Practice areas: Estate Planning & Probate, Business Litigation, Business & Corporate; view more
Licensed in Nevada since: 2001
Education: University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law
John Paul Michaelson is the owner and managing partner of Michaelson Law, where he leads the firm’s business and estate planning practice. Since joining the firm in 2003, John has worked closely with ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners to craft sophisticated legal strategies for asset protection, wealth transfer, and multigenerational estate planning. He brings particular depth in complex business structuring and tax planning, guiding clients through entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, and long-term succession strategies.
John’s background in finance, paired with over two decades of legal experience, allows him to deliver practical, forward-thinking solutions to clients with substantial personal and business assets. He is a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, family offices, and professionals across Nevada and beyond.
In addition to his work with high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, John maintains a strong connection to elder law and long-term care planning. He is an active member of WealthCounsel, ElderCounsel, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and he previously chaired the Elder Law Section of the Nevada State Bar. He has also served as president of the Nevada WealthCounsel Forum and as general counsel for the Veterans Action Group, a local nonprofit.
Before joining Michaelson Law, John practiced labor and employment litigation in federal court as an associate at DLA Piper and clerked for the Honorable Robert J. Johnston in the United States District Court for the District of Nevada.
John earned his J.D. from the University of Utah, where he served on the Utah Law Review and co-founded Law Students for Children, an advocacy group supporting vulnerable youth. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance from Utah State University and began his career at Fidelity Investments, trading options, stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
A devoted husband and father, John met his wife, Regina, at Utah State University. They have been married for over 30 years and have four children. In his free time, John enjoys playing basketball, riding motorcycles, camping, and watching movies with his family.
Practice areas
Estate Planning & Probate, Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, Elder Law, Estate & Trust LitigationFocus areas
Business Formation and Planning, Business Organizations, Contracts, Estate Planning, Guardianships & Conservatorships, Limited Liability Companies, Living Wills, Partnership, Power of Attorney, Probate & Estate Administration, Sub-chapter S Corporations, Trusts, Will Contests, Wills
- 20% Estate Planning & Probate
- 20% Business Litigation
- 20% Business/Corporate
- 20% Elder Law
- 20% Estate & Trust Litigation
First Admitted: 2001, Nevada
Professional Webpage: https://michaelsonlaw.com/john-michaelson/
Bar / Professional Activity
- WealthCounsel | Member, 2005
- Nevada WealthCounsel Forum | President
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Member
- ElderCounsel, Member
- Chair of the Elder Law Section of the Nevada State Bar, 2007
Pro bono / Community Service
- Veterans Action Group | General Counsel, 2018
- Eagle Scout
- Boy Scouts
- Law Students for Children, Co-Founder
Educational Background
- Utah State University | Bachelor's Degree in Business Finance, 1996
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- University of Utah, Utah Law Review, Senior Staff Member
Honors
- Trusts and Estates, 2021 - 2023, Best Lawyers in America
- Family Owned Business Award, nominated 2022, Nevada Business Magazine
- 2020 - 2021, America’s Most Honored Lawyers
- Top 100 Men of Success, MyVegas Magazine, 2022
- Top Rated Lawyer, 2020 - 2021, Avvo
- Top Rated Lawyer, Avvo, 2022
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2023 - 2026