Michael M. Chelus, Business Attorney in Buffalo, New York
Over 22 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Copyright, and Creditor Rights · 4.9/5 rating from 12 verified client reviews
MemberatChelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte, P.C.
Buffalo, NY
Practicing business in Buffalo since 2004.
- 22+
- Years practicing
- 4.9 ★
- 12 client reviews
- 4
- Bar admissions
Are you Michael M. Chelus?
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Quick answer
Michael M. Chelus is a member based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Copyright, and Creditor Rights. Michael has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
- Based in
- Buffalo, NY
- Experience
- over 22 years
- Known for
- Business · Copyright · Creditor Rights
- Handles Business, Copyright, and Creditor Rights matters from Buffalo, NY.
- Over 22 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Michael M. Chelus: Michael M. Chelus is a member based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Copyright, and Creditor Rights. Michael has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 12 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Michael's practice areas in Buffalo
Michael concentrates on business, copyright, creditor rights, formation, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Copyright
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Creditor Rights
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Formation
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General
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Insurance
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IP
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Litigation
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M&A
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Personal Injury
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Real Estate
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Trademark
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Business cases in Buffalo, New York
Michael takes business 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.
Copyright cases in Buffalo, New York
Michael takes copyright 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.
Creditor Rights cases in Buffalo, New York
Michael takes creditor rights 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.
Formation cases in Buffalo, New York
Michael takes formation 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.
General cases in Buffalo, New York
Michael takes general 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
Michael M. Chelus, business attorney serving Buffalo
Michael M. Chelus is a member based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Copyright, and Creditor Rights. Michael has over 22 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Chelus, Herdzik, Speyer & Monte, P.C.. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 12 client reviews. Michael works from Buffalo, New York and takes on business matters across the region.
Published Works
Chapter 26 - "Exceeding the No-Fault Threshold: Serious Injury" in Insurance Law
Practice, Second Edition, published by the New York State Bar Association, 2006
Classes/Seminars TaughtAdjunct Professor at Bryant & Stratton College (2008 - present)
Professional Associations and Memberships American Bar Association
Defense Trial Lawyers Association of Western New York
Erie County Bar Association
Negligence Committee
Federal Practice Committee
Federation of Italian American Societies of Western New York (2005-2007)
New York State Bar Association
Torts Section
Insurance and Compensation Law Section
Intellectual Property Law Section
Orchard Park High School Academy of Finance
Advisory Board Member (2006-)
Penn State Alumni Association
Alumni Recruitment Volunteer
St. Thomas More Guild
University at Buffalo School of Law Alumni Association
Western New York Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association, Secretary (2009 - Present)
Western New York Trial Lawyers Association (2004-present)
Board of Directors (2008-2010).
Working with Michael on a business matter
Published Works Chapter 26 - "Exceeding the No-Fault Threshold: Serious Injury" in Insurance Law Practice, Second Edition, published by the New York State Bar Association, 2006 Classes/Seminars TaughtAdjunct Professor at Bryant & Stratton College (2008 - present) Professional Associations and Memberships American Bar Association Defense Trial Lawyers Association of Western New York Erie County…
Who Michael represents
Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, copyright, and creditor rights matters in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Michael studied and practices
State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law
J.D. · 2003
Pennsylvania State University
B.S. Management · 2000
Jurisdictions
Michael's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
2011 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
2007 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
2004 · ACTIVE
New York
2004 · ACTIVE
Michael studied at J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and B.S. Management in Pennsylvania State University.
Law school and academic background
Michael completed J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo School of Law and B.S. Management in Pennsylvania State University. 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
Michael's legal honors and published work
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 M. Chelus'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 M. Chelus — 4.9/5 rating from 12 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 business attorneys in Buffalo.
4.9
12 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael M. Chelus claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Michael M. Chelus — 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 Buffalo, New York
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 M. Chelus
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 New York 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 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 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.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Buffalo and Albany in New York
Michael handles business matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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