Michael Kracht became a lawyer quite simply to help people and make a meaningful difference in their lives. It is that desire to help and go way beyond the typical “call of duty” that motivates him to be an outstanding advocate and counselor to his clients. Those who know him say he brings an unparalleled level of commitment to his clients – becoming personally invested in their problems and goals – which may be the reason his work has overwhelmingly come from past clients and other members of the Bar during the last 35+ years. As Managing Shareholder of the firm, Michael leads by example, instilling in his staff and lawyers his profound belief that it is everyone’s responsibility to help those in the community to the best of everyone’s abilities.
Michael’s practice focuses on real estate, land development, municipal law and litigation matters. His clients have been and continue to be varied. He currently acts as Solicitor to Dublin Borough and the Silverdale Zoning Hearing Board. In the past, he has served as Solicitor to Perkasie and special counsel to both Sellersville and Souderton. Additionally, he currently represents several local charities and service organizations such as Pennridge Fish, The American Foundation for Children with AIDS, the Perkasie Fire Department and Sellersville Fire Department, predominantly in Upper Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Projects have included the development of commercial and residential properties, the adaptive re-use of dilapidated properties, the dedication of a substantial amount of open space, the successful opposition to the development of open space, and litigation of real estate disputes and personal injury claims. He has taken special pride in his work to help properties maintain their historical value and protect the environment. Of special importance to Michael is his work as a founding Board member and attorney for over 20 years to the Keystone Opportunity Center, a recognized regional leader in community supported social services. Twenty properties managed by Keystone provide affordable housing and eligible individuals from the entire Pennridge and Souderton areas receive food, and clothing assistance from this organization.
A graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Michael received his law degree from Washburn University in 1979. He is admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar as well as the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and the United States Supreme Court.
Michael’s desire to give back started decades ago. After graduating from law school, Michael served as an Assistant Attorney General in the State of Kansas. Thereafter, he entered the Peace Corps, teaching children in Ecuador for several years before returning to the States and joining the staff of Chester County’s Legal Aid Office. Despite his busy practice, to this day Michael is active in doing pro bono work for the community including handling protection from abuse matters.
Practice Areas:
- Land Use, Zoning and Development
- Municipal Law
- Business Disputes
- Contract Disputes
- Real Estate Transactions
- Litigation
Admissions:
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit
- United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
- Pennsylvania
Professional Affiliations:
- Director, The American Foundation for Children with Aids
- Member, Bucks County Bar Association
Public Offices:
- Dublin Borough, Solicitor, 2000 – Present
- Silverdale Zoning Hearing Board, 1995 – Present
- Souderton Zoning Hearing Board, 1997 – 2007
- Perkasie Borough, Solicitor, 1991 – 2003
- Assistant Attorney General, State of Kansas, 1979 – 1981
Education:
J.D. Washburn University 1979
B.S. Northwest Missouri State University (Secondary Education)
Personal Interests:
When not practicing law, Michael enjoys playing the guitar at local coffee houses, hiking, biking and cross country skiing, gardening, playing tennis and and sailing at Lake Nockamixon. He recently climbed Mount Washington in New Hampshire!
Michael’s Blog Posts:
What Do All These Motor Vehicle Insurance Terms Mean?
This blog is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship