Michael received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and his Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. Michael is licensed to practice law in both Colorado and Michigan. Michael is the former President of the Workers’ Compensation Education Association (WCEA), which is the leading attorney advocate group for injured workers in Colorado. Since 2002, Michael has been a WCEA board member actively involved with authoring new legislation and rules to better the Colorado Workers’ Compensation system.
Professional Players Unions have sought Michael’s assistance representing their injured players. He is one of only two NFL Players Association-appointed Colorado panel counsels. He also assists the NHLPA, MLSPA, MLBPA, and the Professional Hockey Players Association (PHPA).
Michael is a Fellow of the Colorado Bar Association Foundation (less than one percent of all active Colorado attorneys are honored by being made a Fellow).
In 2016, Michael received the Lansford F. Butler Award for his outstanding service, dedication, and commitment in the field of Colorado WC; This is the most prestigious award given to a WC practitioner in Colorado.
Michael was honored by the Professionals in Workers’ Compensation Organization with 2007, 2009 & 2015 WC Outstanding Claimants Attorney awards and the 2008 PWC President’s Award.
The National Institute has recognized Michael for Trial Advocacy. The Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation has recognized Michael for his service on the 2006 & 2008 Medical Treatment Guidelines Task Force. Michael has also assisted the Division of Workers’ Compensation with developing and revising the Workers’ Compensation Rules of Procedure on several occasions.
Michael has given numerous presentations to help educate the Workers’ Compensation community on behalf of the Nation Business Institute, Colorado Bar Association, Workers’ Compensation Education Association, the Professionals in Workers’ Compensation Association, and Sterling Educational Services.