About Michael
Michael Perna built a legal education that spans continents and decades. He studied at Temple University and spent time at the University of Salzburg in Austria. He attended the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law and earned his J.D. from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1979.
His career has included roles in multiple states. He is the managing partner of Perna & Abracht LLC, a position that places him at the center of the firm’s decision-making. Over the years he has practiced under the bars of Texas, Colorado and Pennsylvania, handling matters that require licensure in more than one jurisdiction.
Colleagues describe him as steady and practical in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. He has combined private practice with firm leadership, steering case strategy and client relations while overseeing daily operations. That combination of hands-on work and administrative responsibility has defined much of his practice life.
Perna’s education informs his approach. Time studying abroad in Salzburg added an international dimension early on. McGeorge and St. Mary’s gave him academic grounding in trial preparation and legal analysis. He has maintained current membership in professional associations that support continuing education and networking for lawyers.
His work covers litigation and transactional matters that require coordination across state lines. He represents clients in filings, hearings and settlements. He also directs associates and staff at the firm, allocating resources and supervising case teams to match client needs with firm capabilities.
In day-to-day practice he balances casework and management duties. He mentors junior attorneys and takes lead roles on complex files. He has handled matters in state courts and procedural environments across Texas, Colorado and Pennsylvania. He currently focuses his practice on matters across those three states.
