Michael Robert Caryl

Michael Robert Caryl

4.3
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 53 years

Lawsuits and disputes Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Lawsuits & Disputes, Ethics & Professional Responsibility

200 First Avenue W., Suite 402, Seattle, WA

About Michael

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Lawsuits and Disputes 70%

I have historically handled many areas of civil litigation, ranging from personal injury, insurance litigation, construction litigation, general commercial litigation, and collection of debt. For the past 18 years, my practice has focused on litigation of disputed lawyers' fees, including disputes between lawyers and clients and lawyers and lawyers. For the past 10 years, I have had a significant expert witness practice in all areas realting to lawyer's fees.

48 years | 500 cases

70%
Ethics and Professional Responsibility 30%

I have a consulting practice that addresses lawyer fee agreements and billing practices. I counsel lawyers law firms on how to discuss fees and billing practices with clients; I draft fee agrements for lawyers and and review them for lay clients. I serve as an arbitrator of disputed fee cases betwen lawyers and clients and between lawyers. I also serve as mediator of these disputes. I counsel lawyers on ethical issues relating to attorney's fees, and get involved in fee discipline.

31 years | 50 cases

30%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 350-400 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 48 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1977

Voluntarily Resigned

No misconduct found

Licensed in District of Columbia for 51 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 1974

Administratively Suspended - Non-Payment of Dues

No misconduct found

Licensed in Virginia for 53 years

State: Virginia

Acquired: 1972

Former Member

No misconduct found

Location

Michael R Caryl, P.S.

200 First Avenue W., Suite 402, Seattle, WA, 98119-3971

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Michael Robert Caryl's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

6 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (6) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2013 | Ethics & Professional Responsibility

Excellent lawyer

Michael Caryl represented me against a lawyer who was abusively overcharging me and inflating his hours. Michael took care of the problem in a very effective manner. At the same time, he was always very professional, caring, and worked with the highest ethical standards. I strongly recommend him with...out any reservations.

See All Client Reviews

Michael Robert Caryl's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Edward K. Le headshot
Edward Le

Ethics and professional responsibility lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike is widely known in Washington as the lawyer that other lawyers go to when they need aggressive representation. He is the undisputed legal expert in fees and ethics in our State. He is smart, strategic, and above all else- competent. He exudes competence not only in court, but in writings. No wonder he is one of the most widely respected attorney in this community."

Dean Brett headshot
Dean Brett

Ethics and professional responsibility lawyer | Nov 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client. So when I encountered a fee dispute with another firm over dividing the fee in a significant personal injury/wrongful death claim, I asked Mike Caryl for advice. He knew all the rules and litigation strategy, and helped fashion a negotiated solution which resolved the dispute and left both parties feeling fairly compensated. His fee was reasonable, and certainly less than the amount of legal time I was spending worrying about the problem."

Fred Diamondstone headshot
Fred Diamondstone

Ethics and professional responsibility lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mike Caryl is a gentleman. We had a mutual client some years back; Mike's old law firm handled her case at the outset and I later took over the case. Mike acted effectively and appropriately in his work for our mutual client. After his departure from the old firm, Mike did everything to responsibly protect our client's interests. Mike has an excellent reputation in the specialized area of how to handle fee disputes. He has also been a great mentor and resource for a younger lawyer who we both know."

Steven George Lingenbrink headshot
Steven Lingenbrink

Ethics and professional responsibility lawyer | Nov 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Michael for about 15 years. Initially, when I became acquainted with him through trial lawyers association activities. We participated in various activities including service on the Board of Governors of WSTLA (now WSAJ) together. Michael is a very skilled and experienced trial lawyer and enjoys a very excellent reputation. Several years ago I hired Michael as an expert witness on behalf of one of my clients and got to know him even better. He is extremely knowledgeable In his areas of practice. I would recommend him highly."

Ann D. Thoeny headshot
Ann Thoeny

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Other

"Michael is not only the best in the field of legal fee disputes, he is a true counselor. His legal advice, personal guidance and character make him an outstanding lawyer."

Lincoln Dennis Sieler headshot
Lincoln Sieler

Ethics and professional responsibility lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike is an excellent lawyer who doggedly pursues his cases. He is at the forefront of fee dispute litigation and has secured several noteworthy decisions in his client's favor."

