Michael Kainen, Of Counsel
mkainen@hayes-windish.com

Prior to joining Hayes & Windish, Michael Kainen was in private practice in White River Junction with an emphasis on criminal defense and bankruptcy. Michael worked in the Vermont Legislature for eight years during that time. He is experienced in handling jury trials of misdemeanor and felony cases in both Vermont and New Hampshire. In May of 2007, Michael was appointed Executive Director of the Vermont Sentencing Commission. When he left the Sentencing Commission, Michael sought to work at a firm with extensive experience in litigation and general practice areas.

Education
University of Connecticut, Bachelor of Arts (History), 1988
Vermont Law School, JD, Cum Laude, 1992; MSL, Cum Laude, 1992

Bar Admissions
Vermont Supreme Court 1993
New Hampshire Supreme Court 1993
U.S. District Court Vermont 1993
U.S. District Court New Hampshire 1993

Professional Associations
American Bar Association
American Inns of Court
New Hampshire Bar Association
Vermont Bar Association
Vermont Bar Foundation

Public and Community Service
Board Member: Hartford Community Justice Center
Commissioner: Hartford Housing Authority
Moderator: Hartford Town and School Board

Michael was first elected to the Vermont Legislature in 1998, and served on the House Judiciary Committee which crafted the nation’s first civil union law. He returned for three more terms as ranking member of that committee. He proposed numerous criminal justice bills which became law. He served as Chair of the Judicial Rules Committee and Vice-Chair of Judicial Retention. He also served on the Rural Justice Study Committee, The Criminal Code Study Committee, the Governor’s Criminal Justice Cabinet, and the Chief Justice’s Justice for Children Task Force.

Personal
Michael enjoys skiing, chopping wood, and golfing when time allows.
Michael and his wife, Michelle, live in Quechee, Vermont.