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Michael F. Schilawski

Family Attorney at Raleigh, NC

4.9   17 reviews

also known as Mike

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Common sense representation with exceptional legal expertise
David
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
A great attorney, and person.
Ford
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas

Mike was admitted to practice in North Carolina in 1982, after having received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1971, a master’s degree in education from North Carolina State University in 1976 and a Juris Doctor degree from Campbell University in 1982. While in law school, he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Campbell Law Review. Prior to attending law school, Mike was employed for seven years as a public secondary school teacher, coach, guidance counselor and assistant principal.

In 1989, Mike was first certified as a Specialist in Family Law by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization; he has limited his practice to family law since 1989. Mike is licensed to practice before the United States Supreme Court, United States District Courts for the Eastern and Middle Districts of North Carolina, the North Carolina Supreme Court and all subordinate courts. He has successfully argued family law cases before the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court.

Mike was certified as a Family Financial Mediator by the North Carolina Dispute Resolution Commission in 1999. He serves frequently as a mediator and an arbitrator in family law is a member of the Wake County Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice and has been a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers since 2004.

Mike is a frequent speaker at continuing legal education programs. He has earned an AV-Preeminant rating, the highest rating given by Martindale-Hubbell. Mike has been recognized by North Carolina Super Lawyers as a Super Lawyer in Family Law (2006-2018), by Business North Carolina magazine as one of the Legal Elite (2009- 2018) and was selected by US News and World Reports for inclusion on its list of The Best Lawyers in America in 2009-2019. In 2010, he was elected by his peers to the NC Legal Elite Hall of Fame. Mike was named 2019 “Lawyer of the Year” by Best Lawyers

Licensed for 40 years
State NC
Status Active
Acquired 1982
Updated 12/27/2022

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

Contact Michael

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Wake Family Law Group
4350 Lassiter At North Hills Ave Ste 360
Raleigh, NC, 27609-5788
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Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0
  17 customer reviews
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Posted by David | November 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Common sense representation with exceptional legal expertise
Michael Schilawski was a great help to me during a very difficult time. I am indebted to him for his expertise in crafting a settlement in a thoughtful way and direct way without the rabbit holes so many are lead down in the course of resolving potentially emotional family issues.
Posted by Ford | June 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A great attorney, and person.
I had a very cantankerous case with Mike that meandered through the Family Court system for several years, and I couldn't think of a better attorney to have by my side. He has an great understanding of the laws (obviously), but more importantly the intricacies of the "system": the policies and procedures the Courts and Judges follow in the administering of the cases...this may seem insignificant, but generates many opportunities to grab the upper hand in negotiations. Most importantly, he commands respect from the Judges and the Court system, as they know he has a deep reservoir of knowledge/understanding and is a very respectful presence in their courtroom. Mike is good at devising legal strategy, and explaining the possible outcomes of your case (he can't, after all, predict the way the Judges will decide on this issue or that). He presents his cases not with fiery oration, but with the technical skill of a surgeon. On top of all this, he's a great guy, and I believe he doesn't take cases unless he believes he can make a difference. Highly recommended...
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Posted by anonymous | May 30, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Service
Michael Schilawski supported me through a very difficult divorce. He was compassionate, knowledgeable, kind but most of all very patient. A lost characteristic in many these days is the ability to listen, especially in difficult and emotional circumstances. Michael listened to me and supported me and genuinely cared about me and my two children. I would highly recommend him. He made all the difference in my happiness today.
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Posted by Harrison | May 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Mr. Schilawski Review
Mr. Schilawski represented me when I filed my petition to become an emancipated minor. He is a big reason why I was able to go on and have a successful life. I thought Mr. Schilawski was very professional, knowledgeable, and most of all genuinely cared about making a positive impact on my life. He worked hard and was supportive along the way as we navigated the legal process. I owe a lot to his work during this trying time and would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for legal guidance.
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Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thanks Mike for all your hard work!
Mike is an excellent attorney! He helped me to stay calm and rational through a nasty divorce. His negotiation tactics were very good and his whole goal, as was mine, was to get to a final resolution as quickly and as fairly as possible.
Posted by Shane | May 14, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
Mike has not only helped negotiate my settlement, but explained the pitfalls and hurdles along the way, while ensuring I am aware of my rights. He is extremely knowledgeable in all areas of family law, but is never condescending or arrogant. His honesty and eagerness to share his knowledge to put me at ease has been helpful during a very stressful time. I know he has my back and believe he will do what it takes to see justice served. I would highly recommend Michael Schilawski as your family law attorney.
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Posted by Carl | May 13, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
CEO/Chairman
Mike handled my divorce and property settlement with the utmost responsibility. Mike was professional and sensitive to my x-wife, our children and me. I could not have ask for a more reasonable and responsible approach to the process.
Posted by anonymous | May 10, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Client
Mr Schilawski was thorough and professional when representing me. There is a comfort in knowing you have an attorney who always has your best interest at heart.
Posted by Laura | May 10, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Cool, Calm and Collected
In a tough time like divorce when you feel your most vulnerable, weak and hopeless, this man will come through for you. He will be your rock until you strengthen and will be the one to get you there. He calmly helps you figure out what you need, what you deserve, and shows you that there is a future. His experience is unmatched. If you are in Wake County and need a family attorney, I could not recommend this man more. I am a happier and more successful person in life because of him.
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Posted by anonymous | May 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Would recommend
Michael was kind, competent, prepared, and thorough. He was prompt, informative, and helpful. I felt secure having him “on our side”.
Posted by anonymous | May 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Fathers Rights Attorney
I had moved here to Wake County after a very contentious custody dispute 2 hours away in New Hanover County. I had asked my former attorney if she knew any good attorney’s in Wake County. She did not hesitate to refer me to Mike Schilawski at Wake Family Law Group. Family Court and custody disputes can be very treacherous but Mike's approach to everything has been nothing short of very professional. As a father, Mike worked incredibly hard to ensure my rights were preserved and that I have as much time with my child as possible I am forever grateful that I was referred to Wake Family Law and Michael Schilawski.
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Posted by Scott B. | May 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
WFL Mike Schilawsky = QB Tom Brady !
Michael is exceptionally professional, articulate, deeply knowledgable, extremely experienced, incredibly attentive to details and documents, and highly respected (maybe even feared by his less capable court room equivalent peers). Yet he is very personable, respectful, honest, witty, and humble. He translates legalese and family law process in a way that layman can readily understand. Since my divorce I have met many divorced men online and offline. Hearing their experience with their lawyers, with the huge community of lawyers to chose from, I am so dxmn grateful that I luckily chose and hired the best Family Lawyer across all Wake County.
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Posted by christopher | May 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dr. Chris Johnson
I was referred to Michael Schilawski by a professional friend for consultation and subsequent representation in a divorce. Mr. Schilawski proved to be an excellent attorney, as well as his wonderful and kind staff.
Posted by anonymous | May 9, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional expert assistance
Mike was personable and understanding during a difficult life transition yet tough enough to assist with actions needed for a favorable outcome for my family. He was attentive to my questions and made me feel at ease during the process. I would recommend Mike to others needing an experienced divorce and family law attorney.
Posted by Steve Larson | May 8, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Pragmatic, Professional, and Outcome Driven
I hired Mike Schilawski at Wake Family Law Group for my separation agreement several years ago and am in the process of using his services to complete a prenuptial agreement. As the title of this review says, Mike is pragmatic, professional, and committed to a fair agreement for me and my ex-wife, and subsequently my fiance. He has longstanding relationships with attorneys around the area and that helped us to get through some tough situations in the negotiations, keeping us on schedule and under budget. He has always been balanced in his advice taking care to make sure that any agreement would be win-win for both parties. And I have always found Mike to be of the utmost integrity in our dealings, something that was very important to me when seeking legal representation. I also had the pleasure of working with his paralegal, Dana Satterfield, and one of his associates, Justin Mauney. I strongly endorse Mike and Wake Family Law for any of your family law needs.
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Posted by Nicole | May 8, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Skilled and thoughtful family lawyer
Mike was not only very knowledgeable about family law and the ins and outs of the procedures, but he was also extremely thoughtful during the process. I was not an easy client (I don't know that there are any "easy" family law cases) but he managed me very well. He considered my opinions and feelings, and he gently helped me see how the law applied and how the other side would contradict my assertions and opinions. In reality, he really stood up for me and for my position and helped me get to a great result. I and my child are thriving now and Mike was a huge part in helping us get there. Always remember that this is a process and I would not have anyone other than Mike and his team take me through, or walk with me, through this process. His paralegal is fantastic too. You will always get efficient, effective counsel and straightforward information. You will never be rushed.
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Posted by anonymous | May 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
caring attorney
Michael F. Schilawski was easy to work with, responsive and helped translate the very confusing and frustrating process of divorce into easier to understand communication about what was the best course of action for me and my family. I appreciate that Michael cared about me and my children and that he and his team always came across as invested in our well being and best future.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 275-400 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Member
  • Wake Family Law Group
  • 2005 - Present

