Michael represents public agencies in matters involving real estate, transportation, and environmental law. He has played an active role in major infrastructure projects, including the extension of the BART system to the San Francisco Airport and the acquisition of the Caltrain commuter rail line between San Jose and San Francisco.  He has participated in acquisitions of railroad rights-of-way on behalf of public transportation agencies, including the purchase of the Northwestern Pacific Railroad right-of-way between Marin and Mendocino counties (now the right-of-way of the SMART service) and several rail segments for BART extensions and light rail extensions for the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.  He has also advised public and private railroad clients with regarding to regulatory issues arising under federal and state law.

Michael has overseen the environmental review process for major projects, including the electrification of Caltrain, the Valley Link rail project between Dublin/Pleasanton and Lathrop, and the Suicide Deterrent System for the Golden Gate Bridge, as well as other bus and rail transit projects.  Michael has counseled cities and transit agencies with regard to transit-oriented development projects and has negotiated long-term ground leases and other types of public-private partnerships. He has also negotiated numerous contracts for the use of public property by telecommunications companies. 

Michael currently serves as general counsel to the Livermore Amador Valley Transit Authority and the Tri-Valley—San Joaquin Valley Rail Authority. He has also served as the principal assistant to the city attorney of a Bay Area municipality, where he is responsible for zoning, land use and environmental compliance.  He has extensive experience in the legal obligations of public agencies under statutes governing access to public records, conflict of interest regulations and open meeting laws.

Bar Admissions

• California
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit

Education
J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law (1988)
A.B., Princeton School of Public and International Affairs (1976)

Professional Associations

• Bar Association of San Francisco, Environmental and Water Law Section
• State Bar of California, State and Local Governmental Law Section
• Bay Area Council, Transportation Committee

"New Laws of 2018 Series: Part VI To Indemnify and Defend? SB 496 Changes The Rules for Design Professional Contract," CSDA e-News (December 2017)
"The Local Regulation of Interstate Railroads and the Establishment of 'Quiet Zones'," IMLA Magazine (September 2013)
"Partnering with the Private Sector to Fill the Infrastructure Gap," Progressive Fix (May 2010)
"Creative Approaches to Land Acquisition," co-author, California Transit Magazine (January/February 2008)
"Governor Vetoes Bill Limiting Staff Briefings of Public Officials," Public Agency Advisory (November 2007)
"Public Agencies Face New Restrictions in Contracting with Design Professionals," Public Agency Advisory (March 2007)