Serving as the Executive Director of the Public Interest Law Initiative (PILI) since 2010, Michael provides the strategic oversight and direction for PILI's work to engage, inspire and empower those advancing equal access to justice. Under his leadership over the last decade, PILI has significantly expanded its reach and impact by building on its 45 year legacy and becoming a statewide organization. Michael has overseen the growth of PILI's Law Student Internship Program, both in terms of the number of Interns funded and in the amount of the stipend provided to Interns. He has led PILI’s efforts in the development of innovative pro bono committees at the judicial circuit level across Illinois and the expansion of PILI's work into providing direct services through a statewide network of pro bono volunteers. During his tenure, PILI has also seen a significant increase in the financial support PILI receives across all funding sources.Michael serves on the Dean's Council for the DePaul University College of Law, where he has also taught as an Adjunct Professor. He also serves on the Advisory Board for the Axelson Center for Nonprofit Management at North Park University, the Advisory Board of the Chicago Lawyer Chapter of the American Constitution Society, and the Board of Directors of the McGaw YMCA in Evanston.An active member of the American Bar Association (ABA), Michael is currently serving in the ABA's House of Delegates and on the Nominating Committee, and chairs the Standing Committee on Membership. He is a past chair of the following ABA entities: the Section Officers Conference (SOC), the Judicial Division, the Lawyers Conference of the Judicial Division and the Young Lawyers Division. Michael is also a member of the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) where he currently serves on the Board of Governors and as Chair of the Bench & Bar Section Council. He is also a member of the Chicago Bar Association. Frequently recognized for his contributions to the bar and the public, Michael recently received the Russell K. Scott Equal Justice Award from Land of Lincoln Legal Aid and the Amicus Award from the Illinois Judges Association. He was previously named one of "40 Under 40 Illinois Attorneys to Watch" in 2013 by the Law Bulletin Publishing Company and was the recipient of the 2011 Young Alumni Merit Award from The Catholic University of America. He was also the 2007 recipient of both the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award from DePaul University College of Law and the Illinois State Bar Association Young Lawyer of the Year Award.