Michael J. Wise

Michael began his legal career in 1994 near Los Angeles, California when he was asked to help an attorney move storage boxes the week before the Northridge earthquake. From picking up scattered papers and learning how to put files back together after the earthquake to answering phones, typing, learning to take dictation, drafting pleadings and declarations, understanding legal concepts, and meeting with clients, Michael was able to gain experience in all levels and aspects of legal assistance. He was certified as a paralegal in 1998 with a specialty in civil litigation. 

He has been able to use his skills and experience to help clients with wide-ranging needs including catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, aviation disasters, family law, and other cases. His abilities have been honed through assisting with multiple jury trials taken to verdict as well as positioning cases for settlement – some for multiple millions of dollars. Michael spent over 6 years at Salt Lake City’s premier plaintiff’s trial firm – which has the most million-dollar verdicts of any firm in the state – where he assisted in the courtroom at numerous jury trials. He also spent some time at one of Utah’s oldest law firms – which handles defense for insurance companies – giving him unique insight and perspective from both sides of injury litigation. 

Michael has never lost sight of his enthusiasm for helping people. His varied experience helps him to empathize with and offer emotional support to people whom he frequently meets during the worst times of their lives. Whether they are dealing with significant and permanent injuries from a serious crash, a child with a birth injury, a life-altering instance of medical malpractice, the death of a loved one, or a divorce with children, he has the understanding and tools to help people move forward with their lives. 

After a break from his legal career to work at the headquarters of his church (which is what brought him from California to Salt Lake City) and a too-short time as a businessman with his own retail store, he has been able to spend the past ten years working with some of the most respected attorneys in Utah’s legal community. He realizes that the community is a small one and he maintains and enjoys good working relationships with opposing staff and attorneys as well as court clerks, interpreters, court reporters, and experts in various fields. He was once honored by a nomination to the Utah State Bar as Paralegal of the Year. 

Michael is married with 4 children and a grandson, and lives in Pleasant Grove with a dachshund and a chihuahua. He speaks fluent Spanish and has professional experience as a translator and interpreter.