Michael represents companies and individuals in complex business disputes involving government investigations, privacy, and cybersecurity.
An experienced commercial litigator, Michael advises a wide range of businesses on how to avoid litigation and, when necessary, develops strategies designed to achieve their goals for a win. As a member of the firm's government investigations group, Michael focuses on both federal and state investigations. A former Denver Senior Deputy District Attorney, Michael has tried over one hundred cases to judge and jury and has litigated civil and criminal cases in various federal and state courts, including the Colorado Court of Appeals, the Colorado Supreme Court, the US District Court for the District of Colorado, and the US Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. Michael has helped clients prevail in numerous court and jury trials and arbitrations involving multi-million-dollar disputes.
Michael also advises clients regarding data breaches, privacy notifications, law enforcement investigations, and ransomware. Michael serves as outside general counsel for numerous national and international internet retailers, advising them on compliance issues and representing them in litigation matters.
As part of his dedication to community service, Michael served twelve years as a publicly-elected member of the University of Colorado Board of Regents. In 2012 and 2013, his colleagues elected him chair of the Board of Regents, which oversees the $3.8 billion University of Colorado, the third largest employer in the state of Colorado. Michael has been interviewed on higher education issues by CNN, Fox News, The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, and other media outlets. He is currently the Chair of the University of Colorado Law School Alumni Board and he serves on the Board of Directors for Easter Seals Colorado.
Michael clerked for the Honorable Clarence A. Brimmer, United States District Judge for the District of Wyoming.