Michael was born and raised in Victoria, British Columbia. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Victoria in 1996, where he majored in History. In 1997, he left British Columbia to study law at the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario. He graduated with his law degree in 2000. Later that year, he moved to Sarnia to article with a sole practitioner in criminal and family law.

In 2002, Michael was called to the bar, then moved to Kitchener. He practiced with a local firm, in criminal and family law, then for a period in personal injury, until opening his own office in 2005. He now practices criminal and family law, as well as some civil litigation and administrative law.

In addition to practicing law, Michael is a part-time instructor at Fanshawe College, in London, teaching law in the Continuing Education department. He has also taught part-time at Conestoga College, in Kitchener. In 2004 and 2005, Michael was an Owner Representative on the Kitchener-Waterloo branch council of Libro Financial Group. He is now an Owner Representative on the Williamsburg branch council. Michael is also a part-time adjudicator on the Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board.