Michelle Collins Zhao, Business Attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Over 16 years of legal practice · focused on Business, M&A, and Securities
AssociateatDorsey & Whitney LLP
Minneapolis, MN
Practicing business in Minneapolis since 2010.
- 16+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Michelle Collins Zhao?
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Quick answer
Michelle Collins Zhao is an associate based in Minneapolis, MN. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Securities. Michelle has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dorsey & Whitney LLP.
- Based in
- Minneapolis, MN
- Experience
- over 16 years
- Known for
- Business · M&A · Securities
- Handles Business, M&A, and Securities matters from Minneapolis, MN.
- Over 16 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Michelle Collins Zhao: Michelle Collins Zhao is an associate based in Minneapolis, MN. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Securities. Michelle has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dorsey & Whitney LLP.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Michelle takes on
Michelle concentrates on business, m&a, and securities. Each area below outlines the kind of case Michelle handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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M&A
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Securities
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Business cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Michelle takes business matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Michelle takes m&a matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Securities cases in Minneapolis, Minnesota
Michelle takes securities matters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Michelle agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Michelle Collins Zhao — business lawyer in Minneapolis
Michelle Collins Zhao is an associate based in Minneapolis, MN. The practice focuses on Business, M&A, and Securities. Michelle has over 16 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Dorsey & Whitney LLP.
Michelle Collins Zhao is a lawyer practicing corporate and securities law, corporate governance and compliance, mergers and acquisitions and 1 other area of law. Michelle received a B.A. degree from University of Minnesota in 2004, and has been licensed for 16 years. Michelle practices at Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Minneapolis, MN.
Working with Michelle on a business matter
Michelle Collins Zhao is a lawyer practicing corporate and securities law, corporate governance and compliance, mergers and acquisitions and 1 other area of law. Michelle received a B.A. degree from University of Minnesota in 2004, and has been licensed for 16 years. Michelle practices at Dorsey & Whitney LLP in Minneapolis, MN.
Who Michelle represents
Michelle reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, m&a, and securities matters in Minneapolis and the surrounding Minnesota area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Harvard Law School
J.D. · 2010
University of Minnesota
B.A. · 2004
Jurisdictions
Michelle's state bar admissions
Minnesota
2010 · ACTIVE
Michelle studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in University of Minnesota.
Law school and academic background
Michelle completed J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.A. in University of Minnesota. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Michelle runs in Minnesota is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Michelle Collins Zhao's office in Minneapolis
Michelle's primary office is at 50 S. Sixth St., Minneapolis, MN, 55402-1498. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Michelle Collins Zhao
Michelle has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Michelle Collins Zhao — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Michelle usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Michelle charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michelle'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; Michelle will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Minneapolis, Minnesota
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 Michelle
Michelle 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. Michelle confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Michelle'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 Michelle Collins Zhao
How much does it cost to hire Michelle for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Michelle walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Michelle offer a free consultation?
Michelle charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Michelle's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Michelle's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Minnesota 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. Michelle gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Michelle take my case if I'm outside Minneapolis?
Michelle is licensed in Minnesota. Matters governed by Minnesota law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Michelle 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 Michelle?
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. Michelle will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Michelle accepting new business clients right now?
Michelle'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 Minneapolis, St Paul and Edina in Minnesota
Michelle handles business matters throughout Minnesota. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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