Michael is a native of South Carolina, growing up in Columbia and attending The Citadel for his undergraduate degree. Prior to attending law school, Michael was a personal trainer, assisting dozens of clients in meeting their physical fitness and nutrition goals. Michael loved the rewarding feeling of seeing a client’s transformation after proper guidance. He has been an officer in the South Carolina Army National Guard since 2003, rising to the rank of Major. Michael was awarded Army Commendation Medals for service during active duty deployments in Iraq and Kuwait, as well as for the Coronavirus relief mission. Michael’s military service helped him realize that he wants to serve his community and that he is energized by working with others to solve problems.
Michael graduated from the Charleston School of Law, with honors, and began working for the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). As a DSS attorney, Michael prosecuted abuse and neglect cases in Family Court, and dealt with difficult custody issues on a daily basis. He saw first hand the struggles that families go through when dealing with DSS, and he knows there is a better way. If you are contemplating divorce, are facing a custody battle, or have a pending DSS case, let Michael put his Family Court experience and DSS connections to work for you.
After working for DSS, Michael moved on to the Charleston County Public Defender’s Office where he defended nearly 1,000 clients charged with General Sessions felonies and misdemeanors ranging from DUI and drugs, to domestic violence and murder. In his almost five years as a Public Defender in Charleston, he tried approximately twenty cases to jury verdict and left with a winning record against the State, also known as the Solicitor’s office. If you have been charged with a crime, Michael’s significant experience and contacts with the Solicitor’s office will be on your side.
After leaving the Public Defender’s office, Michael began defending personal injury cases for a large, well respected, insurance defense firm in downtown Charleston. He defended businesses being sued by individuals who were hurt by the businesses’ negligence. Working with insurance companies taught Michael how they operate and how they evaluate a case, and he is now uniquely suited to make sure his clients receive everything they are entitled to receive.
Michael has been married to his beautiful wife for over ten years now and they have two wonderful children. He loves spending time with them and his dog, playing guitar on the porch, and having a cold beer after a long day. He also enjoys exercising, playing a little golf (badly), boating and fishing when he has time, and going to see live music.
Professional Memberships
• South Carolina Bar Association
• Charleston County Bar Association
• South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• South Carolina Association for Justice