Michael J. King

Michael received his bachelor’s degree (B.A.) in history from The Ohio State University in 1997, with a minor in English. As an undergraduate, he worked full time while attending Ohio State full time. Michael also completed a summer program in comparative constitutional law at Oxford University in England.

He received his law degree (J.D.) from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 2000, graduating in the top third of his class. Here he was a Public Service Fellow, volunteering throughout his law school years as a Guardian Ad Litem for children in abuse and neglect cases. He was also a judicial extern for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit.

Michael began his career as a Judicial Law Clerk, providing advice and counsel to Judge Lisa Sadler during civil and criminal trials at the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. He transitioned into a successful private practice as a trial attorney following his clerkship.

Michael served as Law Director and Prosecutor for the Village of Granville, OH, for eight years and served as Assistant Law Director and prosecutor for three years before that. In this role, he provided legal advice to the village leadership and represented the village in civil litigation, administrative appeals, and prosecutor in misdemeanor criminal cases. He also served as Interim Solicitor for the Village of Alexandria for two years, providing similar legal services.

As Granville Law Director and Prosecutor, Michael compiled a significant track record of success and contributions to the community. He helped place a permanent conservation easement on the historic Granville Golf Course to ensure that the treasured local resource will remain undeveloped and green for future generations. Michael helped to revise and update the zoning code to guide sustainable development. He negotiated and drafted agreements that facilitated the construction of a new Granville service department complex and a new Granville Township fire station. Michael frequently worked with community stakeholders such as Denison University, Grow Licking County, The Granville Township Board of Trustees, and the Granville Chamber of Commerce, keeping his finger on the community’s pulse to better anticipate and meet its legal needs. He also helped select the Granville Chief of Police and the Denison University Safety Director, fostering a community policing model that builds strong, respectful, and collaborative public safety protocols.

Later in his career, Michael served as a trial court judge on the Franklin County Municipal Court. During that time, he earned the highest judicial ratings from the Columbus Bar Association (Five Stars) and the Central Ohio Association for Justice (Highly Recommended).

Michael is a member of the Ohio State and Columbus Bar Associations. In 2012, he was selected to the Leadership Columbus Signature Program.

He is admitted to practice before the courts of the State of Ohio, the United State District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Ohio, and the U.S. Court of Appeals, for the Sixth Circut.

Michael has engaged in pro bono legal services throughout his career. But, serving the community goes beyond his legal practice. Michael has raised awareness to stop human trafficking and protect neighborhoods, empowering others to act and make a difference. He also serves his community close to home, frequently volunteering at the Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resources Center.

Michael grew up in Toledo and came to Columbus to attend Ohio State more than thirty years ago. The Kings enjoy travel, family gatherings, Ohio State athletics, and walking together in their Clintonville neighborhood. Their son is a graduate of The Ohio State University and serves as a U.S. Air Force Pilot, and their daughter is a high school junior.