Michael was born and raised in Dickinson, North Dakota, graduating from Dickinson High School in 2009. In 2013, Michael graduated magna cum laude from North Dakota State University receiving a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. While at North Dakota State, Michael worked for the Small Business Development Center in Dickinson, helping entrepreneurs start their own businesses and rural communities apply for and receive federal grants, and he interned for United States Senator Heidi Heitkamp. Michael was active in the community, serving as head coach for the Dickinson Babe Ruth baseball team.

Upon graduating, Michael attended Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law in Dallas, Texas. During his time at SMU, Michael served as Staff Editor of the International Law Review, Student Representative for LexisNexis, and tutored. Michael gained career experience in both the private and public sector while in law school. Michael interned for the Honorable Amos Mazzant, United States Magistrate Judge for the Eastern District of Texas in Sherman, Texas and also for the Honorable Brenda T. Rhoades United States Bankruptcy Judge for the Eastern District of Texas in Plano, Texas. Michael also interned for Andersen Tax and the Texas Appleseed Project, both in Dallas, Texas, and the law firm of Smith, Bakke, Porsborg, Schweigert & Armstrong in Bismarck, North Dakota.

In May of 2016, Michael received his Juris Doctorate from SMU Law graduating cum laude. After graduation, Michael returned to the Dakotas, joining Costello Porter Law Firm in September of 2016. Michael’s practice is focused on estate planning, commercial transactions, and real estate.

In his spare time, Michael enjoys fishing, hiking the Black Hills, and exercising.