Meet Applebaum Joachim Law Group Founder Michael H. Applebaum, an Experienced Attorney Practicing Criminal and Family Law in Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh, Northampton, and Philadelphia Counties
In matters as important as family law and criminal defense, you need an attorney who is dynamic, dedicated, and highly effective at getting his clients the outcomes they deserve.
Throughout Eastern and Southeastern Pennsylvania, past clients, retired judges, and opposing counsel are praising attorney Michael H. Applebaum.
- “Mr. Applebaum has been an outstanding lawyer for me. He helped me navigate a very difficult case involving my narcissistic ex and always made sure my concerns were heard and addressed. His professionalism, knowledge, and dedication gave me confidence during a stressful time. – Dilruba S., client
- “I want to thank Mr. Appelbaum for helping my family through unexpected concerns and walking us through our questions every step of the way. He was reliable, clear and helpful and we would recommend him for anyone in need of legal advice.” – Amanda C., client
- “I have been using this firm for many years and have found them to be exceptionally effective in representing and protecting my legal interests both personal and business. Michael has assembled a staff of associates that are most efficient and knowledgeable about any legal matter which I have requested information or representation. From beginning to end I have received constant communication, and have always had answers to my questions in a timely manner. I highly recommend the firm of Applebaum Joachim Law Group for any legal matter.” – Sam N., client
Find out for yourself how attorney Michael H. Applebaum leverages his five decades of legal experience, background in the corporate world, and genuine concern for families and working people in Eastern and Southeastern Pennsylvania communities to achieve favorable resolutions to legal issues.
Mickey Applebaum’s Story
At Applebaum Joachim Law Group, every aspect of our firm’s approach to legal practice is informed by founder Michael “Mickey” H. Applebaum’s personal and professional life experiences.
With diverse experience that includes working in corporate development, being among the youngest presidents of a New York Stock Exchange company, and practicing law for more than 55 years, Mr. Applebaum is familiar with legal considerations that range from representing the downtrodden to handling cases that involve complex business matters.
Here’s his story.
Humble Beginnings and Hard Work
Michael H. Applebaum never let his humble beginnings hold him back. Born into a working-class family in Germantown, Philadelphia, he began working at age 12. He mowed lawns, washed cars, swept porches, and collected discarded beverage bottles that could be recycled for a nickel apiece.
By high school, Mr. Applebaum was working full-time and running his own business, all while participating on the swim team and maintaining his academic performance. He received a full scholarship from Temple University for his undergraduate studies.
Law School Excellence and Advocacy
His law degree, from the University of Louisville Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, was also funded by a full scholarship that Mr. Applebaum earned through his merit and unrelenting hard work. During law school, he started the law student civil rights association in Kentucky and personally hosted presentations by civil rights activists Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Reverend Abernathy.
“What I stand for is what's right and just and fair,” he said. His actions serving generations of families throughout the region over his 55+ years in legal practice continue to reflect that stance.
After Law School
Although Mr. Applebaum was accepted into a master's in international law program at Clare College in Cambridge University, he chose to stay closer to home because his father was ill. Instead, he earned a LL.M.-equivalent master’s in taxation degree from New York University and went on to work in the corporate world. He spent these years flying all over the country and beyond, buying and selling companies.
Before age 30, Michael H. Applebaum had become one of the youngest presidents of a New York Stock Exchange company. Today, he uses that experience in his legal practice in numerous ways, from facilitating divorces complicated by major stock options to defending against charges of financial crimes.
A Passion for Providing Legal Help for Working People From All Walks of Life
Mr. Applebaum has dedicated more than five decades of his career to representing people from all walks of life. He takes a particular interest in serving the downtrodden, including people who have been mistreated by the law.
“It’s not just about the money. They just want to help clients the best they can.” – Meryl D., client
Mr. Applebaum recognizes that it isn’t always easy for people who need legal services to afford the cost of an attorney’s fees in the moment. He has a history of working with clients, particularly those involved in family law matters, on flexible fee arrangements when they can’t afford the full cost of legal services upfront.
In fact, one of the most memorable cases he has handled in his career involved helping a young mother who didn’t have a lot of money get her child returned to her after the father had abducted the child. Mr. Applebaum assisted this client in locating the missing child, preparing for court, and presenting her case, all the while working on a payment plan that ensured the client could afford the quality legal assistance she needed without adding to her struggles.
To Michael Applebaum, practicing law is not all about the money. It’s about helping real local families, working people, and the accused when they need legal guidance the most.
“I had a consultation and the lawyer was so helpful. I didn’t need to hire them because I could handle the matter myself but they couldn’t be more helpful. If you need a caring, dedicated lawyer I highly recommend them.” – U., prospective client
Part of providing legal services that meet clients' needs is evaluating prospective clients’ situations with honesty and integrity and providing transparent guidance on how to proceed. While there are many situations in which people dealing with legal issues stand to benefit from hiring our firm, the reality is that every situation is different.
When people call for free consultations, Mr. Applebaum will tell them whether they actually need an attorney. He doesn’t want the people in his community to spend their hard-earned money on professional legal representation they don’t really need. He has advised prospective clients when a legal matter is something they can handle effectively themselves, as well as how he can make a meaningful difference in cases that would benefit from professional representation.
“Everyone is attentive, very detailed and responsive… They are very family oriented and treat every case as a priority. If you picked Applebaum you picked the right place, the best criminal defense attorney in Bucks!” – Marilyn R., client
Despite his experience working in the corporate world, Mr. Applebaum has always been committed to running a firm that feels like family, not like a Wall Street firm. As an example of this approach, he gives out his personal cell phone number to clients. This ensures clients can call him day or night with legal concerns, although most clients never have to do so because Mr. Applebaum and his team are so proactive about providing case updates without being asked.
Contact Attorney Michael H. Applebaum for a Free, No-Obligation Consultation
With Michael Applebaum fighting for you, your case is in the competent hands of an attorney with more than five decades of experience and a reputation for hard work, business and financial fluency, and exceptional results.
Applebaum Joachim Law Group is available 24/7 to meet your legal needs. To get started with a free consultation, contact us online or call 215-440-62855.
Offices
Bensalem • Allentown • Doylestown • Philadelphia
Mr. Applebaum’s Affiliations
- The Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL) (Member)
- American Association of Justice (AAJ) (Member)
Areas of Practice:
- Family law: Representation of clients in divorce proceedings, custody disputes, support resolutions, equitable property distribution, and protection from abuse
- Criminal defense: Defense against DUI/DWI charges, misdemeanors and felonies, white-collar investigations, state & federal matters, and juvenile charges
- Personal injury (select matters): Coordination of claims for compensation for serious injuries with trusted partner counsel, remaining closely involved in a client-facing capacity
Mr. Applebaum’s Education
- Temple University, 1964
- B.S.
- Major: Accounting
- Minor: Journalism and Communications
- Louis D. Brandeis School of Law, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky, 1967
- Juris Doctor
- Honors: Top 10% of the Class
- New York University, 1967
- Master's Degree
- Major: Taxation