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Michael E Gerity

Estate planning Attorney at Phoenix, AZ

5.0   10 reviews
Virtual consultation available
Virtual consultation available
  • State Years
    Arizona - AZ 29 years
    Colorado - CO 25 years
  • Licensed for 29 years
    State AZ
    Acquired 1994
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 25 years
    State CO
    Acquired 1998
    Status
    Inactive No misconduct found

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

About Michael

Learn Michael’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    30%
    Wills, trusts, estate planning, powers of attorney, revocable trusts, living wills, probate

    30 years

  2. Business
    25%
    General business representation; business disputes and commercial litigation; business formation; intellectual property; contracts

    30 years, 700 cases

  3. Bankruptcy and debt
    15%
    Chapter 7 bankruptcy filings

    30 years

  4. Intellectual property
    15%
    Intellectual property litigation; trademark selection, searches, registration, and maintenance; response to USPTO Office Actions; patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret enforcement and litigation; defense of patent, trademark, copyright and other intellectual property infringement claims; assignments; licensing

    30 years, 700 cases

  5. Trademark application
    15%

    30 years

 

Mr. Gerity has been admitted to practice law in Arizona state and federal courts since graduating from the Arizona State University College of Law in 1994.  He also is admitted to practice law in Colorado and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office.  Prior to forming Israel & Gerity, Mr. Gerity clerked for the Chief Judge of the Arizona Court Of Appeals, served as a Deputy Public Defender, where he received extensive trial experience, and worked for several years at a large civil litigation law firm in Phoenix.  He then struck out to form his own firm, and also served as of counsel to a prestigious, boutique commercial litigation firm.  In law school, Mr. Gerity "wrote on" as an Associate Note And Comment Editor for the Arizona State Law Journal, received honors in legal research and writing, and was awarded Best Appellate Brief.  Mr. Gerity received his Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University in 1990.

 

Mr. Gerity's practice areas include trusts and estate planning, elder law, business and intellectual property, bankruptcy, commercial litigation, and general business representation.  He has taught classes and given presentations on a wide variety of topics, including teaching at a national paralegal college and teaching a series of courses to management personnel at a top-twenty employer in the Phoenix area.  Mr. Gerity has handled over thirty trials and numerous appeals before the Arizona Court of Appeals, the Arizona Supreme Court, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. 

 

When he is not working, Mr. Gerity spends time with his family, and in his "free time" he volunteers for the Phoenix Fire Department as a licensed EMT and sings in a rock cover band.

Awards

Silver Client Champion
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Top Contributor 2012
Top Contributor
2012

