In the world of high-stakes litigation, most lawyers see a battle. Michael sees a chess match. He's a trial and appellate litigator who crafts strategies that dismantle multimillion-dollar threats and uncover paths to victory where others see a dead end.

He proved it when his novel legal theory salvaged a half-billion-dollar claim for a client. He proved it again when he took an eight-figure class-action demand and methodically dismantled it, forcing a settlement for a fraction of the cost. For Michael, litigation isn't just about fighting; it's about out-thinking the opposition to find the shortest, most efficient path to victory.

This track record of delivering results is why Crain’s Cleveland Business named him a 2025 Notable Litigator. Michael brings this same intensity to every challenge, whether it’s representing clients in the retail, energy, and healthcare sectors, or fighting for justice in his pro bono work against unconstitutional laws and discrimination.

As Chair of Benesch’s Appellate Practice Group, Michael’s work has national impact. Honed through trial and appellate clerkships and as the Simon Karas Fellow in the Ohio Solicitor General’s Office, his strategic vision secures precedent-setting victories that neutralize threats not only to his clients, but to entire industries.

Outside the courtroom, Michael is passionate about mentoring associates in legal writing, staying active through resistance training, and camping with his daughters as part of the Cuyahoga Valley Native Sons & Daughters program. He believes that cultivating both a sharp mind and meaningful personal connections is essential to success—in and out of the courtroom.