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 Ohio 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 Beachwood?

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 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.

Michael R. Stavnicky, Business Attorney in Beachwood

Quick answer

Michael R. Stavnicky is a principal based in Beachwood, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Estate Litigation. Michael has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A.. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 25 client reviews.

Based in: Beachwood, OH
Experience: over 32 years
Known for: Business · Construction · Estate Litigation

Handles Business, Construction, and Estate Litigation matters from Beachwood, OH.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Michael R. Stavnicky

Michael concentrates on business, construction, estate litigation, landlord/tenant, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michael handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Beachwood, Ohio

Michael takes business matters in Beachwood, 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.

Construction cases in Beachwood, Ohio

Michael takes construction matters in Beachwood, 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.

Estate Litigation cases in Beachwood, Ohio

Michael takes estate litigation matters in Beachwood, 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.

Landlord/Tenant cases in Beachwood, Ohio

Michael takes landlord/tenant matters in Beachwood, 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.

Litigation cases in Beachwood, Ohio

Michael takes litigation matters in Beachwood, 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 R. Stavnicky — Over 32 years of Ohio business experience

Michael R. Stavnicky is a principal based in Beachwood, OH. The practice focuses on Business, Construction, and Estate Litigation. Michael has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A.. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 25 client reviews.

Michael R. Stavnicky is a Principal with the Cleveland law firm of Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A., where he heads up the firm’s litigation practice.

Prior to joining this firm, Mr. Stavnicky practiced with the Cleveland law firm of Conway, Marken, Wyner, Kurant & Kern.

Mr. Stavnicky graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. from Ohio University in 1991. At Ohio University, Mr. Stavnicky was a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society, Phi Kappa Phi and Phi Eta Sigma academic honor societies. He attended Law School at Cleveland State University where he earned his J.D., cum laude, in 1994. He was a member of the law review at Cleveland-Marshall and was awarded the American Jurisprudence Award. Mr. Stavnicky is also a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Established in 1995, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have successfully acted as lead counsel in cases in which their clients receive a verdict, decision, or settlement in excess of two million dollars. Mr. Stavnicky is rated BV® Distinguished™ by Martindale-Hubbell.

Mr. Stavnicky focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation, including the areas of real estate, closely-held business, contract, fraud, banking, commercial landlord-tenant, and construction.He has practiced at all levels, including at trial, on appeal and before the Ohio Supreme Court.Mr. Stavnicky has represented clients in local, state and federal court. Additionally, he is experienced in private, state and federal mediation and arbitration.In his practice, he is experienced in both plaintiff’s side and defendant’s side litigation.Mr. Stavnicky also counsels clients in the avoidance of litigation and the benefits of negotiated settlement.He has taught and spoken on litigation topics, including at the 2016 Real Estate Institute.

Mr. Stavnicky is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan, Ohio State, Geauga County and American Bar Associations.

How Michael handles business matters

Michael R. Stavnicky is a Principal with the Cleveland law firm of Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A., where he heads up the firm’s litigation practice. Prior to joining this firm, Mr. Stavnicky practiced with the Cleveland law firm of Conway, Marken, Wyner, Kurant & Kern. Mr. Stavnicky graduated summa cum laude with a B.S. from Ohio University in 1991. At Ohio University, Mr.…

Who Michael represents

Michael reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, construction, and estate litigation matters in Beachwood and the surrounding Ohio area.

Credentials

Michael R. Stavnicky's legal education and bar admissions

Cleveland Marshall College of Law
J.D. Cum · 1994
Ohio University
B.S. Summa · 1991

Jurisdictions

Michael's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1994 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1994 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1994 · ACTIVE

Michael studied at J.D. Cum in Cleveland Marshall College of Law and B.S. Summa in Ohio University.

Law school and academic background

Michael completed J.D. Cum in Cleveland Marshall College of Law and B.S. Summa in Ohio University. 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 R. Stavnicky

Michael has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Michael R. Stavnicky's office in Beachwood

Michael's primary office is at 3333 Richmond Road, Suite 370, Beachwood, OH, 44122. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Singerman, Mills, Desberg & Kauntz Co., L.P.A.

3333 Richmond Road, Suite 370

Beachwood, OH 44122

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Michael R. Stavnicky — 4.6/5 rating from 25 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 Beachwood.

4.6

25 client reviews

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Michael R. Stavnicky claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Michael R. Stavnicky — 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 Beachwood, Ohio

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 R. Stavnicky

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 Ohio 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 Beachwood?
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 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.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Ohio residents in the last few months, answered by business attorneys like Michael R. Stavnicky. Each link opens the full answer thread.

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1 verified answer · Business · California
What Are The Filing Requirements For A DBA In Nevada?
I want to operate my online business under a different name in Las Vegas, Nevada, but I’m not sure what the filing requirements are for a DBA (Doing Business As). What do I need to
1 verified answer · Business · Nevada
Can I Franchise My Business Without Legal Help In Minnesota?
I’ve been running a successful coffee shop in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and I want to franchise it. I’m not sure if I can handle the legal side of franchising on my own. Is it advisa
1 verified answer · Business · Minnesota

Areas served

Business attorneys serving Beachwood, Columbus and Cleveland in Ohio

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

Michael R. Stavnicky, Business Attorney in Beachwood, Ohio

Quick answer