Mike received his law degree from the University of California’s Hastings College of Law in San Francisco and his undergraduate degree from San Diego State University.  He served Higgs, Fletcher both as a partner and as a member of its governing board.  He also carried out the duties of general counsel for J.R. Filanc Construction Company, Inc. (a regional general engineering contractor).

 

As an arbitrator for both the American Arbitration Association and the San Diego County Superior Court Mike helped to resolve conflicts short of litigation by means of alternative dispute resolution.  He was also a member and/or instructor for the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Construction Industry; the California Continuing Education of the Bar; the San Diego Inns of Court; the Practicing Law Institute; and the Construction Financial Management Association.

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Mike has been involved in our community for a number of years.  He has served as the acting director of the City of San Diego’s Real Estate Assets Department and also as either an officer/director/chair/or member of the San Diego County Taxpayer’s Association; the TransNet Extension’s Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee; and the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club.  For a decade he served in the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard and earned the rank of Captain while with the Corps of Engineers.