Michael began his career as an associate at a Manhattan medical malpractice defense firm, where he honed his skills as an appellate attorney. In his early 30s, he was recruited by a boutique Westchester medical malpractice defense firm, serving as its Managing Partner & Appellate Counsel for nearly 20 years. Michael joins VLMM after serving as Managing Partner of the largest medical malpractice defense firm in New York, where, in addition to his management responsibilities, he was a member of the firm’s appellate practice group, and also responsible for the mentoring, development and education of junior associates of the firm.
As VLMM’s Managing Partner, Michael draws upon over 25 years of litigation and appellate experience to oversee the navigation of cases throughout litigation, from initiation through successful resolution, ensuring that clients are counseled at every step of the process, and that cases are handled efficiently and cost-effectively. He is well-respected by the Bench and Bar, and interfaces with the Courts and adversaries on a daily basis to advance his clients’ interests. He is always available to advise the firm’s clients on risk and practice management issues and has counseled physicians, nurses and other medical practitioners in disciplinary investigations by licensing bodies.
As an appellate attorney, Michael has successfully prepared and argued hundreds of motions and appeals in all areas of medical malpractice, as well as in general and premises liability, products liability and Labor Law/construction accident matters, regularly appearing in the Appellate Division and trial courts. He excels at assessing a case’s potential for procedural and/or legal dismissal at its earliest possible point and develops the appropriate defense strategy to effectuate same. He prepares and argues the firm’s complex and substantive motions, including dismissal and summary judgment motions. When a case is not dismissed before trial, he assists the firm’s trial attorneys with evidentiary issues and motions in limine during trial, when it is crucial to limit the issues at trial and develop the record and preserve issues for possible post-trial motion and appeal.
Born in Yonkers, New York, Michael attended Archbishop Stepinac High School, where he co-captained the varsity basketball team his senior year. He went on to receive a BA from Fordham University, and a Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law. He is admitted to practice in New York State, the United States Court for the Southern District of New York, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.