Michael is one of the two co-founders of Weiss & Hiller, PC. A part of the firm's general practice, Michael's work focuses on commercial litigation, insurance law, and land-use litigation. He has achieved extraordinary success in each area. 

In 2001, Michael obtained the first verdict against an insurance company for bad faith denial of disability benefits.  At the time, the verdict was the largest ever in New York.  Michael was also among the first to pioneer use of the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act, often referred to as the RICO statute, to investigate and prosecute claims against insurers and their affiliates throughout the United States.  Drawing on his work for insurance companies earlier in his career, Michael brings a formidable breadth of experience and knowledge to this complicated area of the law, representing policyholders only.

Outside the context of insurance litigation, Michael has also distinguished himself as a leader in the field of land-use and environmental litigation.  Along with Arnold Weiss, Michael was successful in preventing the Metropolitan Museum of Art from expanding into Central Park.  His efforts to avoid the elimination of precious greenspace played a vital role in ensuring the continuity of one of New York's most valuable landmarks.  More recently, Michael spearheaded the successful effort to stop a $100 Million residential condominium project which would have destroyed Red Hook's last great manufacturing district.  In a case that went all the way to New York's highest court, Michael helped change the law to ensure that community groups and business organizations receive a fair opportunity to protect their interests against out-of-control development projects.

Michael's experience in commercial litigation has also led to his involvement in a series of high-profile cases, both inside and outside the corporate context.  Among these was Michael's work against Sex and the City and HBO, leading them to change an episode within 24 hours of the firm's retention .  Michael's ability to proceed from intake to injunction distinguishes him as among the most efficient lawyers in this area of the law.

In addition to his work for the firm, Michael is an Adjunct Professor of Law at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a standing mediator for the New York State Supreme Court, Commercial Division.  He frequently publishes and lectures around the country on issues relating to his areas of practice.

Michael attended Union College (Schenectady, New York), where he graduated with Honors.  A member of the Delphic Honor Society and the Dean's List, Michael played wing forward for the College Rugby team and also served as Student Body President until he graduated in 1988.  Following his graduation from Union, Michael attended American University, Washington College of Law (Washington, DC), where he graduated cum laude.  While attending law school, Michael worked at night as a professional musician in clubs throughout Washington, DC, Virginia and Maryland.