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About Michael
Michael T. Benz is an attorney handling nursing home abuse and neglect, personal injury, medical malpractice cases. His motto and practice is to prepare every case as though it will be a jury trial; and he is confident that his trial preparation is the key to getting the best result for his clients.
Mr. Benz brings vast trial experience with him to Brown Chiari LLP, having tried hundreds of cases as an Assistant Defender at the nationally recognized Defender Association of Philadelphia, before starting his own private criminal defense practice in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. As a native “Buffalonian” he has recently returned to Western New York to raise his family and continue his career.
Mr. Benz graduated cum laude from Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law, where he sharpened his trial skills as a member of Drexel's award winning mock trial team. Michael won the Texas Young Lawyer's Association Regional Competition two years in a row, receiving the honor of Best Advocate each time. After graduation Michael became one of the first graduates to join the mock trial coaching staff as an adjunct professor.
Mr. Benz is admitted to practice law in New York and Pennsylvania, as well as the federal districts for the Western District of New York & Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
Practice areas
Languages spoken
English
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| NY | Currently registered | 2018 | 12/06/2019 |
| PA | Active | 2012 | 11/17/2019 |
| Legal answers | 30 |
| Legal guides | 0 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2019 |
| Rising Star | SuperLawyers | 2018 |
| Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2017 |
| Top 40 Under 40 | National Trial Lawyers | 2016 |
| Regional Champion Mock Trial Team | Texas Young Lawyers Association | 2016 |
| Top 10 Under 40 | National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys | 2016 |
|---|---|---|
| James J. Manderino Award for Trial Advocacy | Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association | 2012 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney | Brown Chiari LLP | 2019 - Present |
| Attorney | Hogan Willig | 2018 - 2019 |
| Owner | Benz Law, LLC | 2016 - 2018 |
| Attorney | Defender Association Of Philadelphia | 2012 - 2016 |
| Mock Trial Coach | Drexel University Kline School of Law | 2012 - 2016 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2018 - Present |
| Bar Association of Erie County | Member | 2018 - Present |
| New York State Bar Association | N/A | N/A |
| Pennsylvania Bar Association | Member | 2013 - 2017 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| WGRZ- Channel 2 News | Buffalo Billion executive, hoping to avoid prison, could get wish | 2019 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Drexel University College of Law | Doctor of Law (J.D.) | 2012 |
| State University of New York College At Buffalo | Bachelor of Science (BS) | 2009 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Lawyer Dinner Panel: | Drugs & the Criminal Justice System | 2013 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Com. v. B.S. | Not Guilty All Charges |
| Com. v. L.R. | Not Guilty All Charges |
| Com. v. J.P. | Charges dismissed |
| Com. v. J.M. | Not Guilty All Charges |
| Com. v. C.F. | Not Guilty All Charges |
| Com. v. T.J. | Not Guilty All Charges |
|---|---|
| Com. v. R.L. | Not guilty all charges |
| Com. v. C.G. | Not guilty all charges |
| Com. v. K.W. | Not guilty all charges |
| Com. v. J.N. | Not guilty all charges |
| People v. Bouton | Case Dismissed |
Thank you, Michael
Posted by anonymous
Wed Mar 15 2017
one of the Best attorney
Posted by anonymous
Fri Mar 10 2017
Attorney endorsements
(23)Joseph Coleman, Criminal defense Attorney on May 18, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mike is an aggressive trial attorney that is always ready for trial. Highly recommended!
David Lazenski, Business Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Paul Pochepan, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Robert Michalak, Construction and development Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
J Kelleher, Commercial real estate Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Leonard London, Corporate and incorporation Attorney on Apr 26, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Jeffrey Tyrpak, Real estate Attorney on Apr 26, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Bruce Ikefugi, Real estate Attorney on Apr 26, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Catherine Aughey, Medical malpractice Attorney on Apr 25, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Ryan Johnsen, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 23, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker
I endorse this lawyer.
Royce Smith, Medical malpractice Attorney on May 23, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Fearless. Fiery. And Fair. When someone combines these attributes he is difficult to beat. Michael Benz has earned the respect of the judiciary, opposing prosecutors, and virtually anyone else who meets him in the street. A unique talent. A style all his own. With the knowledge and work ethic to back it all up. I proudly endorse this lawyer.
Marni Snyder, Criminal defense Attorney on May 2, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike will evaluate your priorities and protect your freedom and your rights. He cross examination is excellent. I strongly endorse this lawyer.
Leo Mulvihill, Land use and zoning Attorney on Apr 29, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr Benz's always dapper appearance inspires well-warranted confidence in his abilities; he has both style and substance. And not only does he know the law, he knows how to talk to people. These two things are essential to to make a dammed good trial lawyer. Put it this way, if I were in trouble, I'd trust my own defense to him. Can you think of a better endorsement from a fellow defense attorney?
Brian Zeiger, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 29, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Benz is like a surgeon with a precision laser cutting through the nonsense in the courtroom. He understands the real issues and what is important to his clients. Benz is the real deal. A true fighter.
Conor Wilson, Violent crime Attorney on Apr 28, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mike is an excellent attorney. He earns impressive results for his clients through an unrivaled command of the courtroom. As importantly, he displays the personal communication skills and compassion that each client deserves. I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Robert Link, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 28, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have seen Mike rise up through the ranks of criminal defense attorneys in Philadelphia to quickly become one of the elite lawyers in the City. When a witness takes the stand he goes in for the kill. He thirsts for blood in the courtroom, which is why his clients refer to him simply as "The Beast".
Christopher DiMuzio, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 28, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Michael is a tireless worker who always puts his clients' needs first. He prides himself on being the smartest person in the courtroom by knowing every aspect of his client's case. His trial skills are second none and lead to favorable results for his clients. Michael is never afraid to take a case to trial or negotiate on his client's behalf. I strongly endorse this lawyer.
Andrew Montroy, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 28, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Benz is a diligent and trustworthy practitioner. I have personally witnessed him successfully litigate motions and obtain not guilty verdicts.
Daniel McGarrigle, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 27, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Benz is a lawyer who takes great pride in his work. He is a fierce advocate for his clients and while in front of a jury he is truly king of the courtroom.
. Nadum, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 4, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Top notch attorney. Smart, personable and I'd trust him if my freedom was on the line.
Cost
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