Prior to becoming an attorney, Michael spent eight years as a social worker in the Community Mental Health System and two years working for the Michigan Court of Appeals. After a year with Michigan Protection and Advocacy Service practicing exclusively in special education law, Michael was engaged in a general solo practice until 1995.

Since then, Michael has represented school districts in the area of school law with a primary emphasis in the area of special education. Michael is an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University where he teaches graduate courses in Special Education Law. Michael is also a frequent lecturer on special education law.