About Michael
Michael Perry began his academic path in engineering before turning to law. He earned a degree in computer engineering from the University of Florida and later went on to obtain his J.D. from Southwestern Law School. That technical background informs his approach to fact patterns and evidence, particularly in cases that involve digital records or technical issues.
His early legal work was a mix of clerkships and trial-side experience. In 1993 he served as a law clerk and intern for Justice Norman Epstein of the California Court of Appeals and also had an internship at the United States Attorney’s Office that same year. He entered private practice in 1994 at Miller, Milove & Kob and moved into public work soon after.
Perry worked as an assistant public defender in the Sixth Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office in 1995. The following year he took a post as a city prosecutor for the Sarasota City Lawyer’s Office. Those positions gave him exposure to both sides of the criminal justice process early in his career. In 2000 he joined Walters Levine as an associate and the next year began practicing criminal defense under the MSPerryLaw name.
He later served as a partner at The Law Place in 2015, and in 2017 he established his own firm, Michael S. Perry, PA. Over the years Perry has maintained admissions in Florida, California and Arizona, handling matters that range from misdemeanor prosecutions to serious felony work. His resume shows steady movement between public roles and private defense work, a combination that shaped his courtroom style and case strategy.
Perry is active in several professional organizations. His memberships include the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He is affiliated with the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College and the Judge John Schebb Inn of Court, and he holds membership in the Sarasota County Bar. His name also appears among groups identifying Top 100 Lawyers of Florida.
Colleagues and clients describe him as a lawyer who relies on experience rather than rhetoric. He has worked as a prosecutor and public defender, and he has run his own practice. Those different roles inform how he evaluates cases, prepares for hearings and handles negotiations.
Today he operates Michael S. Perry, PA, where he represents clients in criminal matters. His current practice focuses on criminal defense.
