received his law degree from the University of Missouri - Kansas City in 1995. Michael received his undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of Missouri in 1992.  Michael is licensed to practice in both Missouri and Kansas , and has appeared in other states as well.

During the five year period following his graduation from law school, Michael served as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Jackson County, Missouri. His prosecutorial experience involved handling felony cases, and focused on the prosecution of crimes perpetrated against children.  Michael also served as an Assistant in the Missouri Attorney General's Office, where he handled both criminal and civil litigation.

Michael entered private practice in 2001 and he joined The Law Offices of Tim Dollar, now known as Dollar, Burns & Becker, as an associate in 2002. He has appeared in trial courts throughout Missouri and Kansas, the Supreme Court of Missouri, and Federal Courts in both Missouri and Kansas .  Michael is a member of the Kansas City Bar Association, The Missouri Bar, the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys, and the American Association for Justice.  Michael is admitted to practice in the United States District Courts and State Courts in Missouri and Kansas.

In 2006, Michael was appointed by the Governor to serve a four year term on the Missouri Ethics Commission, which ended on March 15, 2010. 
The Commission is composed of six members from various parts of the State of Missouri and addresses violations of conflict of interest and campaign finance disclosure laws governing all elected public officials throughout the State.