Michael is the founder and managing attorney of the Patterson Law Group, a boutique law firm located in the heart of the French Quarter in historic downtown Charleston, South Carolina
Before establishing the Patterson Law Group, Michael co-founded and managed a successful statewide practice for seven years, expanding its services to meet the diverse needs of clients across the state. Prior to that, he served as an attorney with a large Southeastern regional corporate law firm, where he represented insurers, corporations, and employers in complex litigation and coverage disputes. His earlier experience as an Assistant Solicitor in the Ninth Judicial Circuit (Berkeley County) provided extensive trial experience—successfully trying numerous criminal cases to verdict and handling a wide range of matters from drug and property crimes to serious violent offenses.
Michael began his professional career as a Police Officer with the City of Charleston Police Department, serving nearly five years in both the Uniformed Patrol Division and the Office of Professional Standards. That early experience instilled in him a deep understanding of investigative procedures, evidentiary issues, and the importance of integrity in all aspects of the legal process—principles that continue to guide his practice today.
With nearly two decades of combined experience in law enforcement, prosecution, and private practice, Michael brings a unique and balanced perspective to his clients’ legal challenges. His approach emphasizes practical advice, strategic foresight, and the personalized attention that only a boutique law firm can offer.
His practice focuses on insurance defense, coverage matters, subrogation, corporate and business transactions, strategic business planning, and providing practical legal solutions for employers, staffing companies, and professional employer organizations (PEOs). He also maintains a select practice in estate planning and criminal defense, including DUI and traffic matters, magistrate and general sessions offenses, and federal cases.
Michael and his wife, Sarah, have called Charleston home for nearly 20 years and live on Daniel Island with their two children, Will and Hannah. Will is a Florida State University graduate now working with his national fraternity, Chi Psi, at Furman University, and Hannah is a Division I lacrosse player at Gardner-Webb University. The firm proudly operates as a family-run practice—Sarah serves as the firm’s billing and account specialist, Michael’s sister-in-law serves as paralegal, and his mother-in-law serves as legal assistant—forming a close-knit team dedicated to providing exceptional service to every client.
Michael’s local roots, courtroom experience, and commitment to client relationships make Patterson Law Group a trusted ally for businesses, insurers, and individuals across South Carolina.
Education & Background
B.A., James Madison University
J.D., Regent University
Former Assistant Solicitor, Ninth Judicial Circuit (Berkeley County)
Former Police Officer, City of Charleston Police Department
Practice Areas
Insurance Defense | Corporate & Business Law | Employer & PEO Solutions | Estate Planning | Criminal Defense
