Mikael grew up in New Paltz and graduated from New Paltz High School, where he was on the soccer and wrestling teams. Following graduation, he attended SUNY Albany and graduated in 2004 with a bachelor of science in biology. In 2007, he attended Cardozo Law in Manhattan. While in law school, Mikael interned at the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office. He enjoyed working with victims and was hired to the District Attorney’s Office shortly before he was admitted as an attorney.
As an Assistant District Attorney, Mikael handled a variety of cases from low-level infractions to heavy felony work, including several jury trials. In 2013, he accepted a position as the Ulster County conflict defender and began representing defendants. He represented hundreds of clients and often took cases to a jury trial. From 2015 to 2018, the only trial he lost was reversed on appeal. He achieved many not-guilty verdicts on charges of burglary, assault, weapon possession, and homicide.
Mikael has said of his career as an attorney, “I greatly enjoy working with clients who have encountered problems where they need the assistance of a lawyer. The legal system is incredibly complex and frightening, and it is highly rewarding to be able to put someone at ease and get them a good result. I enjoy challenging cases and proving to my clients and myself that I am the best lawyer for any case I take. I pride myself on being accessible to my clients and try my best to adhere to the quote, ‘Never let the sun go down on a call from a client.’”
Mikael is part of the Hudson Valley community, where he lives with his wife and children. He grew up rock climbing in the Shawangunk Mountains and still gets out whenever he has the time.