Photos and videos

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Contact Michael

Michael E Gerity

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  10 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by Bob R. | March 16, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very professional and qualified attorney.
I retained Mr. Gerity to handle a business controversy that involved employment, intellectual property and independent contractor law. Mr. Gerity was able to achieve the exact result that I desired through negotiations, and without the need for protracted litigation. The opposing party and their attorney were particularly difficult to work with. I was extremely pleased with Mr. Gerity's ability to cut through the obstacles that were imposed, and to skillfully manage the negotiations. I was very impressed with his counsel and skills, and would highly recommend him as an attorney!
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Posted by Katrina | October 11, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Job!
I called around from law office to law office for information about bankruptcy and happen to find Israel & Gerity. I spoke with Lisa, Mr. Gerity's assistant. Lisa is by far one of the most sweetest, most caring person ever! She is definitely fit for the position she's in. She was able to calm my anxiety and keep me at ease throughout the whole experience. She's great with following up and returning calls. Making sure paperwork is completed and turned in a timely manner. Mr. Gerity is professional, courteous, knowledgeable and is a well-respected attorney who cares about his clients and handles their cases well. I am very pleased with the services that was rendered and I will definitely recommend this law office.
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Posted by Jannah | June 21, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Great client service, excellent and honest!
My Daughter and I contacted the office for a consultation, which was free and we were able to get on the books in a very short timeframe. The office staff was very pleasant. When we spoke with the attorney, he quickly shared the various options that his company could provide and what we honestly could do for ourselves. He was very knowledgeable, forthright and honest. A Joy to speak with. We will be following his consultation suggestions and as we get to the point where we need more expertise, we will be going back to him. I would wholeheartedly recommend this law firm and specifically Mr. Gerity to anyone looking for legal guidance.
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Posted by Chris | November 4, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very pleased
Fast, very experience lawyer, handle my case quickly and was resolved in a good time with no problems. I would highly recommend.
Posted by Michelle | September 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knowledgeable and efficient attorney
Recently we turned to Michael Gerity to handle a complex deal as we finalized the sale of our business. He helped us navigate the confusion as we had never sold a business before, and he handled it with professionalism and compassion. As we moved through the process Michael pointed out areas of exposure that we needed to consider and then helped us address them appropriately. We truly feel that Michael helped create a calm amidst the chaos of selling a business that gave us more of a sense of confidence. Having Michael on our team allowed us to focus on the logistics as he did his job. He was very good at explaining our points of exposure and how we might Michael walked us through the steps that we could expect and began working immediately on contracts put together contracts that covered uthe process itself and his recommendations for our situation. Although our circumstances presented a very tight timeline, Michael was extremely responsive and made himself available over the weekend, via text and with quick response when new information was introduced by our buyer. He helped us maintain a sense of calm throughout what could have been a very nerve-wracking process, and was able to present different scenarios to help us make decisions that were best for our business. The team at Israel & Gerity was nothing but professional and Lisa Hudson who introduced us to Michael was extremely knowledgeable and helpful.
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Posted by james | June 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
very helpful
He was very professional In handling my Case and Patient in Explaining my Options. I would recommend him to anyone, his staff was great and very helpful in all. He did not make me feel Uncomfortable at all very good sense of humor 5 star lawyer.
Posted by Joan | October 2, 2015
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Very professional and competent civil lawyer
I first met Mr. Gerity when I was seeking help in an animal custody dispute case that was in civil court (superior and justice) when my normal domain is family court. He was extremely approachable, knowledgeable and engaging with both me and my clients. He knows his stuff and he isn't afraid to try to come up with creative solutions! I would highly recommend him for any civil dispute you find yourself in.
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Posted by Natalie | April 13, 2012
Best Lawyer in the World!
I purchased a home and the seller had hidden a bunch of facts about the property that made it unbearable financially to maintain. Mr. Gerity defended my case and obtained a judgement that was satisfactory to me. He is a great guy and advocater.
Posted by Chris | September 10, 2010
Trademark application assistance
Mr. Gerity was a pleasure to work with to attain trademark approvals for our organization. He articulated our needs well and handled all of the details with professionalism. What was particularly impressive about Mr. Gerity was his ability to recall all details of our situation even when we would call him unexpectedly with a question. He always made himself available and was responsive to our needs. We would highly recommend him. Executive Director, Arizona Non-profit organization
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Posted by Dr. Hugo | August 26, 2010
The Best Attorney In Phoenix
Mike knows his stuff; you can trust any matter that you may have to his expertise. I have used attorneys for many reasons and I can sincerely tell you that Michael is the best. His communications and writing skills are excellent and he can get his points across to you and to the other side (and the Judges, off course), I have had Michael appeal issues, arbitrate, defend and litigate for me and I have never lost one caser when he has handled my matters. By the way, I hold a JD, LL.M. and SJD in law. I even taught law for 3 years. I know a good attorney and Michael is the best
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 275-375 per hour
  • Contingency 25%-40%
  • Retainer Sometimes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner
  • Gerity Law Group, PLC
  • 2008 - Present
  • Owner
  • Israel & Gerity, PLLC
  • 2002 - Present
  • Owner
  • Law Offices of Michael Gerity, PC
  • 1999 - Present
  • Professor
  • Phoenix Career College Paralegal School
  • 2001 - 2003
  • Contract Attorney
  • Meyer, Hendricks & Bivens
  • 1999 - 2002
  • Attorney
  • Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, P.L.C.
  • 1997 - 1999
  • Deputy Public Defender
  • Maricopa County Public Defender's Office
  • 1995 - 1997
  • Clerk to Chief Judge
  • Arizona Court of Appeals
  • 1995 - 1995
  • Law Clerk
  • Honeywell
  • 1993 - 1993
  • Law Clerk
  • Arizona Attorney General's Office
  • 1992 - 1992
View all work experience

Education

  • Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
  • Juris Doctor
  • 1994
  • Colorado State University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1990
  • Regis University
  • General Studies
  • 1986

Legal Cases

  • Netbasis Trademark Application
  • Application pending
  • Conan Properties Int v. Reality Simulations
  • Confidential settlement agreement reached
  • SO!TROUBLE Trademark Application
  • trademark issued
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Arizona Language Preparatory
  • Board of Directors
  • 2013 - Present
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • Admitted Attorney
  • 2010 - Present
  • Phoenix Fire Department
  • EMT-B, Volunteer
  • 2002 - Present
  • United States Patent Bar
  • Licensed attorney
  • 1998 - Present
  • United States Patent and Trademark Office
  • Licensed attorney
  • 1998 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • 10 Best 2016 - Litigation, Lawsuits & Disputes Division
  • American Institute of Legal Counsel
  • 2016
  • AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016
  • Best Brief
  • ASU College of Law
  • 1993

