Michael’s practice emphasizes estate planning, estate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, long-term care planning, and special needs trusts.
Prior to attending law school, Michael gained experience working with seniors and people with disabilities while earning a master’s degree in social work. During law school, he added a financial perspective to his background working as a securities broker for Charles Schwab, Inc. Upon graduation, Michael clerked for the Honorable C. Jean Stewart, Judge of the Denver Probate Court. As an attorney, Michael draws on his background, representing seniors, people with disabilities, and their families on a range of planning, administration, and crisis-management issues.
Michael is the author of numerous articles and continuing legal education materials, and he frequently speaks to attorneys, financial professionals, and caregivers on topics of interest to seniors and people with disabilities. Michael is fluent in Spanish and has served as an interpreter in various settings, including Colorado Courts.
For many years, Michael chaired the Agency and Professional Relations Subcommittee of the Oregon State Bar’s Elder Law Section. In that capacity, he advocated for seniors and people with disabilities by fostering dialogue between the legal community and Oregon’s Department of Human Services. From 2005-2008, he served on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Currently, Michael serves on the Board of Directors for Store to Door, a non-profit organization that supports independent living for seniors and people with disabilities by providing a volunteer-based grocery shopping and delivery service.
Raised in New Mexico, Michael holds a B.S. from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah; an M.S.W. from New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico; and a J.D. from the University of Denver College of Law.
