Michael has a diverse legal practice with experience litigating numerous areas of law, including commercial contracts, professional malpractice, labor and employment, real estate and land use, antitrust, patent, family law, and personal injury. He has tried cases and argued appeals in both state and federal courts.
Recently, Michael was a member of a nationwide team of attorneys that recovered over $100 million for their clients in antitrust litigation.
Labor and employment matters make up a substantial portion of Michael’s practice, including discrimination claims. He has recovered millions of dollars for his clients for employment-related claims.
Michael was part of a legal team that represented the Duval County School Board against the City of Jacksonville. Through the litigation, the School Board established its independence from the City of Jacksonville. The lawsuit ultimately allowed Duval County voters to approve a $1.9 billion plan to rebuild, renovate, and secure Jacksonville’s public schools.
Michael is actively involved in groups that serve the legal profession and community. Michael was honored with The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award for assisting the Office of Public Defender in a case implementing a recent U.S. Supreme Court opinion. The team’s efforts led to the client’s release after almost thirty years of imprisonment.
Michael has served as chair of the Fourth Circuit Grievance Committee, which is responsible for continuing the investigation of possible lawyer misconduct. And he was selected by Jacksonville’s City Council President to serve on the City’s Task Force on Open Government. For several years, Michael served as a representative from the Fourth Judicial Circuit on The Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division’s Board of Governors.
Michael earned his undergraduate degree from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduation, he worked for the international accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. While working for PwC, he completed his master’s degree at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After being promoted to senior associate, he left PwC to attend law school at the University of Florida, where he graduated with honors. Michael met his wife, Melodie, at Samford University. They have four sons: Chase, Maddox, Hudson, and Reece.
Professional Associations & Memberships
- The Florida Bar, Young Lawyers Division Board of Governors (2011-2018)
- Member, Jacksonville Bar Association
- Chester Bedell Inn of Court, Barrister
- The Florida Bar Foundation, Fellow
Honors & Awards
- Recipient of The Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Service Award (2020)
- The Best Lawyers in America (2019-present)
- Florida Trend’s Up & Comer Legal Elite (2013-present)
- Florida Super Lawyers: Rising Star (2015-present)
- Florida Super Lawyers: Business Litigation (2024)
- Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent
- Jacksonville Magazine’s Best Lawyers (2024)
- Commercial Litigation
- Litigation – Labor & Employment
Past Employment Positions
- PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Senior Associate (2003-2006)