Michael was born and raised in Mesa, Arizona. After completing public school in the Mesa Public School system, Michael continued his education at Mesa Community College and Arizona State University graduating as valedictorian of his class form Mesa Community and magna cum laude from Arizona State. Having known from very early age that the practice of law was for him, Michael immediately enrolled at the Arizona State University College of Law, graduating cum laude.
Michael’s professional career began with a small boutique Phoenix firm specializing in estate planning. Wanting to add small business planning to his skills, Michael moved to a Tempe based firm where he continued to refine his estate planning skills while integrating small business planning concepts into his practice.
Desiring to expand his knowledge of the opportunities and risks of privately held business, Michael accepted a position as general counsel for a privately-owned hotel development/management when offered that position by a client. Working in the privately-owned corporate world showed Michael the successes as well as the challenges and pitfalls of doing business in a family owned business. Protecting family assets was always a driving force behind business decisions made on behalf of the company. After a number of years, and a successful development run of over $2Bln in hotel properties, Michael ended his tenure as general counsel and executive vice president, allowing him to return to his home state of Arizona.
Turning once again to the practice of estate planning, Michael has spent the last ten years providing high quality personal estate planning in the Gilbert/Queen Creek area of the valley. Michael has a deep commitment to educating individuals and families about the confusion, heartache and potential financial loss that can come from being unprepared for both the unexpected and inevitable. Michael firmly believes that leaving a clear and concise plan to those left to pick up the pieces after a death, or life changing incapacity, is one of the greatest gifts a person can leave his or her family.
Michael is especially active educating young families of the essential estate planning which is required even for them. Powers of attorney, appointment of a guardian and health care documentation are essential for a spouse to effectively carry on the business of the family, in the event of an incapacitating event in the life of a spouse. One need not have a substantial size estate to require the skills of an estate planning expert. Our health, spouses and children are our most prized assets.
Attorney