Mike was admitted to practice in Indiana in 1985 and joined Ice Miller, LLP that year. He worked at Ice Miller, LLP for over 32 years, first as an associate and then as a partner. He took early retirement from Ice Miller, LLP at the end of 2017. In the Fall of 2017, Mike began teaching at Butler University in the Lacy School of Business and, in January, 2018 Mike joined Lewis Wagner, LLP as Partner where he continues to practice litigation.
Mike's primary practice area involves real estate litigation matters. Mike has litigated matters involving eminent domain, landlord/tenant issues, foreclosures, title issues, title agent defalcations, partition actions, and other real estate related issues. He has been a frequent speaker at continuing legal education seminars on the topics of eminent domain and commercial landlord/tenant law. He authored the chapter on eminent domain which is included in the "Indiana Elected Municipal Officials Handbook" published by the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns and is a co-author of the chapter of Indiana law on eminent domain for the ABA. He is a member of the Indiana State Association and the Indianapolis Bar Association.
Mike was also director of the Roncalli High School Mock Trial Program and was awarded a statewide award in 2009 for his efforts with the Indiana Mock Trial Program. He was a member of the steering committee and finance chair for the National High School Mock Trial competition which was held in Indianapolis in 2013. 48 teams competed in the competition from across the country and beyond. Mike continues to work with the Indiana Bar Foundation on growing the High School Mock Trial Program in Indiana and is now a member of the Indiana Bar Foundation High School Mock Trial Advisory Committee.
Community activities have included 10 years of board membership with United Way's Youth as Resources (the final 2 years as chairman). Youth as Resources, provided grants to youth groups involved in community projects. After United Way elected to proceed in a different direction, Mike helped United Way to develop its youth initiative and activities surrounding the 2017 Global Youth Day of Service. He was previously a volunteer judge with the United Way Reach for Youth Teen Court program.
Mike helped develop a performing arts booster group for Roncalli High School and has stayed active in supporting the performing arts at Roncalli High School. Mike has also been awarded both the Monsignor Albert Busald Award and the John Bosco Award by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis (Catholic Youth Organization) recognizing his efforts and support of youth over the past 25 plus years. Mike is active at his Church where he has held various positions and currently is a member of the Finance Committee.
