PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
“You’re among the elite…”
- Shaun Rabb, Reporter, Fox4News
“If I ever get in trouble, I’m hiring you.”
- Unnamed juror – State v. Cruz, June 12, 2026.
“Michael is one of the most compelling attorneys I’ve had the privilege to watch in front of a jury. His blend of humility, wit, and sharp trial instincts makes him stand out in every courtroom. He has an extraordinary ability to capture the jury’s attention and skillfully guide them through complex or unexpected legal issues, which makes him an exceptional trial partner.”
-Messina Madson Former Acting District Attorney of Dallas County
“Over the past four decades, as a full-time court reporter, I've participated in hundreds of trials and various types of court proceedings. You are one of the very best trial lawyers I've seen who has compassion for your clients and ensures they have the best possible outcome."
-Vearneas Faggett Official Court Reporter for Dallas County, Texas January 1986 – Present
“Michael is an incredibly talented trial attorney, capable of handling all aspects of federal litigation. As a former Assistant United States Attorney, I have spent the past 20 years in federal courts, and I would easily place Michael in the top percent of attorneys when it comes to advocacy, cross examinations and sheer legal instinct. He can be an asset during any point of a federal case.”
-Taly Haffar Former Assistant United States Attorney Northern District of Texas, Dallas Division
“I have watched Michael practice for 22 years, beginning with when I was his supervisor at the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office. When my son passed the bar in 2014, Michael was the only attorney that I wanted my son to learn from because he so embodies the skill, determination and compassion that is the ideal defense attorney. Ann Rust Dallas County Magistrate (Ret.) Over the last 23 years, I’ve brought Michael into my most challenging cases because he is simply the most “complete” defense lawyer I’ve known in my 37 years of practice. He can write a meticulous writ alleging ineffective assistance of counsel and then dismantle the attorney-witness at the evidentiary hearing. No matter the proceeding – a state court murder trial, a federal trial, an appeal, a post-conviction proceeding – his singular presence greatly enhances the defense.”
-William D. Cox, Attorney – Board Certified in Criminal Defense by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization
“I created a niche position just for Michael in my ten-lawyer firm; I wanted him to write for me and to try cases with me. While he is superlative in many areas, the satisfaction I would get just from watching his cross-examinations was enough to justify his salary.”
-Scott Palmer Founding partner, Palmer Perlstein Board Certified in Criminal Defense
“When I was Chief of the Organized Crime Division of the Dallas DA’s Office, I never looked forward to trying a case against Michael. Regardless of the facts, Michael always presented the toughest challenge. Later, when I entered private practice as a defense attorney, I had the opportunity to work alongside him as co-counsel. If you must sit in a courtroom, it’s best to be seated next to Michael.”
-Patrick Jordan Attorney