Michael D. Bishop was a member of the United States Congress (2014-2018). During his tenure in Congress, Michael was appointed to and served on the House committee on Ways and Means, the Judiciary, and Higher Education. While serving in Congress, Michael championed legislation to benefit families and businesses, including being an original co-sponsor of once in a generation tax reform.
Preceding his service in the United States Congress, Michael was the General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer of International Bancard Company, in Detroit Michigan. In managing all the company’s legal affairs, his responsibilities as GC/CLO, also included management of all outside counsel and working directly with the CEO and the executive leadership team to help develop and grow business opportunities. While working with the company, Michael shared his legal and business experience as an Adjunct Professor of Law at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School.
Michael was in private legal practice, prior to his role at International Bancard. As a Senior Attorney with Clark Hill PLC, an international law firm in Birmingham, Michigan, Michael concentrated his practice in the areas of Public Policy and Business Law.
Prior to joining the Clark Hill PLC, Michael was elected to and served in the Michigan State legislature. Originally elected in 1998, Michael finished his term in Michigan’s 12th Senate District in December 2010. He was nominated by his caucus and chosen by his peers to serve as the Senate Majority Leader.
In his role as Senate Majority Leader, Michael oversaw all senate operations and personnel, and acted as chief negotiator in balancing Michigan’s $49 Billion annual state budget. Michael served on a number of committees in the Michigan House and Senate, including chairing the Senate Banking and Financial Institutions Committee and the Constitutional Law and Ethics Judiciary Committee.
Michael began his professional career by starting two successful small businesses to pursue his interest in practicing law and real estate investment. His legal experience involved daily courtroom appearances representing clients in criminal defense and civil litigation. Michael also served as a local prosecutor.
Michael is licensed to practice law in the state of Michigan, the District of Columbia, and before the U.S. Supreme Court. He is also a licensed Real Estate Broker and served as President of Freedom Realty, Inc. Michael is a graduate of the University of Michigan and received his law degree from Michigan State University Law in 1993.
In addition to his accomplishments in the private and public sectors, Michael has received numerous honors, including: Credit Union National Association Federal Legislator of the Year Credit Union National Association State Legislator of the Year, Small Business Association of Michigan Legislator of the Year, Dads and Moms of Michigan Legislator of the Year, and Michigan Business and Professional Association Distinguished Service Award. In 2006, Michael was named one of Crain’s Detroit Business 40 under 40.
Michael is a lifelong resident of Rochester, where he lives with his wife, Cristina, and their three children, Benjamin, Gabriella, and Nathan.