Ned Michie
​Attorney at law

Representing ​Virginia Clients
For Over 30 Years

Free Consultation
​
Reasonable Rates

Experience Matters

Personal Attention to Every Case

Office in Charlottesville, Virginia
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​​(434) 296-1198

Call

I've been honored to be chosen by multiple lawyers and law professors for
​legal representation of themselves or their family members on criminal and traffic cases. 
​Let me put my experience to work for you.

Free Initial Consultation

​     If you have legal issues, questions, or pending cases arising in Central Virginia that may be within my areas of practice, please call me for a free telephone consultation. (For workers' compensation cases, I represent seriously injured Virginia workers well beyond Charlottesville and surrounding counties.)
You can also initiate communication by e-mail, but a phone conversation is generally the best way for me to more fully understand your situation and be able to provide you with the most accurate information I can.  

      I can also help you determine if your issue or case really requires the involvement of attorney at all. Moreover, if I’m not a good match for your situation, I can offer you referrals to other attorneys whose area of practice might better match your situation or issues. Unlike some lawyers, I will not pressure you to hire me.
It is an important decision, and it is worth taking the time to make the right choice.

I also will not give you unrealistic promises about how your case will turn out.
​I will always give you my honest opinion about the good, the bad, and the ugly of your case.
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Reasonable Rates

     Because I keep my overhead low, I am able to charge reasonable rates while providing top-notch, experienced, personalized representation. Other attorneys need to bill enough per month to cover the salaries of their staff and expensive downtown office rent, while my fixed costs are much lower because of the personalized service I provide.

Fees in Criminal, DUI, Traffic, and Rights Restoration Cases

     During our initial phone conversation, if it seems like a good fit for me to represent you, then I can generally give you a firm price quote for my services. If we decide to proceed with representation, then we can set up an appointment where we can further delve into the facts, legal issues, possible defenses, and potential outcome of your case. For individuals out of the area who have a traffic or minor criminal matter in Central Virginia, I am generally able to get needed information over the phone and/or e-mail, so that you do not have to take the time to come in for an appointment.  

     Representation begins when you decide to hire me and a retainer fee is paid. Many attorneys require the entire fee to be paid up front, but if you reside locally, I generally require only half my fee at the time I am retained, with the remainder paid on or shortly before the court date.

Workers' Compensation Fees and Costs

     Attorneys’ fees in workers’ compensation cases must be approved by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, and I do not request a fee if you receive no compensation, medical benefits, or other benefits allowed by the Workers’ Compensation Act. 

       The Workers' Compensation Commission must approve all attorney's fees charged.  When a litigated case  goes to a hearing (i.e., no settlement is reached), the Commission will make an award of attorney's fees as part of its decision regarding the case and issues being litigated. Attorneys may also request attorneys' fees in situations where work has been done by the attorney and a positive result has been obtained but no decision is pending before the Commission. The amount requested or awarded will depend on the complexity of the case and the amount of work involved.

      When a workers' compensation case ends with a settlement, the attorney representing the injured worker usually requests that the Commission approve a fee equal to 20% of the amount recovered. This is a significantly lower contingency fee than that generally charged in personal injury cases, where fees can be as high as 40% of the recovery, depending on the type and complexity of the case. Any out-of-pocket costs which the lawyer incurs during the course of representation (such as court reporter fees, postage, or fees charged by medical providers to supply records) also remain the responsibility of the client, on top of attorney's fees charged. These costs are often simply reimbursed out of settlements and awards, and attorneys are allowed to consider waiving recovery of costs from a client at the conclusion of an unsuccessful case.  These rules about litigation costs apply to ALL lawyers.

Personal Injury Cases

        Attorneys' fees in personal injury cases are handled on a percentage basis, with the fees coming out of any recovery you receive. You don't pay any attorney's fees until and unless there is a recovery for you. Fees range from 25 to 40 percent of the recovery amount, depending on the type and complexity of the case.  Contact me about the facts of your particular case.  Any out-of-pocket costs which the lawyer incurs during the course of representation (such as court reporter fees, postage, or fees charged by medical providers to supply records) also remain the responsibility of the client, on top of attorney's fees charged. These costs are often simply reimbursed out of settlements and awards, and attorneys are allowed to consider waiving recovery of costs from a client at the conclusion of an unsuccessful case.  These rules about litigation costs apply to ALL lawyers.
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