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Michael Gerard Louis

Commercial real estate Attorney at West Chester, PA

5.0   7 reviews

also known as Michael G. Louis, Michael Louis

Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • Licensed for 43 years
    State PA
    Acquired 1980
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN MORTGAGE FORECLOSURES, DEBT COLLECTIONS, & LOAN WORKOUTS. 610.709.6716

Michael’s practice supports the needs of businesses and homeowners in a changing economic environment. He has extensive experience in mortgage foreclosures, commercial litigation such as collection matters, business disputes, filing and defending confessions of judgment, and real estate litigation.

 

Practice Areas:

  • Banking & Finance Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Real Estate

 

Recent Representations:

  • Provided local counsel for a bank in litigation with a borrower in which the bank sued the borrower for $60 million and the borrower filed a separate action against the bank, alleging damages in excess of $60 million.
  • Represented landlord whose tenant defaulted on a commercial lease. Recovered possession of the leased property for landlord and all of the unpaid back rent plus the landlord’s attorneys’ fees.
  • Defended a client sued as a guarantor of a business loan by filing a petition to strike and/or open the judgment.
  • Debt workout/restructuring for client in restaurant business that defaulted on obligations to lender due to the slumping economy. Assisted the client in re-working certain loans and obligations and delaying others without losing business.
  • Obtained retroactive relief from automatic stay on client’s behalf after defaulting borrower filed bankruptcy on eve of execution on debtor’s real estate.
  • Represented client in investigation and litigation involving embezzlement and fraud by company employees. Successfully pursued former employees and obtained partial recovery of stolen funds.
  • Represented client sued by bankruptcy trustee for payments made to it on the eve of debtor’s bankruptcy. Resolved the matter with no payment to the bankruptcy trustee.

 

 

Photos and videos

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Contact Michael

MacElree Harvey, Ltd. West Chester
17 West Miner Street
Post Office Box 660
West Chester, PA, 19382-3213

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  7 customer reviews
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Posted by Gwen | June 13, 2012
Knowledgeable and compassionate attorney
I’ve been working with Michael Louis on several cases that involve our family business. Mr. Louis has taken the time to not only get familiar with our type of business, but to also get familiar with us as people. Mr. Louis is prepared when we enter the courtroom, professional as we face the judge, and as excited as we are when we emerge with a verdict in our favor. It was never my goal in life to need a lawyer for anything other than wills and minor business dealings. But that is not how things worked out. Thankfully, I have Michael in my corner and that has been a good thing.
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Posted by Nuhad | June 29, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Experience counts
I had a very difficult and complicated case related to real estate that could not be solved by other lawyers. Mr Louis took the case and worked on it patiently with determination and professionalism. He analyzed the problem and was able, given his experience, to get to the root of the issue that he addressed successfully and was able to win the case for me after some serious and meticulous efforts were invested. I recommend Mr Louis and his group with no reservation.
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Posted by anonymous | January 15, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Professional and effecient
Our case with a giant company was quite unique and most lawyers did not have confidence to take our case. The added problem was because we were Canadians and we need US lawyer who should represent us in our absence in the US. Michael was courageous and undaunted to extend his professional help. The Company who disregarded our consumers' rights, and disrespected the law, was shrunk by the first letter of Michael who represented us. Our legal battle was smooth sailing with the professionalism of Michael and his staff. Michael knows his stuff, and were assured by his experiences and expertise in dealing with real estate legal matters. Our battle ended in just over a month long with positive result. He represented us and work for what we were fighting for in our absence. We did not have to be in the US to fight for our rights. We highly recommend Michael and MacElree Harvey, Ltd for your legal cases.
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Posted by Craig | August 17, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional, knowledgable, and effective - Thank you!
It is a pleasure to write a review on the services MacElree and Harvey provided, specifically Mr. Michael Louis and Mr. Patrick Gallo. While my situation would likely be considered a minor case, for me it was very concerning. After contacting Mr. Louis he immediately assisted with a time sensitive court document and addressed my concerns regarding financial liability. After the initial concern was addressed, Mr. Patrick Gallo worked diligently on negotiating a reasonable settlement and provided me with several options. Both Mr. Gallo and Mr. Louis were always available, provided detailed explanations, were extremely professional, and treated my case with the utmost importance. In addition, their rates were very fair as they went “above and beyond” to assist. Thank you both for all your help.
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Posted by Annmarie | November 25, 2014
The Best of The Best
I've been dealing with Mike for about three years now as a non-profit company tries to take my service dog away from me. As a disabled person on a fixed income I am the type of person it is very easy for an attorney to shun and overlook but Mike has NEVER treated me with anything but the utmost of respect and kindness. When I don't understand something he takes the time to completely explain it. He has never taken more than a day and a half to get back to me with an answer to a question. I can not believe how blessed I have been to have him as my attorney!
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Posted by Luke | April 29, 2014
Helped a David thump a Goliath!
When my tiny company was sued by a massive global corporation as I was trying to protect my rights under their contract, I have to admit that I was horrified. Although I knew that I had a real case and solid claim against this vendor to my company, I was dwarfed by their juggernaut legal team and seemingly bottomless legal budget. Mr. Louis was referred to me by my local attorney (the suit was in Pennsylvania and I'm in a very small town in Iowa) and within ten minutes of our initial phone conversation, my anxiety of the enormity of this situation began to fade. He carefully listened to my story and asked me very relevant questions and by the end of the conversation was able to show me that not only did I have a solid defense against their claim, but that I also wielded a substantial counterclaim. We immediately began to build our case to defend and counter and after a few months of carefully executing his recommended process, we settled outside of court for a very reasonable amount. Had my company lost the case, we would have been bankrupted. Instead, he and his expert teammates focused on keeping the opposition on their heels. For round after round, my attorney fought an amazing fight, and I was so pleased to see this corporate giant so often on the ropes. His letters were so carefully composed and structured, my confidence increased each time I read them. I shuddered at the prospect of being on the receiving end of them, as a matter of fact! And, the way he asserted our legal dominance kept diligent pressure on the other team - ultimately bringing forth a very reasonable settlement. Pure professionalism, legal expertise and brilliant battleground strategy were my allies every step of the way. When I sat in the room with Michael Louis, I was the 800-pound gorilla. The other guys didn't stand a chance, and I know that they now wish they had never brought the suit against me. I never want to be sued again. But, if I am, I would be lucky to have Mr. Louis or an attorney like him on my side.
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Posted by Dominic | November 21, 2013
Michael Louis is "Responsive".
Michael Louis is a breath of fresh air. Either he actually takes your call himself, or he calls you back immediately. He is knowledgeable, thorough and responsive. I would highly recommend Michael for any commercial litigation.
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Contact for Details

