Michael is counsel to numerous individuals and corporations in the entertainment industry, including celebrities, Fortune 500 companies and start-up ventures.  His clients include world-renowned authors of fiction and non-fiction books in their deals with literary publishers and motion picture and television companies, journalists, on-air news correspondents and producers of theatrical and television productions.  He also represents high level executives in contractual negotiations with their employers.

For over twenty years, Michael has been included in each edition of The Best Lawyers in America.  The independently researched publication of Chambers USA, America's Leading Lawyers for Business refers to Michael as "absolutely legendary"in the world of media and entertainment, and states that sources praise his "appetite for hard work and tremendous sector expertise."

Michael also is named as a "Super Lawyer" in New York Super Lawyers/ Manhattan Edition and is included by Lawdragon Magazine in its listing of 500 Leading Lawyers in America.  The publication evaluates lawyers nationwide and includes "those lawyers who are most highly regarded for their skills and excellence."

Michael was awarded The American Bar Association Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries Ed Rubin Service Award for exemplary service and leadership.  He is the past Chairperson of both the American Bar Association Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries and the Committee on Entertainment and Sports Law of the Association of the Bar of the City of New York.  He has been advisor to several publications, a former member of the Board of the Film Forum and lectures extensively on the subject of entertainment law.  For over thirty years, Michael has been the Entertainment Law columnist for The New York Law Journal (which he currently co-writes with partner Neil Rosini).  He also is the author of Behind the Scenes: Practical Entertainment Law published by Harcourt Brace and Jovanovich.

Michael received his Bachelor of Arts from Bucknell University and his LLB from New York University School of Law.  He is admitted to the Bars of New York, New Jersey and California.