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Michael T. Benz

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Avvo Rating9.9
  • Buffalo, NY
  • Licensed for 8 years
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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

Nursing home abuse and neglectPersonal injury
  1. Personal injury: 50%

  2. Nursing home abuse and neglect: 50%

Languages spoken

English

Contact

2470 Walden Ave
address map

Brown Chiari LLP

2470 Walden Ave
Buffalo, NY, 14225

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
NYCurrently registered 201810/30/2020
PAActive201211/04/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers30
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2019
Rising StarSuperLawyers2018
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2017
Top 40 Under 40National Trial Lawyers2016
Regional Champion Mock Trial TeamTexas Young Lawyers Association2016
Top 10 Under 40National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys2016
James J. Manderino Award for Trial AdvocacyPhiladelphia Trial Lawyers Association2012
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyBrown Chiari LLP2019 - Present
AttorneyHogan Willig2018 - 2019
OwnerBenz Law, LLC2016 - 2018
AttorneyDefender Association Of Philadelphia2012 - 2016
Mock Trial CoachDrexel University Kline School of Law2012 - 2016
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
New York State Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2018 - Present
Bar Association of Erie CountyMember2018 - Present
New York State Bar AssociationN/AN/A
Pennsylvania Bar AssociationMember2013 - 2017
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
WGRZ- Channel 2 NewsBuffalo Billion executive, hoping to avoid prison, could get wish2019
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Drexel University College of LawDoctor of Law (J.D.)2012
State University of New York College At BuffaloBachelor of Science (BS)2009
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Criminal Lawyer Dinner Panel:Drugs & the Criminal Justice System2013
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
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. BoutonCase Dismissed

Reviews

(6)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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Review Michael Benz

Thank you, Michael

Posted by

Michael was very professional in the handling of my son's case involving getting time served for first offense of breaking probation. It was slighty complicated because my son was in Montgomery county where they are very strict with marijuana charges and breaking probation. He was successful in getting time served with another year of probation. Michael was available at all times to talk with me over the phone to answer my many questions. He was also very reasonable with his fees. I highly recommend him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

one of the Best attorney

Posted by

Mr Benz is one of the best attorney I have ever seen. He speaks to the point. My experience with Mr Benz was positive from the first moment I consulted with him. He was attentive, thorough, and helpful throughout a very difficult time. He always responds quickly and effectively with any questions or issues as they arose. I highly recommend Mr Michael Benz.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Definitely Recommended !!!!

Posted by

Was always available by email or phone conversation. Asked me my opinion and involved me throughout the trial. Very personable and prepared. The best part was the "not guilty " verdict on all charges !!!!! -Thanks Mr. Benz
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Awesome attorney! Michael Benz

Posted by

Michael Benz represented my teenage daughter with a juvenile case. Mr. Benz is very knowledgeable. He is also very professional. I am very pleased with how he handled our case! I will definitely hire him again if need be.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Fearless.

Posted by

Fearless. Fiery. And Fair. When a trial lawyer combines these attributes he is difficult to beat. Michael Benz has earned the respect of prosecutors, judges, and virtually everyone who sees him in Court or simply meets him on the street. He is a unique talent. He has a style all his own. But most importantly, he has the knowledge and work ethic to back it up.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent representation

Posted by

Michael is a top notch trial attorney who I trust to handle any and all criminal referrals I may have. He is second to none in the court room and always more prepared than the other side. He communicates well with his clients and explains their options so they feel comfortable and informed about any decisions moving forward.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Attorney endorsements

(23)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

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

I endorse this lawyer.

Paul Pochepan, Personal injury Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Robert Michalak, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

J Kelleher, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 27, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Leonard London, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 26, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Jeffrey Tyrpak, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 26, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Bruce Ikefugi, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 26, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Catherine Aughey, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 25, 2018
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Ryan Johnsen

I endorse this lawyer.

Royce Smith, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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.