Michael received a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of California, at Davis in 1990. In 1995, he received his J.D. degree from the University of the Pacific's McGeorge School of Law. Michael's practice emphasizes litigation, including natural resources law, land use, land permitting, construction, water rights, water quality, Indian gaming/environmental law, mining law, NEPA/CEQA and general civil litigation. During his career, he has represented governmental entities, private entities, and landowners in all manner of litigation. Michael is a member of the State Bar of California and the State Bar of Oregon. Michael is admitted to practice before all California courts and the United States District Court for the Eastern, Northern, Central and Southern Districts of California. Michael is also admitted to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and is a member of the Sacramento Federal Bar Association and the Sacramento Bar Association. He is also admitted to practice before all Oregon courts and the United States District Court for the State of Oregon. Michael serves as a judge pro tem for the Sacramento Superior Court, El Dorado Superior Court, San Joaquin Superior Court and Placer Superior Court. Michael serves as the Secretary for the Eastern District Historical Society, a member of the Eastern District Judicial Advisory Committee and a member of the California State Bar Jury Instruction Committee.
