OUR TEAM

Michael Carney is an associate at the firm’s Tyler office. While he has broad legal experience, his practice primarily focuses on estate planning and real estate law. Michael advises clients in estate planning, probate proceedings, tutorships, and guardianships, counseling them on how to develop and implement comprehensive estate plans. One of Michael’s areas of particular interest is estate planning for families with children with special needs. As the father of a child with special needs, Michael brings unique insight to this area of his practice.

Real estate law is a natural focus for Michael, as estate planning attorneys need to be familiar with state-specific estate planning laws, probate laws, federal and state tax laws, property laws, and asset protection laws. Michael works closely with lenders, title companies, individuals and entities to ensure real estate transactions are handled in a professional and timely manner. He also facilitates business entity formation and practices corporate transactional law. Michael is licensed to practice in Louisiana and Texas.

Michael brings strong analytical and research skills to the firm, having worked as an analyst for the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), a nonprofit corporation established by Congress to oversee the audits of public companies. At PCAOB, he drafted interpretive guidance regarding Board rules, prepared recommendations for Board action, and worked with registered firms to resolve issues of non-compliance. Also in Washington, DC, he served as the law clerk to the Hon. John H. Bayly of the District of Columbia Superior Court where he worked closely with the judge on a fast-paced criminal docket of approximately 400 cases, conducting legal research and drafting orders. During law school he worked as a legal intern for a United States Senator, preparing briefing materials for the nomination of Chief Justice John Roberts; he also served as research assistant for the United States Chamber of Commerce Commission on the Capital Markets.

Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and children and experiencing the great outdoors. Michael and his wife Genevieve have four children.

EDUCATION

The Catholic University of America, Columbus School of Law, Juris Doctor, May 2007
University at Albany, State University of New York, Bachelor of Arts, Classical History and Archaeology, May 2001

BAR ADMISSIONS

State Bar of Texas, 2010
State Bar of Louisiana, 2014
State Bar of Virginia, 2007 (inactive)

EXTRACURRICULAR

Journal of Law, Philosophy, and Culture
Moot Court
Corporate and Securities Law Program

HONORS & AWARDS

Presidential Scholar, University at Albany, SUNY

Business Entity Formation
Estate Planning - Wills & Trusts
Real Estate Law
Corporate Law
Special Needs Planning
Transactions

MEMBERSHIPS

State Bar of Texas

Harry V. Booth Judge Henry A. Politz American Inn of Court