Michael El-Zein is an attorney in the firm’s Immigration practice group, focusing on individual immigration litigation before the Immigration Courts and federal district courts. Drawing on more than a decade of government experience, he offers clients an insider’s perspective on the litigation process, anticipating potential challenges and preparing clients before they enter the courtroom.

Experience

Michael began his career in immigration at the University of Michigan Law School, where he worked as a student attorney in the Human Trafficking Clinic, helping trafficking survivors obtain lawful status in the United States. After graduating cum laude in 2014, he joined the Attorney General’s Honors Program as a judicial law clerk at the Detroit Immigration Court. In that role, he conducted legal research and drafted opinions for immigration judges.

At the conclusion of his Honors Program appointment, Michael joined the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor in Detroit. He litigated hundreds of removal cases on behalf of the United States, regularly appeared in immigration court, and represented the government before the Board of Immigration Appeals.

Before joining Miller Johnson, Michael served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, handling both civil and criminal matters across several units. In the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Unit, he handled forfeiture matters, including cases involving property seized by Customs and Border Protection. In the Civil Rights Unit, he worked directly with marginalized residents of the Eastern District of Michigan to protect their rights. In the Defensive Litigation Unit, he defended the federal government in civil actions, focusing on immigration-related mandamus cases against the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Ethos

Michael prides himself on being a pragmatic practitioner. He draws on his government experience to identify effective strategies and anticipate potential obstacles. He explains clients’ options clearly so that they are confident and comfortable with every decision made throughout the course of litigation.

Professional Affiliations, Activities and Honors

In 2022 and 2024, Michael received the Civil Rights Division Certificate of Commendation and in 2023 he received the U.S. Attorney’s Award for Superior Performance.

Education, Bar and Court Admissions, Clerkships

Michael holds a J.D. from The University of Michigan Law School. He served as the Executive Editor of the Michigan Journal of Gender & Law, the Vice President of the Women Law Students Association, and as the ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services) Coordinator for the Michigan Immigration and Labor Law Association. Additionally, he received the Certificate of Merit in Sex Equality and was awarded a Certificate of Pro Bono Service.

He earned his B.A. in Economics and Anthropology, with high distinction, from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. Additionally, he completed the Honors Program and earned a minor in Women’s and Gender Studies.

Michael is admitted to practice in Michigan.