With an extensive construction background and now as an attorney representing subcontractors and general contractors, Mike will tell you the two professions have much in common.

"Law is not that different from engineering," he said. "Both require solving problems for people, whether it's using mathematic principles or the rule of law."

After serving as a law clerk for Levy & Craig in 2004, Mike officially joined the firm in 2005. While he handles a variety of contract-related business disputes, Mike concentrates on construction litigation and specializes in construction defect cases.

For Mike, Levy & Craig's construction litigation practice is a perfect fit. Prior to his law career, Mike was employed for three years at Ash Grove Cement Company. He began as an assistant to the project manager on a $150 million plant expansion in Chanute, Kan., where he oversaw construction on behalf of the owner and performed numerous construction inspections. From there, Mike advanced to project manager on a $2.4 million expansion of a cement terminal project located in Kansas City, Kan. After that, he accepted the process engineer position at Ash Grove's Durkee, Ore., plant, where he was responsible for the plant's control systems and compliance with strict environmental regulations.

"I know the construction industry from the inside out," Mike said. "That gives my clients an edge."

ACTIVITIES
> Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, since 2004
> Volunteer coach, YMCA Youth Flag Football, 2006
> Member, Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association, since 2005
> Member, Kansas Bar Association, since 2006

EDUCATION
> J.D., University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Law, 2005
> B.S., Mining Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 1999

BAR ADMISSIONS
> Kansas, 2006
> Missouri, 2005
> U.S. District Court for District of Kansas, 2006
> U.S. District Court for Western District of Missouri, 2005

HONORS
> Eagle Scout
> All-Conference Football Player and Team Captain - Colorado School
   of Mines (NCAA div. II)
> KCMBA Ross T. Roberts Inn of Court Participant (2006-2007)