Michael knows that problem solving begins and ends with hard work and attention to detail. With experience spanning private practice and the highest levels of state government, he brings a unique and practical perspective to every client matter.
Michael brings a rare vantage point to his litigation and regulatory practice: he has advised a sitting Governor, clerked at both the district and Iowa Supreme Court levels, and litigated civil matters for private businesses, large and small. That combination gives him an understanding of how Iowa's courts, executive branch, agencies, and overall business environment actually operate—not just how they're supposed to work on paper.
From 2018 to 2023, Michael served in the Office of Governor Kim Reynolds, first as Deputy Legal Counsel and later as Senior Legal Counsel. In that role, he advised the Governor on judicial appointments and clemency decisions, helped guide the state's legal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and worked directly with state agency directors, legislative leadership, and the Attorney General's office to advance the Governor's policy priorities. That experience gave him a working knowledge of Iowa administrative and regulatory law, an area he continues to practice today.
Before his time in state government, Michael practiced as an associate at a Des Moines litigation firm, handling research, drafting, and briefing across a range of civil and criminal matters. He also served as a judicial clerk for eight state district court judges across Judicial Election Districts 5A and 5B, and later clerked for Justice Edward Mansfield of the Iowa Supreme Court. These clerkships gave him firsthand insight into how judges evaluate arguments at both the trial and appellate level.
Michael's civil litigation practice reflects the range of his background. He represents businesses, individuals, and landowners in commercial litigation, corporate disputes, and property and land use matters. He also represents public and quasi-public entities and defends businesses against state and federal consumer protection actions, drawing on his experience navigating Iowa's executive and regulatory apparatus from the inside.
Personal
Michael was born and raised in Ankeny, Iowa. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, focusing on Political Science and Communication Studies, before graduating with distinction from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln College of Law. While in law school, he served as executive president of the student bar association, sat on the Nebraska Law Review, and chaired the Nebraska Moot Court Board. Outside of work, Michael enjoys spending time with his family, attending local community theatre productions with his wife, and studying Iowa history.
Community and Professional Activities
Commissioner, Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission (2025-Present)
Member, District 5C Judicial Nominating Commission (2023-2025)
President, Iowa Lawyers Chapter of the Federalist Society (2021-Present)
Candidate for Iowa House District 43 (2018)
Publications and Presentations
Presenter, “Ctrl + Alt + Hire: The Legal Landscape of Tech-Enabled HR,” Belin McCormick, P.C. Annual Labor and Employment Law Seminar (October 2025)
Presenter, “Case Law Update: Notable Cases from U.S. Supreme Court, Iowa Supreme Court—2023-2024 Iowa Courts Review” Belin McCormick, P.C. Annual Labor and Employment Law Seminar (October 2024)
Presenter, “Iowa Courts Stat Pack: Data and Analysis from the Iowa Supreme Court & Iowa Court of Appeals (2023-2024),” Iowa Lawyers Chapter, Federalist Society (July 2024)
Presenter, "State Government Alignment," Association of Corporate Council - Iowa Chapter Forum (June 2024)
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)