Michael graduated in 2003 from the University of Wisconsin, Green Bay, with a degree in Political Science. He graduated summa cum laude and earned a distinction in his major. Michael then attended the Drake University School of Law, where he was a member of the Drake Law Review. He graduated from law school with high honors and finished in the top 15 percent of his class. Michael also finished in the top 10 in Drake's C. Edwin Moore Moot Court Competition, earned recognition on the Dean's list in every semester of law school, and was the recipient of an academic scholarship.

In the summer of 2006, Michael sat for and passed the Wisconsin Bar Exam. In addition to passing the Wisconsin portion of the test, Michael's outstanding performance on the Multi-State Bar Exam permitted him to gain automatic admittance to the Minnesota State Bar. In the fall of 2007, Michael became a fully licensed attorney in the State of Minnesota.

Michael grew up in Random Lake, and he now resides in Brookfield, Wisconsin. Michael is an avid sports fan and participant. He plays softball and basketball, and he enjoys watching and attending Milwaukee Brewer baseball games, as well as Green Bay Packer football games.