Experience
Mike brings nearly two decades of legal experience as he first started his career in 2004 as a paralegal with a small firm in Columbia, MD. He continued working full-time while attending law school at night at the University of Baltimore, where he graduated with honors. He then worked as an associate for a large real estate firm in Bethesda prior to joining Franklin and Prokopik.
Since joining Franklin and Prokopik in 2015, Mike has litigated hundreds of cases at the Workers’ Compensation Commission, and over a dozen jury and bench trials throughout the state. He has also briefed and argued matters before the Maryland appellate courts. Mike has returned several defense jury trial verdicts and victories at the appellate courts, saving his clients immeasurable amounts in potential exposure. He has also written for the business law and workers’ compensation newsletters, and presented on various workers’ compensation topics through webinars and seminars.
Awards and Distinctions
- Selected to Maryland Super Lawyers, Rising Stars for Workers’ Compensation, 2019-2023
- The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch, 2022-2025
- Member, National Workers’ Compensation Defense Network
Notable Cases
Fall 2023 – Pennsylvania Manufacturers Ass’n v. Cree, No. 730, Sept. Term,2022, 2023 WL 5739333 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. Sept. 6, 2023).
Spring 2023 – Circuit Court Judge Affirms Workers’ Compensation Commission’s Denial of Benefits Based on Claimant’s Questionable Actions
Spring 2018 – Crawley v. Bd. of Educ. of Prince George’s Cnty., No. 2032, Sept.term,2016, 2018 WL 185834 (Md. Ct. Spec. App. Apr. 18, 2018).
Summer 2017 – Reger v. Wash. County Bd. Of Educ., 455 Md. 68 (2017).
Summer 2020 – Jury Finds Willful Misconduct Bars Compensability in High Exposure Case
Summer 2018 – F&P Secures Victory for the Board of Education at the Court of Special Appeals
Fall 2017 – Preparation Leads to Successful Jury Verdict in High Dollar Case
Fall 2016 – Social Media Evidence Plays a Critical Role in F&P Trial Victory
Activities
Mike enjoys an active lifestyle with his wife and kids during his time away from work. He has an unyielding appreciation for the outdoors and enjoys almost any outdoor activity, including hiking, fishing, mountain biking, and recreational sports. Mike also volunteers for various activities at his kids’ school and helps coach their youth sports’ teams.
