One of Mike’s specialties is conducting internal client investigations and handling white collar criminal matters. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from West Virginia University in 1983. In 1986, he obtained his law degree with honors from New York Law School and received the American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence in Agency and Partnership. In 1990, Michael became an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia, engaging in the prosecution of organized crime, white collar crime, and major fraud. In 1991, he received the Department of Justice Special Achievement Award.

Mike has an impressive track record in arguments before the court, having argued numerous appellate cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit and the Supreme Court of Appeals of West Virginia. He also is an active member of the legal community, having been a member of the West Virginia State Bar, the West Virginia State Bar Association, the Defense Research Institute, the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia, the Kanawha County Bar Association, the Cabell County Bar Association, and the American Bar Association. Mike served as a member of the Board of Governors for the Defense Trial Counsel of West Virginia from 2002 to 2007 and as the organization’s president from 2006 to 2007.

Mike cherishes time with his family, and tries to make time to travel. Mike also is a history buff and a consummate sportsman. He enjoys shooting shotguns – sporting clays, skeet, trap. He’s a former West Virginia Sporting Clays State Champ. Add to that bird hunting, golfing, basketball, football, and boating. He also played competitive baseball until he retired at age 50.

This means no matter where you challenge Mike, be prepared to take on a tough and seasoned competitor.