Prior to joining Polales Horton & Leonardi, Michael practiced at an AmLaw 100 law firm, specializing in complex commercial litigation. He has successfully represented clients in both state and federal courts, arbitrations and mediations across the country. Michael handles all stages of litigation, from initial case assessment through trial and appeal, and is known for delivering pragmatic strategies in challenging cases.
Michael regularly defends equipment and product manufacturers, suppliers, distributors and premises owners who face toxic tort (e.g. asbestos and talc) and hazardous substance litigation, serving as both local and national coordinating counsel for various entities, including Fortune 500 companies. Michael also represents clients from a wide array of industries, including automotive, consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and industrial equipment in products liability and personal injury litigation.
Additionally, Michael represents and advises owners and developers of residential and commercial properties in real estate disputes, including lease and contract disputes, title disputes, building code and ordinance violations, and mechanics’ liens. Michael also represents and advises both landlords and tenants on commercial leases, including the drafting and modification of leases, lease termination, forcible entry, breach of contract and related disputes.
Michael also represents clients in business litigation matters involving breach of contract, fraud, trade secret misappropriation, shareholder disputes and other complex commercial disputes, and has represented attorneys, accountants, business professionals and real estate professionals in professional liability-related litigation.
Michael believes strongly in pro bono work. In that regard, he has represented nonprofit organizations in business disputes, incarcerated individuals in prisoner’s rights cases under 42 U.S.C § 1983, and military veterans related to claims for service-related disability benefits before the United States Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims (CAVC) and Board of Veterans Appeals.
Outside his legal practice, Michael has devoted time to various nonprofit organizations, and is an active member of and advocate for Cycle for Survival, an organization committed to raising funds for rare cancer research.
Michael earned his J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and his B.A. from Columbia University, where he was a member and team captain of the NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Team. He is admitted to practice law in the State of Illinois, State of New York, State of New Jersey, and United States District Courts for the Northern District of Illinois, Southern District of New York, Eastern District of New York and District of New Jersey.
