Attorney Profiles

Mike's Bio

Michael specializes in workers' compensation law and is the head of the Sawaya, Rose & Kaplan's workers' compensation department. He is the second youngest partner in the Firm's 31 year history.  Michael has a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan and a Juris Doctorate from the Detroit College of Law at Michigan State University. Michael is licensed to practice law in both Colorado and Michigan. Michael is a board member of the Workers' Compensation Education Association and Professionals in Workers' Compensation Association.  He is the Chairperson of the Colorado Bar Association Workers' Compensation Section and is on the Colorado Bar Association's Executive Board of Governors.  Michael is a Fellow of the CBA Foundation; less than one percent of all active Colorado attorneys are honored by being made a Fellow of the CBA Foundation.  Michael has been recognized by The National Institute for Trial Advocacy and by the Colorado Division of Workers' Compensation for his service on the 2006 & 2008 Medical Treatment Guidelines Task Force.  Michael has also assisted the Division of Workers' Compensation with developing and revising the Workers' Compensation Rules of Procedure.  Michael has given numerous presentations to help educate the Workers' Compensation community on behalf of the Nation Business Institute, Colorado Bar Association and the Workers' Compensation Education Association. 

Birth Injuries

Brain Injury

Dangerous Medicines

Medical Malpractice

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Personal Injury

Products Liability

Social Security Disability

Workers' Compensation

Wrongful Death

Areas of Practice

• 100% Workers' Compensation

Litigation Percentage

• 100% of Practice Devoted to Litigation

Bar Admissions

• Michigan, 2000
• Colorado, 2001
• U.S. District Court District of Colorado, 2002

Education

• Michigan State University, Detroit College of Law, East Lansing, Michigan
  J.D.
  
  
• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
  B.A.
  Honors: Dean's List
  Major: Psychology
  
  

Classes/Seminars Taught

• CTLA Workers' Compensation Chairperson (Summer Seminar), 2004
• NBI (National Business Institute) Advanced WC in Colorado Seminar, 2005

Honors and Awards

• Recognized by National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Professional Associations and Memberships

• Workers' Compensation Education Association, 2004 - 2005
  Board Member
  
  
• Colorado Bar Association, Workers' Compensation Section, 2004 - 2005
  Board of Director
  
  

Past Employment Positions

• Bendinelli Law Office, Attorney, 2001 - 2002

Fraternities/Sororities

• Delta Tau Delta

Birth Information

• 1973, Farmington, Michigan, United States of America