Mikel was born and raised in Whitefish, Montana. In 1983 he began his professional career with a large law firm in Phoenix, Arizona, where he became a full partner. He returned to Montana in 1993. In 1995, after a couple years with an established Kalispell firm, he co-founded a law firm in Kalispell. He remained a partner in this firm until his retirement from the firm in 2022.

Education:

• J.D., Cornell Law School, 1983
• B.A., University of Nevada-Reno, 1980

Activities, Memberships and Awards:

• Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers since 2014
• Former Fellow, International Society of Barristers, 2015-2023
• Former Associate Member, American Board of Trial Advocates; 2008-2023
• AV Preeminent rating with Martindale Hubbell
• Band 1, Litigation, Chambers USA
• Best Lawyers In America every year since 2006, Multiple Practice Areas
• Best Lawyers—Lawyer of the Year, Northwest Montana Area at least six years in Personal Injury Litigation – Defense, and Litigation-Labor and Employment Litigation
• Super Lawyers every year since 2007
• Former Member, International Association of Defense Counsel
• American College of Trial Lawyers- Montana State Committee, including Committee Chair 2022-2024
• American Board of Trial Advocates-Past Montana Chapter President and Executive Committee Member; Teachers Law School; Masters in Trial; Ultimate Trial Notebook; Fellow ABOTA Foundation
• Montana Defense Trial Lawyers; Past President and Past Board Member
• National Association of Ski Defense Attorneys; Past President and Board Member; recipient 2023 ASDA Wingtip Award (Career Achievement)

Personal Interests:

Family. Outdoor recreational activities including Nordic and alpine skiing, hiking, fishing, archery. U.S. and world history

Bar Admission:

• 1983, Arizona
• 1983, U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona
• 1986, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
• 1988, Court of Federal Claims and Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
• 1991, Montana
• 1994, U.S. District Court for the District of Montana
• 2002, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit