Prior to becoming a full-time neutral, Michael engaged in the practice of law, which initially involved corporate, securities and tax work. He subsequently formed his own law firm where he continued to engage in a commercial practice that included estate planning, commercial transactional work and commercial litigation in the state and federal courts as well as trust and estate litigation in the Surrogate’s Court.

Michael’s introduction into mediation initially focused on personal injury actions in the New York Supreme Court for Nassau County. Following that initiation, he went on to mediating Section 1983 civil rights actions in federal court. During just a two-year period at the outset of his mediation practice, Michael mediated more than fifty cases, making him one of the most prolific mediators in the Southern District of New York

Michael is a graduate of the University of Connecticut, holding a BA degree in psychology. He earned his JD degree from Boston University School of Law and has an LL.M degree in Taxation from New York University School of Law.

When he is not busy arbitrating or mediating a legal dispute, Michael can frequently be found on a pickleball court, or with his bowling league, or on one of his road bikes traversing the scenic roads on the North Fork of Long Island. He is a huge fan of the women’s basketball program at UConn, his alma mater, and he makes every effort to fit their games into his busy schedule.