Michael focuses on tax controversy and state and local tax matters for businesses operating in California and nationwide. He represents clients in IRS, FTB, CDTFA, and payroll tax audits, guiding teams through information document requests, preparing reconciliations, mapping facts to the relevant statutes and regulations, and positioning issues for resolution at the examination or appeals stage.

He brings a well-rounded perspective to every engagement. As Tax Counsel at the California Franchise Tax Board, he handled state controversy matters from the agency side. At a Big Four accounting firm, he advised private equity clients on domestic and cross-border transactions, including entity structuring and diligence. In his role at an Am Law 100 firm, he supported corporate clients with state and local tax planning and controversy matters. Most recently, at Activision Blizzard King, he served as in-house Tax Counsel, coordinating the resolution of U.S. federal and state controversies, preparing written guidance on apportionment, nexus, digital assets, partnership tax, executive compensation, and filing requirements, and supporting projects involving M&A, employee mobility, shared services, and exempt organization compliance.

He is a Certified Legal Specialist in Taxation Law through the State Bar of California and a California CPA (inactive). He holds a JD and an LLM in Taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law and a BA in Economics from the University of California, Riverside.

Michael works with owners, CFOs, and controllers across technology, media, consumer, and private investment sectors. He sets a clear plan, maintains steady communication, and translates complex rules into practical steps teams can implement.