Michael knows that problem solving begins and ends with hard work and attention to detail. With experience in private practice and government service, he uses his unique perspective to secure successful outcomes in all client matters.
From 2018 until 2023, Michael worked for Governor Kim Reynolds, serving most recently as Senior Legal Counsel and initially as deputy counsel. In those roles, Michael advised the Governor on a number of core executive functions such as judicial appointments and grants of clemency, provided legal guidance through significant events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and was instrumental in advancing several of the Governor’s signature policy achievements. He also worked closely with state agency directors and their staff, legislative leaders, and the Attorney General’s office.
Prior to his service in state government, Michael was an associate in private practice at a firm in Des Moines. He provided critical research and drafted memorandums, trial court filings, and appellate briefs for clients on a wide range of civil and criminal matters. Michael has also spent time on the other side of the bench, serving first as a judicial clerk for eight state district court judges in Judicial Election Districts 5A and 5B and then for the Honorable Edward Mansfield of the Iowa Supreme Court.
Personal
Michael was born and raised in Ankeny. He obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln with a focus on Political Science and Communication Studies and then graduated with distinction from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Law. While in law school, Michael served as executive president of the student bar association, member of the Nebraska Law Review, and chaired the Nebraska Moot Court Board. When not working, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, attending local community theatre with his performative wife, and learning about the history of the State of Iowa.
Community and Professional Activities
Member, District 5C Judicial Nominating Commission (2023-Present)
President, Iowa Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society (2021-Present)
Candidate for Iowa House District 43 (2018)
Publications and Presentations
Analyst, “A Review of Iowa’s Boards & Commissions: Final Report with Findings & Recommendations,” Boards and Commissions Review Committee (September 2023)
Co-presenter, “Iowa Supreme Court Year in Review, 2020-2021 Term,” Iowa Attorney General’s Continuing Education Conference (November 2021)
Presenter, “Restoration of Rights: Executive Clemency in the Governor’s Office,” Iowa State Bar Association 2021 Criminal Law Seminar (April 2021)
Presenter, “Gubernatorial Actions Related to Incarcerated Populations During COVID-19,” National Governors Association (May 2020)
Presenter, “State in Crisis: Emergency Response and Working with Local and Federal Assistance,” National Governors Association (August 2019)
Panelist, “Restoration of Felon Voting Rights,” John C. Culver Public Policy Center (April 2019)
Note, An Infamous Case: How the Iowa Supreme Court’s Minimalist Approach Forced Everyone to Come Back for More in Chiodo v. Section 43.24 Panel, 846 N.W.2d 845 (Iowa 2014), 94 Neb. L. Rev. 737 (2015)