Michael Ian Werner

Real estate Attorney at Pittsburgh, PA

About
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Resume

Gets the job done.

Property Tax Assessment Appeal

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Real estate

30%

My Real Estate practice includes representation at Assessment Appeal Hearings, Closings, Landlord/Tenant matters, and much more. The Assessment Appeals that I handle are both before both the Board of Property Assessments and the Board of Viewers.
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22 years
Landlord or tenant

25%

I represent both Landlords and Tenants in every step of the Landlord/Tenant relationship. All the way from drafting and negotiating leases to litigating evictions.

22 years
Estate planning

20%

I prepare all forms of Estate Planning documents (including Wills, Trusts, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, Appointments of Standby Guardian, etc.) I also represent clients in the Administration of Estates.
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22 years
Business

15%

22 years
Elder law

10%

Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Wills and planning for Medicaid are all part of my Elder Law Practice.

22 years

Michael Werner represents individuals and businesses all across Pennsylvania. His practice focuses on estate planning/administration, general business matters, and nearly all facets of real estate law. Mr. Werner has developed a large property assessment appeal practice. Every year he successfully reduces and defends hundreds of residential and commercial property owners’ tax burdens. Mr. Werner frequently speaks and writes on the topic of Property Assessments.

Mr. Werner, a Centre County native, received his B.A. in Biology from the University of Vermont in 1997 and J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law in 2000. After law school, Mr. Werner worked as an associate at Abernathy, Auld & Young, P.C. in Pittsburgh’s North Hills until 2006 when he co-founded ZunderWerner, LLP. Ten years later, in 2016, Mr. Werner partnered with Philip Goldblum and Steven Sablowsky at the law firm of Goldblum Sablowsky in 2016.

In 2005, Mr. Werner was appointment by Judge R. Stanton Wettick to the Allegheny County Special Landlord/Tenant Arbitration Panel. On a regular basis, Mr. Werner serves as an arbitrator where he presides over landlord/tenant cases.

Mr. Werner has a unique ability to explain complicated legal issues in a manner that his clients can easily understand and use.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 21 years

State PA

Status Active

Acquired 2001

Updated 02/26/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Contact Michael

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Reviews

Write A Review

4.9 / 5.0

163 customer reviews

5 Star

97%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Christian | October 20, 2020

Gets the job done.

Michael helped me lower my property tax assessment nearly 30%. From the get-go, that was the target that he had in mind, and he made it look easy. Communication was straightforward, and he answered all the questions that I had about the process.

Posted by anonymous | October 16, 2020

Property Tax Assessment Appeal

Michael Werner did an excellent job pursuing a property tax appeal on my behalf on a contingency basis. He was able to secure a 30% reduction in the assessed value based on the purchase price with a minimal level of additional effort required on my part. Would definitely recommend his services for anyone pursuing a similar appeal.

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Posted by darrall | October 13, 2020

Well done

Above and beyond my expectations. He hit the mark at every turn and I never felt better a

Posted by Thomas/Skip | October 13, 2020

Allegheny County / Avonworth School District

Michael Werner, was referred to us by another Close attorney friend to handle our assessment appeal and our new location. Michael not only expedited but you’re an extremely positive outcome on our behalf. His attention to detail and how long of communication gave us no question that we had retained the correct attorney. He’s resourceful Friendly ,competent and maintains a high level of communication. We couldn’t recommend him any more highly

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Posted by Pete | October 17, 2018

Great Attorney

Attorney Werner , did what he said he would do. I felt he was very experienced in the tax assessment process for Allegheny county. Never left you guessing , patiently explained and answered all questions and most important ( RETURNED PHONE CALLS ). The fee was adequate and there was no surprises ( up charge ) in the total fee owed. I will again definitely hire this attorney in the future.

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Posted by Jeanne Marie | October 5, 2018

Fellow Attorney and recent Client - Over the Top Pleased

I endorse this lawyer with complete sincerity. Not only as a fellow attorney, but as a client. Michael recently handled a property assessment appeal for my family. He was professional, affordable and tremendously qualified. He and his team made the process SO easy. I basically didn't need to do anything except trust that Michael was handling everything. Not only did we receive a favorable decision, but our assessment was lowered by considerably more than we had even hoped for. I would recommend Michael to my friends and family and I continually recommend him to my clients who have legal needs in the areas that I do not practice. He is a competent and trustworthy attorney, as well as a really nice guy.

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Posted by Michael | September 20, 2018

Satisfied customer

The lawyer did a very good job on a appeal for property taxes on a home that I own saved me a lot of money.

Posted by Zach | August 31, 2018

Professional service

I purchased a property that’s value was far below the county’s assessment for property taxes. Mr. Werner's firm contacted me by mail to offer their services within a few months of the purchase. I simply filled out a form and Mr. Werner took care of the rest. He got the county’s assessment reduced by more than 2/3 of the original amount. I didn’t have to lift a finger, make a phone call or appear in court. He handled everything. And I think the terms of service were very fair, I merely had to pay a percentage of the money that he saved me. He was responsive, professional and I recommend his services to anyone who’s asking.