Kelly Lynn Kenn headshot
Kelly Kenn

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I not only know Mike as a colleague but have contacted him for legal advice. He is extremely knowledgeable In his areas of practice. I have known him since my days in law school, observing him in trial, learning from his experiences. I would recommend him highly."

Steven L Shaw headshot
Steven Shaw

Ethics and professional responsibility lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike Caryl is one of the best sources of information and help I know of when it comes to questions about our responsibilities as lawyers, especially when it comes to how we bill our clients and other billing issues. He is always helpful and someone you want on your side. I endorse Mike without reservation."

Kenneth Wendell Masters headshot
Kenneth Masters

Litigation lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I strongly endorse Mike. He an I have worked on several matters together. I always find his work thorough, creative, and highly competent. He is tough and reasonable -- a great combination."

Gary Lee Raaen headshot
Gary Raaen

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I strongly endorse and recommend Mike Caryl. Even though Mike and I have independent law practices, for more than 30 years we have worked on cases together when doing so would benefit our clients. He is the first lawyer I call on when I need help with a matter. Mike is a conscientious, meticulous, skilled and talented trial lawyer. His knowledge, expertise and experience in dealing with attorney’s fee issues in Washington State are second to none."

David C. Burkett headshot
David Burkett

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the privilege of working with Michael, first on the other side of a hard fought attorney fee case several years ago, and most recently as co-counsel on several attorney fee cases. Michael is, without a doubt, the most experienced and effective expert and advocate in the Pacific Northwest in the highly specialized field of attorney fee disputes. If you have a case involving issues of entitlement to attorney fees, or the amount of fees which should be paid (or refunded), Michael is the person to see."

Walter Daniel Williams headshot
Walter Williams

Contracts and agreements lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked closely with Mike Caryl on several cases involving fee disputes between clients and attorneys. Mike represents both sides in these disputes. Mike has a vast knowledge of the Rules of Professional Conduct and the cases surrounding the payment of attorney fees. I have seen him in trial and he is very comfortable in the courtroom. He is very skilled in handling evidence and discovery issues. I would not hesitate to work with Mike again."

View All Endorsements
Joel Evans Wright headshot
Joel Wright

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Lincoln Dennis Sieler headshot
Lincoln Sieler

Personal injury lawyer

Roger Edwin Hawkes headshot
Roger Hawkes

Personal injury lawyer

Steven George Lingenbrink headshot
Steven Lingenbrink

Personal injury lawyer

David C. Burkett headshot
David Burkett

Litigation lawyer

Gary Lee Raaen headshot
Gary Raaen

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2006

AV-Pre-eminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

1983

AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

1977

Graduate with Highest Honrs - LL.M, George Washington University

1969

Pi Beta Kappa, Phi Beta Kappa

1969

Omicron Delta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Solo practitioner, Michael R Caryl, P.S.

2001 - 2004

General partner, Mikkelborg Broz Wells & Fryer, PLLC

1999 - 2001

Solo practitioner, Michael R Caryl, P.S.

1980 - 1984

Partner, Duvall and Caryl

1978 - 1978

Associate, Edwards Wetherill & Barbieri

1978 - 1980

Solo practitioner, Michae R Caryl attorney

1977 - 1978

Contract attorney, McDonald Hoague and Bayless

Associations

1977 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Active member

1986 - 2013

Washington State Association for Justice

Active member

1974 - 1999

Bar Association of the District of Columbia

Member

1972 - 1999

Virginia State Bar

Member

Education

1977

George Washington University National Law Center

LL.M

1972

Georgetown University Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1969

St Lawrence University

AB - Applied Baccalaureate

Speaking Engagements

2013

Seminar - How to Get Paid without Getting in Trouble

Getting Paid with Smart Client Relations and Billing Practices

2013

Island COunty Bar Associaiton Ethics Seminar

“Using Smart Client Relations And Billing Practices To Get Your Fees Paid,”