Education

  • Campbell University
  • J.D.
  • 1982
  • North Carolina State University
  • MA - Masters
  • 1976
  • University of North Carolina
  • B.A.
  • 1971

Legal Cases

  • Winter v. Williams
  • Bromhal v. Stott
  • Bromhal v. Stott
View all legal cases

Associations

  • North Carolina American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Chair Person for the Board of Examiners
  • 2016 - Present
  • American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
  • Fellow
  • 2004 - Present
  • North Carolina Bar Association, Dispute Resolution Section
  • Certified Family Financial Mediator
  • 1999 - Present
  • AV-Preeminant Rating, the highest rating given by Martindale-Hubbell
  • Fellow
  • 1992 - Present
  • Campbell University School of Law
  • Campbell University Law Review; Editor-In-Chief
  • 1981 - 1982
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2021
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2021
  • Lawyer of the Year
  • Best Lawyers
  • 2019
  • 2010 Legal Elite Hall of Fame
  • Business North Carolina
  • 2010
  • Legal Elite
  • Business North Carolina
  • 2009
  • Best Lawyers
  • US News and World Reports
  • 2009
  • Super Lawyers
  • Thomson Reuters
  • 2006
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • North Carolina Bar Foundation - Family Law & Mediation Round Table Discussion
  • Family Law & Mediation
  • 2008
  • North Carolina Bar Foundation - Family (Un) Ties; Basics of Family Law
  • Real Estate Issues and Transactions
  • 2006
  • North Carolina Bar Association - Practical Family Law
  • Post Separation Support & Alimony
  • 2005
  • North Carolina Bar Association, Family Law Section Annual Meeting
  • Cohabitation and Emerging Legal Issues
  • 2004
  • North Carolina Bar Association Basics of Family Law
  • Attorney's Fees and Retainer Agreements
  • 2004
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Attorney endorsements

Received (1)
Given (0)
Endorse Michael
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington
Family Attorney | Oct 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Michael. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
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Raleigh Family Lawyer Michael F. Schilawski
Michael F. Schilawski
Family Attorney
Raleigh, NC
Licensed for 40 years
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