Prior BigLaw Experience
- Haynes and Boone LLP
- Winstead PC
Education
- University of Texas, BBA in Finance, 2000
- Baylor Law School, J.D., summa cum laude, 2005
- Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Masters of Theological Studies, 2015
Licenses
- Admitted to practice law in Texas
- Formerly licensed as a Certified Financial Planner
Services
Professional Experience
Michael began his legal career at Haynes and Boone in Dallas and later at Winstead PC in Austin, where he advised public and private clients on complex real estate acquisitions, joint ventures, financings, corporate transactions, and securities matters. Over the years, he has built a broad transactional practice representing companies, investors, and individuals in matters involving acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, financing, entitlements, entity formation, mergers and acquisitions, private placements, and commercial contracts, while also serving as trusted general corporate counsel for businesses in all stages of growth. With his unique blend of real estate and securities experience, Michael has successfully guided clients through raising capital for real estate development projects and other business ventures, combining practical business insight with strong legal strategy to help clients move forward with confidence.
In 2015, Michael stepped away from private practice after feeling called to the nonprofit world, serving as President and General Counsel of the Ron Blue Institute for Financial Planning. There, he negotiated complex intellectual property licenses and strategic partnerships, oversaw multi-site teams, and wrote and spoke extensively on the intersection of finances and faith, including teaching on the theology of money and stewardship. The leadership and relational experience he gained during that season continues to shape the thoughtful, practical approach he brings to his clients today. Michael returned to private practice in 2022, working with Arambula Terrazas PLLC and Blue Law, PLLC before joining Grable Martin, where he continues advising clients on a wide range of real estate, corporate, and securities matters.
Personal Story
Michael was born and raised in Atlanta and, long before drafting contracts, spent countless hours on the tennis court and in the classroom—a balance of discipline, competition, and curiosity that still shapes his approach today. He attended The University of Texas at Austin, where he studied finance at the McCombs School of Business and was a four-year starter on the Longhorns tennis team. During his collegiate career, Michael was part of three Big 12 championship teams, earned multiple all-conference honors, was named an All-American as a senior, and won an individual national championship in doubles.
After graduating, Michael married his college sweetheart, Melissa, and the two moved to Southern California, where he began his career as a financial planner and earned his Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards designation in 2002, which he maintained through 2024. A few years later, they returned to Texas so Michael could attend Baylor Law School, where he graduated first in his class while serving as Managing Executive Editor of the Baylor Law Review.
Today, Michael enjoys mentoring young professionals and partnering with ministries and mission-driven organizations on governance and strategy. Outside the office, he and Melissa love spending time with their three sons, cheering on high school football and college lacrosse, staying active in their local church community, and finding new adventures together.
Community and Professional Involvement
- Board of Directors, Davar Partners International, 2018 – Present
- Board of Directors, Pars Theological Institute, 2023 – Present
- Board of Elders, Southwest Bible Church, 2024 – Present
- Board of Directors, Kingdom Advisors, 2015-2023
- Board of Directors, Wonders & Worries, 2009-2013
- Founding Member, T-Association Professional Network, 2009-2015
- Outside General Counsel, Central Texas Angel Network, 2010-2012
- State Bar of Texas, Business Law Section and Real Estate, Probate, and Estate Planning Section
