Michael J. Williams was born and raised in Wahpeton, North Dakota. He attended North Dakota State College of Science, and received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota in 1976. He attended the University of North Dakota School of Law, where he was president of the Moot Court Association and on the North Dakota Law Review. Since being graduated in 1979, Mike's practice has focused on plaintiff's personal injury and cases involving the rights of people with disabilities.

He is licensed to practice in all state and federal courts in North Dakota and Minnesota. Mike was elected President of the North Dakota Trial Lawyer's Association (2004-2005) and President-Elect of the North Dakota State Bar Association (2004).

Mike is an active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Fargo. He has been active in numerous community activities, and has spent many hours coaching youth basketball, football and other sports. In 2001, he received the Community Service Award from the State Bar Association of North Dakota for his volunteer activities.

In his free time, Mike enjoys participating in many sport and lake activities. Mike and his wife Sherry live in Fargo with their two children.