2012

Washington State Bar Association, Creditor-Debtor Section

Attorney's Liens in Washington

2012

Tort Litigation Masters

Attorney and Client Rights when the Relationship is Terminated

2011

WSBA Ethics School

Attorney's Fee Arrangements Revisited

2011

Seattle Select Lawyers Monthly Meeting

Client and Case Selection and De-Selection Best Practices

2011

KCBA Annual Seminar on Liens

Primer on Attorney's Liens in Washington

2011

Annual Law of Lawyering

Contemporary Issues in Litigating Disputed Attorney's Fees

2010

Annual Seminar on Liens

Asserting and Foreclosing Liens

2009

Real World Ethics Seminar

Rules of Dis-enagement - Lawyers Leaving Firms

2009

Effective and Ethical Fee Agreements

Client intake , disclosure obligations and drafting tips

2009

Annual Seminar on Liens

Attorney’s Liens- What you can and cannot do to collect your fees

2009

Annual Conference on Law of Lawyering

Fun Fee Facts

2008

Whatcom County Bar Association Ethics Seminar

“Careful Screening of Clients & Cases: Proactive Intake Practices can Avoid Fee Disputes with Clients,”

2008

Washington State Bar Association’s Birth - Life – and Death of a Law Practice.

“Exit Cases: Making a Graceful and Non-Acrimonious Exit, Keeping Your Clients and Avoiding Litigation,”

2007

Annual Law of Lawyering Seminar

Panel Presentation on “Compensating Attorneys in the 21st Century,”

2006

Annual Conference on Law of Lawyering

"Avoiding Fee Problems With Clients And Lawyers: Proactive Tactics In Client/Case Selection And Client Management,"

2005

Third Annual Conference on the Law of Lawyering.

"Getting Paid (Without Getting Sued): Survey of Washington State Law Relating to Attorney’s Fees Claims and Challenges and Risk Management 'Red Flags',”

2005

Second Annual Conference on the Law of Lawyering.

"Protecting and Defending Your Fees: Strategies for Preventing Premature Termination and Getting Paid When Termination is Unavoidable,"

2004

WSTLA Ballard Roundtable

“Collection of Attorney’s Fees in Light of Barrett v. Freise – Pitfalls with Breach of Fiduciary Duty,”

2004

Clark County Bar Association CLE seminar.

“Preserving Your Fee when the Client Relationship Grows Sour,”

2003

Washington State Trial Lawyer’s Association Annual Ethics for Trial Lawyers Seminar

“ETHICS MINUTIAE - Flat Rate/Non-Refundable Fee Arrangements and CR 4.2 Limited Representation Agreements,”

2003

First Annual COnference on the Law of Lawyering

“Fear of Feeing – Getting Paid When the Chips are Down, ”

2003

First Annual Conference on Law of Lawyering

“Breach of Fiduciary Duty – The Client’s WMD of Fee Disputes,”

2002

Oregon-Washington Reciprocity Seminar, Joint seminar

“Ethics for the Trial Lawyer,”

2001

Lorman Business Center, Inc. Seminar, Auto Insurance Law and Accident Litigation in Washington.

“Fee Agreements: Their Contents and Pitfalls,”

1999

Washington State Trial Lawyer’s Association’s 3rd Annual Ethical Issues in Personal Injury Practice seminar

"When You're Out before the Job is Done,"

1997

Washington State Trial Lawyer’s Association’s Ethical issues in Personal injury Practice seminar.

"Zen and the Art of Being Fired (as a lawyer) - How to Recover your Fees,"

Publications

2012

Washington State Bar News, Vol. 66, #6 “Ethical Limits to the Contingency Fee: How Reasonable is Reasonable

2011

King County Bar Bulletin “Avoiding the Problem Client and Case,”

2011

Trial News Washington State Trial Lawyers “Fee Shifting: What are we worth by the Hour? A Recent Survey of Hourly Rates of Plaintiffs’ Tort Lawyers,”

2011

WSBA Bar News “Reconsidering Block Billing Practices,”

2008

King County Bar Bulletin , “Lessons in Private Practice: The Law of Unintended Consequences,” (dealing with risks in using the courts to collect unpaid attorney’s fees),

2008

Washington State Bar Association Legal Ethics Deskbook Chapter 3 "Attorney's Fees"

2007

King County Bar Bulletin “A Fresh Look at Fee Arrangements,”

2007

Puget Sound Business Journal “Careful Screening Up Helps Elude Clients from Hell,”

2005

Washington State Bar Association Bar News "Breach of Fiduciary Duty: The Nuclear Weapon of Fee Disputes

2004

King County Bar Bulletin “Securing Your Fee on Withdrawal and Substitution by New Lawyer,”

2003

Washington State Bar News “A Fresh Look at Attorney-Client Fee Disputes,"

Languages

English

Activity

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