Michael J. Skinner

Michael J. Skinner is the founder of Skinner Law Firm and has been practicing criminal law for many years. As a former Assistant District Attorney in Chester County, Michael has handled various types of criminal cases, including DUI cases, drug charges, violent crimes, and homicide cases. His insight into how the criminal justice system works and how prosecutors think is valuable to successfully defending any criminal case.

Before deciding to open his own criminal defense firm, Michael spent several years working for the Chester County District Attorney’s (DA’s) Office. He began working as an intern during law school, but upon graduation and demonstration of a high level of talent and knowledge, he was quickly promoted to Assistant District Attorney.

Through this position, he handled hundreds of criminal cases in a variety of practice areas and prosecuted numerous DUI cases. Before his time at the DA’s office, Michael gained significant criminal defense experience working for a private law firm.

Prior to attending college, Michael – a Pennsylvania native, spent several years working as an arborist in his father’s tree business, where he learned the values of hard work and responsibility. He was born and raised in Delaware County, and has been living in Chester County since 2001.

Bar Admissions

  • United States District Court – Eastern District of Pennsylvania, 2008
  • Pennsylvania, 2007
  • New Jersey, 2007

Education

  • Widener University School of Law, J.D., 2007
  • West Chester University of Pennsylvania, 2003

Notable Verdicts/Settlements

  • Man acquitted of murder, not guilty on all charges
  • Third-degree murder withdrawn, reduced to aggravated assault
  • Aggravated assault dismissed, reduced to summary offense
  • DUI dismissed, charges dismissed for lack of evidence
  • Chemical test refusal dismissed, DUI refusal suspension overturned
  • Felony rape and kidnapping dismissed, charges reduced
  • Felony sex crimes dismissed, all charges dismissed

 

View other notable case results

Honors and Awards

  • Main Line Today Magazine, Top Lawyers, 2015 – 2019
  • Super Lawyers, Rising Stars Selectee, 2017
  • National Trial Lawyers, Top 100 Trial Lawyers, 2015 – 2017
  • American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, 10 Best for Client Satisfaction, 2015
  • American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys, 10 Best for Client Satisfaction, 2015
  • Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Appreciation of Service and Dedication, 2011

Professional Associations & Memberships

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 2015 – Present
  • American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys, Member, 2015
  • American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys, Member, 2015
  • National College for DUI Defense, Member, 2015 – Present
  • Rotary Club of West Chester, Member, 2015 – 2018
  • Better Business Bureau, Member, 2013 – 2015
  • Chester County Bar Association, Young Lawyer’s Division – Past Secretary-Elect, 2012
  • Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 2011 – Present
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present
  • Chester County Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present
  • American Bar Association, Member, 2007 – Present

Publications

  • PRWEB , Supreme Court to Decide if Dissipation of Alcohol in Bloodstream is Exigent Circumstances, 2013
  • PRWEB , Sexual Offenses and Penalties in Pennsylvania Among Recent Sex Abuse Allegations, 2012
  • PRWEB, Pennsylvania Sexting Law Goes into Effect, 2012
  • PRWEB, Medical Marijuana Legislation Recently Proposed in Pennsylvania , 2011

Work Experience

  • Skinner Law Firm, LLC, Founder, 2011 – Present
  • Chester County District Attorney’s Office, Assistant District Attorney, 2006 – 2011
  • Delaware Civil Clinic, Trial Counsel, 2006
  • Goldberg, Meanix & Muth, Legal Assistant, 2003 – 2004

I’m very happy with Mike Skinner’s...

I was a little nervous about everything and just 5 minutes of talking with Mike, I felt at ease.

5 Stars Review 5

12-18-2018

He’s worth every penny.

If you work with him, he will get you what you want/deserve.

5 Stars Review 5

06-13-2018

Mike Skinner helped me immensely.

Mike’s attention to detail and professionalism put my mind at ease.

5 Stars Review 5

09-10-2019

I am grateful he helped me.

