About Michael
Michael Puterbaugh studied law at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He built a practice that crosses criminal litigation and sports representation. His training at Case Western provided a foundation for work in courtrooms and at negotiating tables.
Over the years Puterbaugh earned several professional certifications that shape his work. He is certified as an agent by the National Football League Players Association and by the Canadian Football League Players Association. He also holds certification from the Ohio Supreme Court to handle death penalty cases. Those credentials mark two distinct streams in his career: criminal defense and athlete representation.
In criminal matters, the Ohio Supreme Court certification signals involvement in capital litigation. Such cases require familiarity with specialized procedures and appellate paths. That credential indicates he has met state standards to participate in the limited set of cases that carry the death penalty. It also suggests practical experience handling high-stakes, procedural, and evidentiary challenges in state court.
Parallel to his courtroom work, Puterbaugh serves as a certified players’ agent. As an NFLPA and CFLPA certified agent he negotiates contracts, advises on career decisions, and manages relationships between players and teams or leagues. That role demands knowledge of collective bargaining agreements, contract mechanics, and the regulatory rules that govern professional football. It also requires balancing short-term deal terms against long-term career and post-career considerations.
Puterbaugh’s practice sits at the intersection of litigation and representation. He has combined courtroom advocacy with the transactional and advisory work typical of player agents. Colleagues describe his approach as practical and case-driven. He tends to prefer direct, clear strategy in both plea or trial work and in contract negotiations.
He currently practices at Puterbaugh Law. The firm handles criminal defense matters, including cases requiring death penalty certification, and continues to represent professional football players under NFLPA and CFLPA rules. Clients encounter a mix of trial advocacy and negotiated resolutions, and Puterbaugh’s background allows him to move between those modes.
Puterbaugh remains active in both areas of practice, balancing criminal cases that demand courtroom readiness with the demands of representing athletes through contract cycles and career transitions. His current practice focuses on criminal defense and professional athlete representation.
