Michael is a determined and effective advocate for his clients.

He understands that each client’s needs and circumstances are different and that every case presents a unique challenge. From the beginning of every new engagement, he works closely with clients to identify their legal objectives and to devise a creative, practical, cost-effective strategy for achieving those objectives.

Practice Areas

Real Estate Law

• Purchase Agreements & Joint Escrow Instructions
• Commercial Leases
• Boundary Disputes
• Easements
• Nuisance & Trespass
• Road Maintenance Agreements
• Well Agreements

Business Law & Support Services

• Contract Disputes
  Business & Commercial Litigation
• Drafting Services
  • Business Contracts
  • Service Agreements
• Sale or Dissolution of a Business
• Secured Transactions

Mediation Services

• Neutral Mediation
• Case Evaluation Services

Education:

• Golden Gate University School of Law, J.D. 1987
• Vassar College, B.A. 1980

Professional and Community Affiliations:

• Co-Chair, Sonoma County Bar Association Mandatory Fee Arbitration Committee, 2024-present
• Arbitrator, Sonoma County Bar Association Mandatory Fee Arbitration Program, 2018-present
• Past Judge Pro Tem, Sonoma County Superior Court Mandatory Settlement Conference Program, 2003-2023
• Past Member, Geyserville Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
• Past Honoree, Sonoma County Superior Court Civil Settlement Program Volunteer, 2011
• Past Panel Member, Sonoma County Superior Court No-Fee Mediation Program
• Past Commissioner, Healdsburg Parks & Recreation Commission
• Past Member, Council on Aging Board of Directors

Personal:

Michael grew up in upstate New York and graduated from Vassar College in 1980. After graduating from college, he moved to Los Angeles where he worked in the banking industry for several years. In 1984, he started law school at Golden Gate University School of Law in San Francisco. After graduating from law school in 1987, he worked at prominent law firms in San Francisco and Oakland, specializing in insurance defense, personal injury, and business and commercial litigation. He opened his own law office in Healdsburg in 1999, where for 25 years he served the legal needs of business owners, wineries, grape growers, ranchers, and individuals from throughout Sonoma County and beyond. In October 2024, Michael joined Anderson Zeigler, bringing with him his depth of legal knowledge, experience and understanding of what it takes to effectively represent his clients’ interests.