Michael was born in Eureka California and grew up there attending local public schools. Through family outings and self guided exploration of the local redwood forests, Humboldt Bay and the local ocean beaches, Michael's love of the environment came early and naturally.

After attending Humboldt State University through most of his sophomore year, Michael transferred to U.C Berkeley from which he graduated in 1985 with a degree in political science. After a year spent working back in Humboldt County, Michael moved to Charlottesville, Virginia to attend the University of Virginia - completing his Masters degree in English in May of 1988.

The following year Michael lived in Arlington, VA, while working in Washington, D.C. In 1989 he moved to Portland, Oregon to attend the Lewis and Clark, Northwestern School of Law, which he selected because of its highly rated environmental law program. He graduated from law school receiving a certificate in environmental law in May, 1992. Since July 1993 he has been practicing law as a solo practitioner in Lower Lake, CA.

Michael has been a member of the land trust since 1993 and has been its president for the last 5 years. In addition, Michael is teaching English Composition at the Yuba Community College, Clearlake branch and is a past president of the Lake County Bar association.