Michael is a 2002 Cum Laude graduate of the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law. While in law school, he was a member of the Moot Court, the National Trial Team, and The Journal for Contemporary Health Law and Policy. Michael was also a member of the regional championship team at the Second Annual North East Regional Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition, Criminal Justice Section (C.J.S.) of the American Bar Association (A.B.A.).

He was a national semi-finalist at the Twelfth Annual National Criminal Justice Trial Advocacy Competition, C.J.S., A.B.A. In 2002, Michael was presented with the Columbus School of Law Alumni Society Award in recognition of "academic excellence, participation in extra-curricular and co-curricular activities, and service to the law school, university, and community." Upon graduation from law school, he was appointed co-chair of the A.B.A.’s Litigation Section, Appellate Practice Committee, Young Lawyer’s Subcommittee.

Michael has 13 years experience working as an advocate with the National Association for Home Care and Hospice (NAHC) and the Center for Health Care Law (CHCL) in Washington D.C. At NAHC, he worked on a wide range of legal, legislative and regulatory issues designed to increase patient access to nursing and other services in the home and community setting. While with NAHC, he published articles in Caring Magazine and the NAHC Report newsletter. While with CHCL, Michael became an expert in the military health care system known as TRICARE, and worked with Congress to increase the access disabled dependents of active duty and retired military personnel have to health care services and in particular services in the home setting. This work included testifying before Congress, drafting proposed legislation, helping form a grassroots network of advocates, working with the press, and monitoring and reporting on regulatory developments.

Michael is a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy and College (VFMA&C), where he attained the rank of Cadet Captain, Battalion Commander. While at VFMAC he earned an A.A., in Criminal Justice. Michael is the recipient of VFMA&C’s highest award: The Order of Anthony Wayne Medal. While a cadet, he was awarded the Wayne Rotary Award for Service Above Self. Michael is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College (W&J), where he earned a B.A., with a major concentration in Sociology. While at W&J, he was the community affairs chairman of the local chapter of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Michael is admitted to the practice of law in California. His professional memberships include: Association of Trial Lawyers of America, The American Bar Association, The State Bar of California, Consumer Attorneys of California, The San Diego County Bar Association, The Consumer Attorneys of San Diego, and The Bar Association of Northern San Diego County. Michael is a 2006 delegate to the Conference of Delegates of California Bar Associations, a unique forum for California lawyers to work together in a common effort to address issues of importance and provide leadership in improving the law.