★
I feel compelled to share my disturbing experience with Michael Upton, to caution others, particularly women who might consider working with him. My interactions with him left me deeply concerned about his conduct and professionalism.
Michael's comments and demeanor made me feel uncomfortable and disrespected, creating an environment that felt unsafe. This was not an isolated incident but a consistent pattern that raised serious red flags about his character and suitability as a legal professional.
His communication style was aggressive and, at times, threatening. Instead of fostering a sense of trust or respect, he used intimidation tactics that were entirely uncalled for. This behavior made it clear that he lacks the temperament required to represent clients effectively or ethically.
For someone in the field of criminal justice, where respect for others is critical, these traits were alarming and undermined any confidence I might have had in his abilities.
I strongly urge potential clients, especially women, to exercise caution when considering Michael Upton. Legal professionals should inspire trust, respect, and confidence, but my experience with him was the opposite. I recommend looking for an attorney who demonstrates professionalism and treats all individuals with the respect they deserve.
★★★★★
Attorney Michael J. Upton is an outstanding lawyer! He worked tirelessly on my case and got the results I needed. Highly recommend him for anyone looking for strong, honest, and effective representation.
You are awesome.
★
Hiring Attorney Michael J. Upton has been one of the most disappointing and unprofessional experiences I've ever had. I paid him $10,000 in late July 2025 for what he described as a "pre-warrant investigation." He was involved for only about two months -- from late July through early September 2025 -- before I terminated his services due to lack of progress and professionalism. During that entire time, there was never a warrant, no arrest, no indictment, and no formal charge ever filed. Despite that, Mr. Upton has kept every dollar of the $10,000 I paid him.
From the start, I struggled to get basic communication or updates. When I reached out for information, instead of professionalism, I received demeaning and disrespectful text messages. His tone was rude, condescending, and completely unprofessional -- this occurred while he was still representing my son, simply because I was asking for updates. His messages felt bullying and dismissive, especially considering that we were a family under immense stress.
When I later asked for a refund, he refused. He eventually offered a partial refund only if I agreed not to file a grievance or lawsuit -- which I refused. His justification for keeping the money was that "anything could happen even five years down the line." So apparently, he believes he can hold a client's money indefinitely, even though my son has already met with law enforcement.
Out of disbelief, I contacted the Alabama State Bar and obtained his official disciplinary record. The records confirm that Mr. Upton has multiple prior reprimands -- both public and private -- for professional misconduct, including issues involving client communication, excessive fees, and mishandling of client matters. These are official Bar documents, available to anyone who requests them directly from the Alabama State Bar.
My experience mirrors the same pattern seen in those reprimands: poor communication, lack of accountability, and disregard for clients. I feel deceived, bullied, and completely disappointed. If you value honesty, transparency, and professionalism, I strongly urge you to look elsewhere. I regret ever trusting him with my family's case, our money, or our peace of mind.
★★★★★
Mr. Upton is a fantastic attorney. He was recommended to me by a friend, and I'm so glad I reached out. I was completely over my head, and he helped guide me through both understanding and handling my case. He was always informative, quick to respond, and efficient. He went above and beyond to help me in ways that I didn't realize I could be helped. If you're looking for a good attorney, call him.
★★★★★
I can't thank Attorney Michael J. Upton enough for helping me win my case! He was supportive, professional, and always kept me informed. Five stars all the way--highly recommend!