Publications

  • Attorney at Law Magazine
  • Business Attorney of the Month
  • 2013

Speaking Engagements

  • The America Invents Act: Changes to US Patent Law and an Overview of IP Law
  • Intellectual Property and Patent Law Changes
  • 2012
  • Intellectual Property Law, semester class
  • Intellectual Property
  • 2003
  • Arizona Continuing Legal Education Lunch Group
  • Basic Collection Practice - How to Enforce your Judgment
  • 2003
  • The Law of Copyright, Trademark and Patent, semester class
  • Intellectual Property
  • 2002
  • Intellectual Property Class, semester classes
  • Intellectual Property
  • 2002
  • Introduction to Intellectual Property, semester class
  • Intellectual Property
  • 2001
  • Intellectual Property Law, semester class
  • Intellectual Property
  • 2001
  • Arizona Continuing Legal Education Lunch Group
  • Representing the Closely Held Business
  • 2001
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (12)
Given (10)
Endorse Michael
Business Attorney | Aug 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked with Mike for many years, and I have always found him to be knowledgeable, prepared, and dedicated to representing his clients with complete focus."
Business Attorney | Oct 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael Gerity is a very talented trademark and business law attorney who has significant experience and knowledge of the law. Despite being a great person to work with and who communicates extremely well, he provides practical solutions to his clients. I refer my own clients in need of a trademark or business to Michael because I know they will be in good hands."
Contracts and agreements Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I first met Mr. Gerity when I was seeking help in an animal custody dispute case that was in civil court (superior and justice) when my normal domain is family court. He was extremely approachable, knowledgeable on contracts and civil litigation (which is what I needed his help for) and engaging with both me and my clients. He knows his stuff and he isn't afraid to try to come up with creative solutions! He is a consummate legal professional."
Intellectual property Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've known Mike now since the mid 1990's. He is one of a select number of truly qualified intellectual property attorneys here in the Phoenix area, a long-time member of the esteemed U.S. Patent Bar, and a highly competent commercial litigator. I have referred Mike numerous clients over the years, including business owners with commercial litigation needs, and business owners and individuals in need of a patent or intellectual property attorney. He has always received glowing reviews from those to whom I have recommended his services. I highly endorse Mike for matters involving commercial/business litigation, patent and intellectual property."
Intellectual property Attorney | Aug 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike is an incredibly smart attorney who always aggressively advances his clients position in any intellectual property or commercial litigation matter he takes on. He is also very practical and has a knack for finding the most cost-effective way to accomplish his clients' varying objectives. I endorse Mike."
Copyright infringement Attorney | May 07
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Michael served as local counsel for us in a matter that was resolved favorably for the client. He was extremely responsive, his staff was wonderful (and polite and helpful) and I would work with him again in a heartbeat."
Business Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike is smart, dedicated, and experienced. I recently handled a case where Mike’s firm represented the opposing side. Mike’s firm represented the opposing side in a fair and ethical manner by getting to the heart of matter and resolving the case rather than dragging it out."
Intellectual property Attorney | Apr 22
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Mike and I worked together on a sensitive matter for a client. He was always available and knowledgeable about the issues."
Litigation Attorney | Sep 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael is a trustworthy, diligent and experienced litigator with years of experience in handling litigation matters of a wide variety, including construction defect and related matters. I would not hesitate in handing my litigation matter off to Michael and would trust his guidance and advice."
Litigation Attorney | Sep 09
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Litigation Attorney | Aug 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Michael and I have worked together on many cases over the last 10 years and have many mutual clients. I trust Michael to professionally handle all civil litigation, trademark and patent matters for my clients. I highly recommend Michael on a professional as well as a personal level as he maintains a sincere commitment to his clients and a high level of knowledge with regard to their cases."
Intellectual property Attorney | Aug 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Gerity is an intelligent, dillgent attorney and I believe his rates to be extremely modest in light of the quality of his work."
View more endorsements
Animal law
Personal injury
Estate planning
Real estate
Estate planning
Intellectual property
Litigation
Intellectual property
Phoenix Estate planning Lawyer Michael E Gerity
Michael E Gerity
Estate planning Attorney
Phoenix, AZ
Licensed for 29 years
Virtual consultation available