Michael McGuffee

“Business owners are hard-working, innovative, optimistic, and inspiring people. I take pride in helping business owners resolve the legal disputes that stand between them and their success.”

Michael watched a childhood friend’s four-person start-up grow into a multi-million dollar success story, and has been inspired by the power of small business ever since. Unlike most attorneys, Michael listens more than he talks. He understands that every business is different, and he achieves better results for his clients by taking the time to analyze their unique objectives.

Michael won his first breach of contract case a month after he was admitted to the Georgia Bar. A short time later, Michael earned a hard-fought victory for a deserving client in a three-day jury trial, and he has been fighting for small business owners ever since.

That said, Michael knows the best solutions for his clients are often earned outside of the courtroom. As a registered mediator, Michael has mediated hundreds of cases and understands the value of the alternative dispute resolution process. At the end of the day, Michael believes the best legal victory is the one that provides the greatest benefit to his clients’ bottom line.

Michael grew up in Winter Park, Florida. He and his wife, Allison, currently live in Peachtree Corners, Georgia. Michael enjoys playing golf, reading success stories, and spending time with family and friends.

Outstanding Case Results / Significant Representations

For the Plaintiff:

• $400,000 jury trial verdict for husband and wife in malicious prosecution case against HOA
• $195,000 jury trial verdict for property owners in breach of fiduciary duty case
• $135,000 jury trial verdict for restaurant owner defrauded by former business partner
• Bench Trial judgment granting specific performance and attorney’s fees to property owner
• $150,000 collected from former business partner in fraud case
• $110,000 collected from former business partners in breach of contract case
• $100,000 settlement for service provider in breach of contract case

For the Defendant:

• $0 jury trial defense verdict and award of attorney’s fees for property owner sued by tenant
• $0 jury trial defense verdict for contractor sued by developer for $4 million
• $0 jury trial defense verdict for salon owner sued by former business partner

Raves from Clients and Others:

“Michael represented me in a challenging case under not so usual conditions. I was thoroughly pleased with his expertise, knowledge base, work in trial, and the overall outcome.” – Keith Quarles, Jr.

Practice Areas:

• Business Disputes
• Contract Disputes
• Real Estate Disputes
• Partnership Disputes
• Contractor/Subcontractor Disputes
• Landlord/Tenant Disputes
• Commercial Debt Collection
• Fraud Cases
• Malicious Prosecution Cases
• Mediation

Education

• Georgia State University College of Law – J.D. (Magna Cum Laude)
• Florida State University – B.S., Communications (Summa Cum Laude)

Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice

• All State and Superior Courts of Georgia
• Georgia Court of Appeals
• Supreme Court of Georgia
• U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia

Professional & Bar Association Memberships

• State Bar of Georgia
• Atlanta Bar Association
• Lawyers Club of Atlanta
• Georgia Office of Dispute Resolution

Community Interests

• Norcross Youth Baseball & Softball Association
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta