Michael J. Schneider obtained extensive civil and criminal trial experience starting in 1975 with his admission to the Alaska bar and employment by one of the state's largest firms. He started his own firm, Mestas & Schneider, P.C., in 1978 and moved to sole practice in 1992. Trial work on behalf of injured Alaskans and their families has been his focus throughout his career. He has played a leadership role in opposing "tort deform" in Alaska, has presented at many CLE programs and has written extensively about tort and insurance law issues.