Michael, a founding partner of MSSG, is a national leader in family law, representing high net worth individuals in all areas of family and matrimonial law. Michael understands the demands of handling the most significant divorce cases in the nation, and works closely with his clients to help them successfully navigate the divorce process. He strives to arrive at private and amicable resolution whenever possible, but is equally as comfortable in the courtroom where he litigates both financial and custody issues when settlement proves unattainable. As he deals with matters that are often featured in local and national media, Michael works with his clients and their advisors to address public relations challenges that can arise during the divorce process.
Michael is honored to have been selected by his peers to lead family law organizations in New York and nationally. He is the Immediate Past Chair of the American Bar Association Family Law Section, a Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers and the International Academy of Family Lawyers, and former Chair of the Matrimonial Law Committee for the New York City Bar Association (2011-2014). For the past seven years, Michael has served as a member of the New York State Matrimonial Practice Advisory and Rules Committee. He has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® (2015-2021) and New York Super Lawyers (2011-2021).
Michael frequently lectures both within New York State and nationally on topics involving family law and trial practice. Organizations before which he has spoken include the American Bar Association, the New York State Bar Association, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (NY Chapter), the Alabama State Bar Association, the New York City Bar Association, and the Legal Education Institute. He is the author of Avoiding Deposition Pitfalls, Depositions Gone Wrong: The Seven Deadly Sins, and The Secret To Success: Using Witness Consultants to Prepare Your Client. He has also contributed to the Matthew Bender and Co. publication New York Civil Practice: Matrimonial Actions and authored a chapter entitled “Prenuptial Agreements in New York: An Overview” for the treatise Drafting Prenuptial Agreements (Skoloff, Singer & Brown, Aspen Law & Business).
Michael is admitted to practice in both New York and Connecticut. Prior to going into private practice, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Virginia M. Morgan of the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
AWARDS
2014-21
Recognized in Family Law for New York City by The Best Lawyers in America®
2013-21
Named Top Rated Family Law Attorney by Super Lawyers New York
2013-14, 2019-20
Received American Bar Association Family Law Section Chair’s Cup Award, which recognizes a Section member who has made an outstanding contribution to a particular initiative or project during the Chair’s tenure
2011-12
Selected to Rising Stars by Super Lawyers New York
LECTURES
Postmarital Agreements: Drafting and Negotiating Valid Agreements
October 4, 2018
Imputation of Income, Tax Returns and New Child Support Guidelines 2017
April 11, 2017
Imputation of Income, Tax Returns and New Child Support Guidelines
March 2, 2017
Equitable Distribution in New York
May 23, 2016
Prenups, Postnups and Divorce – What Agents and Advisors Need to Know to Effectively Counsel Their Clients
June 13, 2014
Depositions Gone Wrong: The Seven Deadly Sins
May 3, 2013
Social Media: Keeping Your Client Out of Trouble
April 19, 2013
2012 Greatest Hits (and Misses): An Overview of the Year’s Most Significant Family Law Cases
January 12, 2013
2011 Greatest Hits (and Misses): An Overview of the Year’s Most Significant Family Law Cases
January 19, 2012
Bridge the Gap: Matrimonial Law
April 19, 2011
The Keys to an Effective Deposition
March 19, 2011
Depositions Gone Wrong: Taking An Effective Deposition
December 4, 2010
Matrimonial Law in the Tri-State Area: The Critical Distinctions Every Practitioner Must Know
September 1, 2010
The Secret to Success: Using Witness Consultants to Prepare Your Client
August 27, 2010
Matrimonial Practice in the Digital Age: What You Need to Know About Electronic Evidence & Why
June 7, 2010
What You Should Know, What You Never Knew, and What You Forgot About Privilege and Work Product Protection
April 9, 2010
Bridging the Gap: Consultation with the Client and Moving the Matrimonial Case Through the System
September 30, 2009
Matrimonial Law in the Tri-State Area: The Critical Distinctions Every Practitioner Must Know & Hot Tips from the Experts
April 26, 2009
Practical Skills: Basic Matrimonial Practice
March 14, 2009
Depositions: Rewards and Pitfalls
October 7, 2008
PUBLICATIONS
Legality of the Postnuptial Agreement
August 24, 2021
What A Long Strange Trip It’s Been
July 1, 2021
I Don’t Know Why You Do This
May 1, 2021
The Times They Are A-Changin’
January 3, 2021
Here For Our Members
September 1, 2020
Ten Practice Tips for Postnuptial Agreements: Drafting Considerations and Formalities
October 10, 2019
The Intersection of Fine Art and Divorce
September 1, 2017
Avoiding Deposition Pitfalls
December 20, 2010
ASSOCIATIONS
2020
Immediate Past Chair, American Bar Association, Family Law Section
1998-22
New York State Bar Association, Family Law Section
2008-22
New York City Bar Association
2014-22
New York State Matrimonial Practice Advisory and Rules Committee
2015-22
Fairfield County Bar Association
2014-22
American Bar Association
2011-14
Chair, Matrimonial Law Committee New York State Bar Association
2012-22
International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
2009-22
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers; American Bar Foundation
