Michael F. Schaff

Michael F. Schaff

Woodbridge, NJ recognized lawyers icon Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2003
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer PA

42 Best Lawyers awards

Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer PA logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Mergers and Acquisitions Law Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law Corporate Compliance Law Corporate Law Health Care Law
*Named the "Lawyer of the Year" in this practice area in the 2026 edition in Woodbridge.

Biography

Michael F. Schaff is co-chair or the Corporate and Health Law teams at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer, P.A. Mr. Schaff assists healthcare providers and businesses of all sizes in evaluating both the legal and business ramifications of any transaction, contract, agreement or negotiation, leveraging an educational and professional background rooted in business, finance, and taxation. His healthcare practice includes the representation of healthcare professionals and group practices, hospitals, ambulatory surgical centers, clinically integrated networks, managed care organizations, practice management companies, management service organizations, independent physician associations, and physician-hospital organizations in connection with the formation and structure of joint ventures. On the corporate side, Mr. Schaff advises start-ups and established businesses of all sizes on matters ranging from simple to complex agreements, entity formation and regulatory compliance to purchases or sales and strategic transactions. He also advises clients on private equity investments in healthcare.
Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer PA

42 Best Lawyers awards

Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer PA logo

Overview

  • New York Law School, J.D., graduated 1982
  • Baruch College, MBA
  • Boston University School of Law, LL.M.
  • Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, B.A.

  • New Jersey, 1983
  • New York, 1983
  • New Jersey, 1998
  • New York, 1999

  • United States Supreme Court
  • United States District Court, District of New Jersey
  • New Jersey, 1983
  • New York, 1983
  • New Jersey, 1998
  • New York, 1999
  • New York Law School, J.D., graduated 1982
  • Baruch College, MBA
  • Boston University School of Law, LL.M.
  • Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, B.A.
  • United States Supreme Court
  • United States District Court, District of New Jersey

Client Testimonials

Michael has guided me through some very difficult times; he helped first with the dissolution of a previous partnership and then with inception of my existing practice. He has provided expert, timely advice on some very difficult issues and has referred me to additional lawyers within his firm when necessary. I trust Michael and his firmly completely and have recommended colleagues to him and Wilentz.

A leader in innovative solutions for physicians, surgery centers and other health care entities. Michael's practical approach and personal touch helps guide his clients through the complexity of health care regulations.

Mike Schaff is easy to reach, honest, and most importantly, practical.

Dave Rosenheck, MD (Gastroenterology Consultants, P.A.)

Edison, NJ

I did extensive research before choosing Michael Schaff to represent us. He is extremely knowledgeable and pleasant to work with. I have referred him to many other physicians over the years and everyone is extremely pleased with their experience. He adds great value to the negotiating process.

Denise Netta (Dr. Denise Netta)

Basking Ridge, NJ

Michael Schaff has been a trusted adviser whom I would recommend without reservations.

Michael is extremely knowledgeable and responsive to all matters! I highly recommend him.

Mark Schlesinger, M.D. (Hackensack Anesthesia)

We researched many health care law experts on the east coast and found Mike Schaff to be the most knowledgeable and responsive. He has an incredible work ethic and is always available to address your needs, even when on vacation. I have referred many colleagues to Mike and they have all been equally impressed.

Denise Netta (Dr. Denise Netta)

Basking Ridge, NJ

When I am handling a complex health care transaction and in need of pragmatic approaches, he is my man.

Jan Gabin, Esq. (Capital Health System)

He is exceedingly responsive and professional. I can always count on Michael, especially when things need to be done quickly.

Michael Schaff, Esquire, is an exceptional attorney and a man of the highest integrity. His morals, ethics ,and standards pinnacle above the rest. Michael is able to get things accomplished for his clients through negotiation without litigation, even when it's not in his best interest, financially. Michael has the extraordinary ability to remain composed in all situations as he accomplishes his client's goals, rather than react inappropriately to the emotion of the situation which would otherwise end in disaster. Michael puts the interests of his clients and their families before his own interests. He truly is a "family man" and seeks to improve his client's quality of life. Michael always looks at the "big picture", not only the current situation, and puts things in perspective as he helps to guide his clients with their decision-making. Ultimately, however, he understands that the decision does, in fact, rest with his clients, and Michael is always willing to "serve" his clients with whatever decision he or she makes. It is with great pleasure and pride that I support and commend the application of Michael Schaff, Esquire, for BestLawyers in the USA. Sincerely yours, Robert A. Kayal, MD

Robert Kayal (Kayal Orthopaedic Center, P.C.)

Franklin Lakes, NJ

Mr. Schaff has been the lawyer for our medical corporation for about 10 years. It is important to us that he is responsive to our needs, which have included insurance contracting, employment contracts, partner relations, buy sells, and many other issues. We are a four-physician practice with over 30 employees and Mr. Schaff's advice has always been timely and to the point. His availability far exceeds that of anyone I have dealt with in the past. He is personable and takes your needs and the big picture into consideration. I would strongly recommend Mr. Schaff to anyone needing legal advice in a medical practice.

Glenn Jacobs (Cardiology Consultants of Toms River)

Toms River, NJ

Michael Schaff has that unique combination of legal expertise and "street smarts." His knowledge of the medical-legal world is outstanding and he has truly been a wonderful advisor.

Murray Seltzer (Murray H. Seltzer, M.D.)

Livingston, NJ

Mike is always available and has always taken care of my needs. Whether via telephone or e-mail, there has never been a communication problem. Mike is clearly an expert on medical practice law and I have personally referred many professional colleagues to him.

John Tydings (Central Jersey Spine Associates)

Lawrenceville, NJ

Michael represented me during a painful separation from a previous partner and through the inception of a new corporation. He has tremendous insight with excellent communication and incredible people skills. He can be as compassionate or as tough as a particular situation warrants. His is best, however, at seeing and conveying the big picture. He was a zealous advocate for me and my corporation at all times. I will be forever grateful and appreciative to him as he guided me through this very difficult time.

Donald Putman (Metropediatric Cardiology Associates)

Livingston, NJ

Awards & Focus

Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2026 - Mergers and Acquisitions Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2024 - Health Care Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2023 - Corporate Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships) Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2018 - Health Care Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Mergers and Acquisitions Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2016 - Health Care Law Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2012 - Health Care Law
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Woodbridge (2026)
  • Health Care Law, Woodbridge (2024)
  • Corporate Law, Woodbridge (2023)
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Woodbridge (2021)
  • Health Care Law, Woodbridge (2018)
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Woodbridge (2017)
  • Health Care Law, Woodbridge (2016)
  • Health Care Law, Woodbridge (2012)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
  • Corporate Compliance Law
  • Corporate Law
  • Health Care Law
  • Mergers and Acquisitions Law
Additional Areas of Practice:
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Corporate Governance Law
  • Litigation - Intellectual Property
  • Litigation and Controversy - Tax
  • Technology Law

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