J Michael Gallagher Law Office

I received a list of contacts from the Bar Association; I sent an email to every attorney on the list. My initial email simply stated that the court system is impossible to navigate pro se and therefore I am seeking an attorney to ensure that paperwork and scheduling are performed correctly and to provide representation in court. I briefly outlined the status of the case and a few key details upfront about what the case involved. The following is my interaction with Mr. Gallagher, verbatim: Mr. Gallagher's initial response to my inquiry, "I am not a paper pusher and don't work piece meal. My minimum retainer is $10k, flat fee for two months." My Response, "Can you please clarify what you mean by, 'I am not a paper pusher and don't work piece meal.'" Mr. Gallagher, "You hire a lawyer to represent you and prepare the case.   I usually ignore and circumvent any pleadings they have filed pro se before my involvement.   My law degree and 43 years in practice mean much more than your google search." My Response, "Okay. That is the purpose of seeking an attorney to hire, to rely upon their expertise and have them do the work needed to move the case forward. I'm confused on your proclamation that you don't do paperwork and that your law degree means more than google, and how that pertains to my inquiry on your services. I believe my point in my initial inquiry was that this court system is hostile to pro se representatives and therefore I need an attorney to represent this in court; the next step being [REDACTED], that is the current status of where this case is at. I appreciate your reply. I will be consulting elsewhere. Best wishes." Mr. Gallagher, "Haha. You get what you pay for. Good luck. Btw, my fee just went up to $15k." My Response, "J. Michael Gallagher, I am forwarding this interaction to the bar association. As I mentioned in my initial email, your contact information was provided to me directly from them. I think they would be interested in knowing how you conduct yourself. It sounds like 43 years in this business has turned you into a callous person with a false sense of importance, who is unable to have even a basic interaction without being exceedingly rude and projecting defensive statements without adequate prompting. It may be time for you to retire. No sane person would hire an attorney such as yourself for any amount of money. You need to remind yourself that this inquiry was an interview for a job on your part, where I would be hiring you. You represented yourself honestly and I am appreciative of how upfront you are with your personality defects. This is a business transaction and as the person with the funds approaching attorneys to bid on the job (You are one of 200 lawyers contacted, you are not special in this), I am in the position of authority here. It is sometimes hard to gauge whether a person is decent or not, especially as it pertains to lawyers. You made this easy and I will be sharing your words verbatim with other members of the community that are seeking legal counsel, as well as informing the bar association of how you interact with prospective clients. Godspeed." I wouldn't work with this guy even if he were holding a cardboard sign on the corner offering his services pro bono. In my opinion, it is unfortunate that someone of such poor character, in a field with already unsettling power dynamics where victims are often further victimized, has had a successful career spanning 43 years. I would not recommend reaching out to this lawyer.

Mr.Micha is very very very rude Very belittling when you say no thank you your not interested in his services..... no wonder you have a 2 8 rating. I'd advise to definitely avoid this man at all cost....

I witnessed this man’s behavior at a Coffee Stand close to his office earlier this week. He was inappropriate and talked down to the baristas while they made his coffee. I made a comment about the inappropriateness, and they reported this is a standard behavior by this man. His actions definitely changed my view of him.

Spoke to a paralegal here who was able to assist me! very knowledgeable and helpful! thank you Gallagher Law Office.

I believe that divorce is a always tragedy, even if its for the right reasons. J. Michael Gallagher is a brilliant lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the legal system. He is clear, direct and objective focused. He maintains excellent client control to achieve the most desirable outcomes possiable. As a prospective client it is important to fully understand that you as his client must cooperate with him, and then keep out of your own way and allow him to do the job you have hired him to do. Mr. Gallagher can be pretty gruff, but he truely values positive co-parenting strategies and what is in the best interest of children...and he expertly holds people accountable. J. Michael Gallagher as a law firm has a unique, but very reasonable fee system. The flat fee for two months covers ALL his, and his legal aid Sharon's, hours. Typically, a firm will both charge a large retainer and a high hourly rate. I am completely satisfied with the value and level of service he and Sharon have provided to my case. I cannot imagine going through any of this without them in my corner. Michael and Sharon, thank you so much for all your remarkable work on our behalf! I thank God for you both.