A native of New York, Michael served his country as a U.S. Army Captain in Viet Nam, and was awarded two Bronze Stars for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces.  Upon return to the United States, he took his law license in California in 1971, serving as in-house counsel for the FotoMat Corporation.  

Since the 1980s, Michael has assisted clients in recovering compensation for their injuries resulting from medical negligence, car accidents, slip and falls, dog bites, and other tortious conduct.  

Michael has been a semi-professional drummer in various local jazz and pop bands, and also is an avid tennis player.  Although a New Yorker, he considers himself an adopted California native.  He has one daughter, and one grandson.