Michael is a member of the Casualty Department where he has successfully defended matters in jurisdictions throughout Pennsylvania. Michael's past and present clients include homeowners associations (HOAs), planned communities, residential real estate agents and brokers, residential leasing agents, residential property managers, commercial real estate agents and brokers, commercial leasing agents, commercial property managers, construction companies, tour operators, travel agents, resorts, local municipalities, governmental transportation agencies, medical device manufacturers, and numerous other individuals and entities. He has also successfully defended entities and individuals in commercial and breach of contract disputes. Michael has successfully navigated complicated homeowners' association and planned community association disputes concerning property and related assessment disputes by successfully brokering compromises and settlement agreements between the defendant-communities and unit owners in order to achieve cost-effective results for communities and carriers and has successfully defended these matters at trial when necessary.
In his career, Michael has obtained numerous defense verdicts and summary judgments in the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. His extensive experience with both professional liability and casualty matters provide an invaluable advantage in representing clients in those matters which require a firm grasp of both practice backgrounds.
Prior to joining Marshall Dennehey, Michael was Assistant City Solicitor with the City of Philadelphia Law Department for two years. He defended police officers, corrections officers and various City of Philadelphia employees and agencies in civil lawsuits.
Michael graduated magna cum laude from Dickinson College in 1998 and from Boston College Law School in 2002. He is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Honors & awards
The Best Lawyers in America, Construction Law
2026
Pennsylvania Super Lawyer Rising Star
2007-2008, 2010-2016
Year joined
2005
Results
Successful Trial Result Achieved in a Philadelphia Premises Liability Matter
Premises & Retail Liability
July 11, 2025
We received a successful trial result in a premises liability matter in Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. The plaintiff’s expert projected future surgeries and extensive life-long medical care costs of $1.25 million. Much of our defense centered on damages and demonstrating that the projected future medical care was not supported by the actual medical treatment provided. Additionally, video of the incident was used to demonstrate that the plaintiff had actual/constructive knowledge of spilled water in the premises but proceeded to walk in that area anyway.
Real estate agency dismissed from litigation.
Real Estate E&O Liability
July 25, 2019
The defense prevailed on a motion to dismiss our real estate agency client. The plaintiff filed counts of fraud, deceit, misrepresentation, conspiracy, conversion, invasion of privacy-false light, breach of contract, and promissory estoppel against the agency regarding an allegedly fraudulent transfer of a private residence by the co-defendant seller of the property. We filed preliminary objections, arguing that the plaintiff's claims lacked sufficient specificity and that the plaintiff failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.
Thought Leadership
On the Pulse...King of Prussia Office: A Historic Legacy and a Dynamic Future of Legal Excellence
King of Prussia
December 1, 2025
Situated in the shadow of Valley Forge and the rich history of the Revolutionary War, the King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, office is steeped in history.
98 Marshall Dennehey Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Editions of The Best Lawyers in America and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America
August 20, 2025
Marshall Dennehey is proud to highlight the firm’s 98 attorneys who have been recognized in the 2026 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and the Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. Less than 6% of all practicing lawyers in the U.S.
When Accidents Happen: Legal Defense for Travel Advisors
Philadelphia - Headquarters
Miscellaneous Professional Liability
February 1, 2019
Classes/Seminars Taught
An Overview of Auto Law in Pennsylvania, Marshall Dennehey Client Webinar, July 22, 2025
Travel Advisors E&O Insurance: Lessons in Liability - Panelist, Travel Professional News webinar, September 12, 2023
PHL Airport First Responders Training, Philadelphia International Airport, Philadelphia, PA, March 30, 2023
Defending Planned Community Association Cases: Directors and Officers Liability, Property, and Other Liability Issues, Engle Martin & Associates, March 2016
Legal Issues for Internet Travel Sellers and Travel Insurance for Industry and Consumers, Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI) Travel Law Seminar, Philadelphia, May 1, 2014
Insurance Agents and Brokers Best Claims Practices in Claims Administration and Underwriting, Liberty Mutual Insurance, December 2013
AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him
or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.
Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely
respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.
Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.