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AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Partner
  • MacElree Harvey, Ltd.
  • 1980 - Present
  • Law Clerk
  • Shearer, Mette and Woodside
  • 1979 - 1980

Education

  • Pennsylvania State University, Dickinson School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1980
  • University of Delaware
  • 1977

Associations

  • West Chester Lions Club
  • 2nd Vice President
  • 2016 - Present
  • Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce
  • Board of Directors
  • 2016 - Present
  • Interfaith Housing Assistance Corporation
  • Director Emeritus
  • 2016 - Present
  • Western Chester County Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2011 - Present
  • Interfaith Housing Assistance Corporation
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1980 - Present
  • Chester County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1980 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Peer Review Rating
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2019
  • Top Lawyer
  • Main Line Today Magazine
  • 2015
  • Top Lawyer
  • Main Line Today Magazine
  • 2014
  • Top Lawyer
  • Main Line Today Magazine
  • 2013
  • Top Lawyer
  • Main Line Today Magazine
  • 2012
  • Top Lawyer
  • Main Line Today Magazine
  • 2011
  • Top Lawyer
  • Main Line Today Magazine
  • 2010
  • Top Lawyer
  • Main Line Today Magazine
  • 2009
  • Melvin Jones Fellow
  • West Chester Lions Club
  • 2002
View all awards

Publications

  • Chester County Bar Association New Matter
  • On Residential Mortgage Foreclosures and Evictions
  • 2020
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • Realtor Lawyer Seminar
  • Short Sales, Beyond the Sale and Release of Debt
  • 2015

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (19)
Endorse Michael
Banking Attorney | May 16
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
Commercial real estate Attorney | May 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"AVVO Atty. Endorsement – I have known Michael Louis for many years. He has received client referrals from me over those years, and has always performed with the utmost professionalism and ethical standards. Mr. Louis has been timely in his responses to correspondence; zealous in their advocacy of his clients; and is well respected within the legal community."
Banking Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. He's my partner and he's the best!"
Business Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent attorney and advocate for his clients."
Debt collection Attorney | Dec 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Commercial real estate Attorney | Sep 30
Relationship: Co-worker
"I work closely with Michael at MacElree Harvey on commercial litigation matters. Michael cares deeply about his clients and is a skilled advocate on their behalf. I endorse this lawyer."
Commercial real estate Attorney | Jan 15
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is a superior attorney with extensive experience in commercial litigation, debt collection and real estate. He aggressively pursues his client's interests and has the knowledge, skill and fortitude to handle even the most difficult matters."
Debt collection Attorney | Nov 21
Relationship: Co-worker
"Michael is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him in all areas of mortgage foreclosure and loan workouts, debt collection, commercial litigation and real estate."
Commercial real estate Attorney | Nov 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Michael for many years prior to leaving MacElree Harvey, Ltd. He is an excellent attorney in many areas of civil litigation."
Foreclosure Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Louis provides excellent representation in all aspects of mortgage foreclosure matters. I have referred numerous clients to him and all have been completely satisfied. Honesty, trustworthiness and close observance of the rules of ethics are just a few of his outstanding qualities."
Commercial real estate Attorney | Nov 10
Relationship: Co-worker
"Michael is a knowledgeable and pragmatic attorney. He has an excellent rapport with his clients. I highly recommend him."
Unknown Attorney | Sep 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Commercial real estate Attorney | Mar 03
Relationship: Co-worker
"I have worked with Mike for over 15 years and have referred may clients to him for commercial litigation. Clients are universally pleased with his work and enjoy working with Mike. He is a talented trial lawyer and really cares about his clients and their challenges. I highly endorse Mike."
View more endorsements
Litigation
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Divorce and separation
Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Real estate
Estate planning
Estate planning
Chapter 7 bankruptcy
Litigation
Criminal defense
Commercial real estate
Chapter 13 bankruptcy