James Michael Gallagher

James Michael Gallagher

also known as J. Michael Gallagher

4.3
Rating: 7.8

Licensed for 43 years

Family Lawyer at Monroe, WA
Practice Areas: Family, Divorce & Separation, Child Support, Child Custody

1203 West Main, Monroe, WA

About James

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Georgia for 36 years

State: Georgia

Acquired: 1989

Active Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 43 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1982

Active

No misconduct found

Location

J. Michael Gallagher Attorney at Law

1203 West Main, Monroe, WA, 98272

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

James Michael Gallagher's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

36 Client Reviews

Posted by anonymous | November 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Worst of the worst

Michael was regularly verbally abusive to me as well as advised me to engage in parental alienation behaviors. I almost fired him in the middle of the hearing, I wish I had at this point, I have a new attorney and it's like night and day. He had no problem taking my money I hired this lawyer and eh ...took over $20,000 and barely got anything done and wouldn't ever shut his mouth. Don't give this person any money, he needs to retire.

Posted by anonymous | July 4, 2022 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Biggest Mistake I ever made

Walking into this office and asking questions was the worst mistake I ever made. Right from the start he was dismissive and concerned about weather I had any money to pay him

Posted by Rachel | June 23, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Brilliant Lawyer

I believe that divorce is a always tragedy, even if its for the right reasons. J. Michael Gallagher is a brilliant lawyer who knows the ins and outs of the legal system. He is clear, direct and objective focused. He maintains excellent client control to achieve the most desirable outcomes possiable. ...As a prospective client it is important to fully understand that you as his client must cooperate with him, and then keep out of your own way and allow him to do the job you have hired him to do. Mr. Gallagher can be pretty gruff, but he truely values positive co-parenting strategies and what is in the best interest of children...and he expertly holds people accountable. J. Michael Gallagher as a law firm has a unique, but very reasonable fee system. The flat fee for two months covers ALL his, and his legal aid Sharon's, hours. Typically, a firm will both charge a large retainer and a high hourly rate. I am completely satisfied with the value and level of service he and Sharon have provided to my case. I cannot imagine going through any of this without them in my corner. Michael and Sharon, thank you so much for all your remarkable work on our behalf! I thank God for you both.

Posted by anonymous | September 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Unhappy with representation

I hired Michael for my child custody case. Michael gives a lot of “homework” really it just feels like you are doing all of the work. He files motions and depositions very quickly, and it feels like everything is headed towards a positive direction, until you are actually in court and that’s when thi...ngs take a horrible turn. Michael yelled in court at the commissioner making everyone in the room very uncomfortable. He uses very unprofessional words in court and engages in unprofessional banter. I was so unsatisfied with his representation that I told him I no longer wished to continue with his services. I did not feel like he cared about this case, I did feel he cared mostly about the next deposit made to his bank account. I recommend you do your research on this man before moving forward with his representation.

Posted by Jim | April 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

If you need a smart, agressive Lawyer on your side retain Mike!

It was a long and challenging journey. Mike is smart and professionally aggressive and represented me well both in and out of the courtroom. He understands the father in the divorce and I have the time with my two little daughters that I deserve. Thank you Mike for all you did for me and my daughte...rs.

See All Client Reviews

James Michael Gallagher's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Daniel Jeffrey McCormick headshot
Daniel McCormick

Family lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Mike is an aggressive attorney who has no reservations about taking the action needed to get the results you want. I endorse this lawyer."

Anna Goykhman Alexander headshot
Anna Goykhman Alexander

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Michael fights aggressively for his clients in court. They have a powerful advocate in their corner when he is at their side."

View All Endorsements
Daniel Jeffrey McCormick headshot
Daniel McCormick

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.8 (Very Good)

Honors

N/A

Pro Bono, WSBA

Work Experience

1985 - 1985

Caucus attorney, Washington State Legislature

1980 - 1984

Assistant Attorney General, Washington State Attorney General Office

Associations

1989 - Present

State Bar of Georgia

Member

1989 - Present

US Supreme Court Bar Association

Member

1984 - Present

Federal Bar Association

Member

1982 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

B. v. L

victory

B. v. L

victory

See More Legal Cases

Education

1982

University of Puget Sound School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1979

Washington and Lee University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

2011

Cookbook The Alcoholic's Cookbook

2011

book She is Not Your Friend - 15th Anniversary Edition

1996

Book She is not Your Friend--A Man's Guide to Understanding Women

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution