About Michael
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Michael Blacksburg
315 Noe Street San Francisco, CA 94114
(Telephone) 415.861.9900
(Facsimile) 415.861.9908

Michael Blacksburg is an attorney dedicated to serving individual, family and business clients in the San Francisco area. Throughout his career he has been a staunch advocate for San Francisco's locally-owned businesses, tenants, and families from all walks of life.

Mr. Blacksburg has become an expert in estate-planning that addresses caring for pets after their owner dies or is incapacitated. He has been solicited for seminars on pet trusts for local animal associations Pets Unlimited, Hopalong Rescue, Pomeranian Breeders Association, the Napa Valley Dog Trainers Club, and has spoken at the Beverly Hills Bar Association and the Bay Area Pet Fair. Michael also has written articles for Fetch the Paper, The Woofer Times, and for several trade newsletters. He is a trusted attorney in the area of pet trusts and estate planning for people with pets.

Mr. Blacksburg is also experienced in dealing with Yelp Lawsuits, having worked both on behalf of reviewers who were being prosecuted for reviews they believed were fair and accurate, and on behalf of small businesses dealing with unfair reviews that violated Yelp’s terms of service.

Michael draws on his experience as a small business owner, a world traveler, an Eagle Scout, and a member of the Burning Man community.
 

What should you expect after hiring me to represent you?

  1. Answers to Your Questions. Before you make an important decision, you want information. This includes not only a general understanding of your problem, but also answers to specific questions. I have dedicated my law practice to helping people understand their problems and the solutions I can provide. The basis of this understanding is having a lawyer who will respond accurately and completely to your questions and concerns.
  2. Personal Attention. I promise to provide you with the highest level of personal service, meet with you as often as you wish, and do everything possible to treat you the way I like to be treated when I’m the client.
  3. Accessibility. If I’m in the office and available when you call, I promise I will speak with you immediately. If I’m out of the office or with a client, I will return your call as soon as possible, usually within a day. If I’m on vacation, you’ll know it before I go.
  4. Timely Response to Your Requests. Please call or email whenever you need something from my office. If I’m not available at that moment, feel free to ask my legal assistant or law clerk to help you. If they cannot fulfill your request, I’ll handle it for you as soon as I’m available.
  5. Confidential Service. I perform all legal services in this office. Sometimes I mentor a law intern or hire a part-time attorney to help prepare for trial. When I do, my staff is trained in the importance of confidentiality and professionalism.
  6. Current Knowledge. I work hard to educate myself in the areas of law in which I practice. I attend continuing legal education classes, seminars and workshops so you benefit from the latest knowledge in my areas of law.
  7. Assertive Representation. I spend just as much time in court as I spend working out of court working for my clients. Suing on your behalf and taking someone to trial is a tool I use in getting the results you deserve, but not the only one. I have a great reputation for being firm, direct and honest and this makes a big difference in how my colleagues respond to my clients’ claims.
  8. More Than You Expect. My goal is to make sure you feel that the value you receive from me is always greater than my fee. If you think of some way I can provide you with better service, or better meet your needs, please tell me how. Even though we work together on a specific file, I’m not a mind reader. If there is something troubling you—or if you have a concern or a problem—please discuss it with me. If I can help you, I will. And if I can't help you, I may know someone who can. A good lawyer-client relationship deals with all types of problems, not just legal problems. So if something crosses your mind and you want my input, I’m happy to help.