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Posted by Chuck | August 30, 2018

Real Estate Assessment Appeal

We contacted Micheal to assist with an assessment appeal after a recent real estate transaction. His advice and knowledge of the process was spot on. We didn’t get everything we wanted, but neither did the local school district. His educated guess at where we would end up was within $20 dollars. We saved more in annual savings than his representation fee.

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Posted by Shawn | February 27, 2018

Thoughtful advice

Michael returned my call promptly, listened to my needs, and gave me great advice related to my landlord-tenant issue. I will definitely use him again if my issue escalates

Posted by Mark | November 20, 2017

Property Assessment

Michael did an outstanding job in reducing our property assessment. He was very knowledgeable, sincere, and expertly explained the process. He was able to explain why he believed he would be successful for our respective property.

Posted by anonymous | November 18, 2017

The interaction with Michael went well. I have no complaints except for the difficulty of answering this survey.

Posted by Philip | October 26, 2017

He made a crappy situation better

Michael helped me to fight an increased value assessment (hence tax increase) on my home. He represented me at the hearings, kept me abreast of things along the way and helped to mitigate the increase that was being sought.

Posted by anonymous | September 28, 2017

Efficient and pleasant

Help us in a property tax appeal filed by the City. Successfully and significantly reduced the tax burden/tax increase we were facing. All taken care of with a few emails and a phone call.

Posted by anonymous | September 11, 2017

Very helpful and detailed

Mr. Werner spent time explaining the process and was very detailed in his response and help. He allowed for follow up questions and gave true answers based on my situation and not in a way to make additional profit from me. He seemed knowledgeable in the area of property assessments and I was satisfied with his work.

Posted by Jeanette Hosseini | September 8, 2017

small claims court advice

Michael Werner was gracious with his time to go over my small claim court questions. He explained the process and what approach is practical at the beginning stages and whether legal representation made sense. We discussed my options and possible outcomes. I felt very well informed after talking with him. At this point I won't get legal representation for my small claims I'll be filining, but if there is an appeal necessary, I will definitely be contactng Mr. Werner to represent me on this, or any other legal issues I may have in the Pittsburgh area.

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Posted by anonymous | September 6, 2017

Results

Michael is very focused and efficient. He answered our questions and most importantly reduced our property tax liability significantly.

Posted by Kim | August 24, 2017

Home/City Tax Reassessment

Michael was very helpful and took the time to answer all of my questions more than once. I would definitely use him again.

Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2017

Attorney

Hired him to reduce my property taxes on two rental properties. He was successful and this resulted in a significant reduction of my tax.

Posted by Lori | March 6, 2017

Thanks

It was a pleasure meeting Michael Werner concerning a real estate issue. He explained things in terms we could understand. I felt much better about the issue after speaking to him, and know my options now. I would recommend him highly.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Work Experience

Partner
Strassburger Mckenna Gutnick & Gefsky
2022 - Present

Arbitrator
Allegheny County's Special Landlord/Tenant Arbitration Panel
2005 - Present

Partner
Goldblum Sablowsky, LLC
2016 - 2022

Attorney
Participating Attorney With ARAG
2016 - 2022

Participating Attorney
Hyatt Legal Plans
2007 - 2022

Partner
ZunderWerner, LLP
2006 - 2016

Attorney
AARP Legal Services Network By GE
2004 - 2008

Associate
Abernethy, Auld & Young, P.C.
2000 - 2006

View all work experience

Education

Duquesne University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2000

University of Vermont
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1997

Legal Cases

Hundreds of Alleghney County Assessment Appeals
Lowered Property Taxes

Associations

Penn Future
Board Member
2022 - Present

Hillel JUC of Pittsburgh
Board Member
2021 - Present

Arbitrator on Allegheny County's Special Landlord/Tenant Arbitration Panel
Arbitrator
2005 - Present

Pennsylvania Bar Association
Member
2001 - Present

American Bar Association
Member
2001 - Present

Allegheny County Bar Association
Member
2001 - Present

BNI, Pittsburgh City Chapter
Member
2007 - 2010

JCC of Greater Pittsburgh, Camp Committee
Member
2005 - 2010

UJF Lunch and Learn Series
Chair
2004 - 2005

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Peer Review Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2018

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2017

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2016

AV Preeminent Rated
Martindale-Hubbell
2015

Wechsler Leadership Institute
United Jewish Federation
2004

View all awards

Publications

SMC Business Councils Government News
A Primer on Alleghney County Property Assessment Appeals
2010

Lost in Law?
Designation of a Standby Guardian (The piece missing from most Estate Plans)
2004

Lost in Law?
Planning Your Exit From Your Business
2004

Lost in Law?
Plan Your Estate So The State Doesn't Plan For You
2004

Lost in Law?
Not Everyone Needs A Will
2004

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Reducing Real Estate Taxes with Assessment Appels
Property Assessment Appeals
2017

Introduction to Estate Planning
Estate Planning
2015

Introduction to Estate Planning
Estate Planning
2015

Planning for Retirement
Estate Planning for Retirement
2014

Introduction to Estate Planning
Estate Planning
2014

Association of Municipal and School Solicitors
Allegheny County Reassessment: Preparing Your Case
2012

Introduction to Estate Planning
Estate Planning
2011

Bedford County Taxpayers Association
Bedford County Property Assessments
2011

Explaining Allegheny County Assessment Appeals
Allegheny County Assessment Appeals
2011

Peters Township Howard Hanna
2012 Allegheny County Reassessment
2011

Coldwell Banker Real Estate Commercial Division
2012 Allegheny County Reassessment
2011

Stock Shoppers
2012 Allegheny County Reassessment
2011

Coldwell Banker Real Estate South Hills Office
2012 Allegheny County Reassessment
2011

Alleghney County Bar Association Real Property Section
2012 Allegheny County Reassessment
2011

How an Assessment Appeal can impact the sale or purchase of real estate
Property Assessment Appeals
2010

Appealing your Bedford County Property Assessment to the Court of Common Pleas
Property Assessment Appeals
2010

Estate Planning 101
Estate Planning
2007

Estate Planning 101
Estate Planning
2006

Howard Hanna Seniors Seminar
Estate Planning for Seniors
2005

Estate Planning 101
Estate Planning
2005

Estate Planning 101
Estate Planning
2004

Estate Planning 101
Estate Planning
2003

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (19)

Given (38)

Endorse Michael

Gregory McCauley

Business Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Steven Sablowsky

Real estate Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Quatrini

Real estate Attorney | May 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"As an attorney myself, I was very pleased with Attorney Werner's work on my real estate assessment appeal. I will certainly recommend him to any of my family or friends."

David Manes

Real estate Attorney | Sep 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Watson

Real estate Attorney | Aug 14
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Very talented in handling Real Estate tax appeals. Works efficiently and professionally. Maintains an ideal level of client contact and is well respected by his clients."

Inna Rifman

General practice Attorney | Mar 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is an intelligent and zealous advocate for his clients."

Jonathan Stewart

General practice Attorney | Mar 10
Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a very knowledgeable attorney. I highly recommend his services."

Mallory Gold

Landlord or tenant Attorney | Sep 15
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I have had the pleasure and honor to work for Michael Werner as a law clerk, and would recommend him to anyone. He is an excellent attorney who gives his utmost attention and care to every single one of his clients. Mr. Werner has a vast knowledge of Estate planning, Landlord/Tenant disputes, Property Assessment Appeals, and Business formations. My experience at his firm has taught me important skills that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my career as an attorney. Michael pays careful attention to each and everyone of his client's needs, and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking legal services."

Michael Della Vecchia

General practice Attorney | Jul 15
Relationship: Friend

"I highly endorse Michael Werner for general practice matters as well as for real estate and landlord/tenant law."

Peter Schnore

Real estate Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Michael Werner. He is top of mind when I am asked for a referral for the types of real property tax assessment appeals that Mike handles. I have found Mike to really know tax assessment law, and to operate with the highest ethical standards in his relationships with clients, members of the tax assessment appeal bar, and the Boards and Courts in which he practices."

Brooke McMorrow

Appeals Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to real estate assessment appeals. He is also reliable and a hard worker."

Sharon DiPaolo

Real estate Attorney | Jun 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael simply is the best when it comes to residential tax appeals in and around the Pittsburgh area. Michael is razor-sharp, creative and energetic. He has brought his extensive experience and expertise to bear to successfully resolve hundreds of tax appeals. I refer my own clients to Michael -- a lawyer's highest praise -- and I know that they are in good hands when Michael is working on their cases."

George Heym

Real estate Attorney | May 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Seth Dresbold

Estate planning Attorney | Jul 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working with Michael on several estate planning matters for clients and have found him to be extremely knowledgeable and helpful."

Christian Lassen

Real estate Attorney | Dec 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kimberly Kisner

Estate planning Attorney | Sep 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Michael for several years and never hesitate in referring him an estate-related matter. Last fall, he swiftly processed an estate for a friend whose mother passed suddenly without a will. I also count on Michael to draft wills and other estate documents for my individual business clients. Michael is amongst my most trusted colleagues."

James Rubin

Real estate Attorney | Sep 01
Relationship: Friend

"I have known Michael for more than a decade. He has all of the qualities that clients want in their lawyer: he is honest, conscientious, and dilligent. I highly recommend him."

Jeffrey Pollock

General practice Attorney | Oct 16
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I know him to be a hard-working, honest, fair, and collegial adversary and colleague. He ans his partner run a very successful and respected firm."

Hal Coffey

Estate planning Attorney | Aug 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael is well respected in the legal and general community. I have referred several matters to him and sought his feedback on estate matters before as well, all with excellent results."

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