood — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new adr 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 adr attorney in Columbus, Ohio
A short list to run through before you commit: How many adr 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 adr practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every adr 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 adr practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Michael Joseph Underwood
How much does it cost to hire Michael for a adr 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 adr attorneys offer free consults — check Michael's current terms during booking.
How long do adr cases in Ohio typically take?
Simple adr 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 Columbus?
Michael is licensed in Ohio. Matters governed by Ohio 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 adr 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
ADR attorneys serving Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati in Ohio
Michael handles adr matters throughout Ohio. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified adr attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated adr attorneys in Ohio
If Michael's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these adr attorneys in Columbus handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