Extensive experience with defending DUI’s and I saw this confidence in the courtroom.

5 Stars Review 5

12-17-2018

Thank you, Mr. Skinner

Michael Skinner is an excellent lawyer that knows your rights, and he will indeed fight for you.

5 Stars Review 5

12-04-2018

Micheal and his firm are top...

Michael Skinner EXPERTLY handled a very sensitive case.

5 Stars Review 5

12-10-2018

Gave me realistic advice.

He was able to reduce my son’s sentence from a potentially harsh fine, loss of driving privileges or even jail time, down to a few community service hours.

5 Stars Review 5

10-11-2018

I am beyond grateful.

Going above and beyond for their clients is an understatement.

5 Stars Review 5

12-20-2018

Placed into the ARD program.

Michael and Nichole made me feel comfortable as you truly feel that you are discussing your problem with friends.

5 Stars Review 5

11-15-2018

I will be forever indebted to...

I am thankful I found and chose Michael Skinner.

5 Stars Review 5

05-17-2019

Michael had listened intently

I would highly recommend him to anyone facing charges or violations in Chester County.

5 Stars Review 5

08-16-2019

There for me every step of...

From day one I felt comfortable with him and confident that he would help me get the best outcome available.

5 Stars Review 5

12-19-2018

Best lawyer in Delaware County

He was extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

5 Stars Review 5

06-14-2018

Has a lot of knowledge and...

Mr Skinner always kept us updated about the case and was prompt with his responses.

5 Stars Review 5

12-13-2018

Mike is by far the best...

His calm presence is also very reassuring for his clients. Highly recommend choosing him.

5 Stars Review 5

05-21-2019

Mike Skinner is an excellent attorney.

He was able to get me a lesser sentence and always treated me with respect throughout.

5 Stars Review 5

12-08-2019

Hire him. Don't wait.

I don’t think it is possible for a better outcome than what was achieved by Michael J Skinner.

5 Stars Review 5

12-14-2017

Thank you, Skinner Law!

I went to Skinner after researching all the law firms in the area and without a doubt would go to him for everything.

5 Stars Review 5

05-15-2019

Recommend him 110 %

Working with Mr. Skinner has been a pleasure.

5 Stars Review 5

12-19-2018

More than exceptional

He was very negotiable and understanding of my circumstances.

5 Stars Review 5

11-14-2018

He listened and told me where...

Michael was able to give me clear guidance on my legal options and explained each step of the process.

5 Stars Review 5

11-15-2019

A masterful defense lawyer

Michael Skinner and his staff made me completely comfortable and confident

5 Stars Review 5

07-11-2019

I could not thank him more.

He took me through everything step by step and charged me a fair price for his service.

5 Stars Review 5

11-26-2019

Mike Skinner in the best.

He is very nice and will work with to help get you the best possible outcome.

5 Stars Review 5

07-08-2018

I would highly recommend him.

I was nervous regarding my situation, but after a brief conversation describing my charges and the delicacy of my situation, Michael assured me he could easily handle this case.

5 Stars Review 5

11-23-2019

He was able to have everything...

His diligence and professionalism are unmatched making it a pleasure to have been a client.

5 Stars Review 5

12-19-2018

Always available

Anyone faced with a DUI charge needs Mike Skinner.

5 Stars Review 5

12-17-2018

I am eternally grateful

Mike Skinner resolved this case in the best way possible, and I am eternally grateful for his advice and counsel.

4 Stars Review 4

11-30-2019

Mr. Skinner went above and beyond

He is very informative and knowledgeable. I had no trouble contacting him to answer questions or give me advice.

5 Stars Review 5

11-29-2019

Professional and Understanding

He is very professional and understanding of each person’s needs.

5 Stars Review 5

05-19-2019

Mike is the guy to call!

A top-notch attorney in West Chester.

5 Stars Review 5

10-10-2019

Average 4.96774193548 out of 5 rating based on 31 Reviews
See All Reviews