Mike Schietzelt is a husband, father, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and attorney who will be a strong, effective advocate for northern Wake County. 

The son of a disabled Vietnam Veteran, Mike grew up in a single-parent family in Burlington, N.C., where he learned the importance of service and hard work at an early age. Mike’s father often worked two jobs to take care of his sons. For Mike, school often took a backseat to helping his father keep food on the table. Fortunately, he had great teachers, engaged mentors, and a love for music that kept him in school.

As a young adult, Mike toured the world as a professional musician, performing in amusement parks and on cruise ships. In 2011, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps as a member of “The Commandant’s Own” United States Marine Drum and Bugle Corps. While stationed in Washington, D.C, Mike represented the Marine Corps before many of the highest ranking civilian and military officials in America, and he sounded Taps for military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.

Mike currently works as a litigation attorney with Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, where he represents small businesses, health care professionals, and faith-based organizations in civil disputes. He has authored briefs in high profile cases on behalf of Members of Congress, retired judges, and student ministries. Additionally, he has successfully advocated in the North Carolina General Assembly for sensible reform of the State’s criminal laws. Mike previously clerked for then-N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Martin during the 2018-19 term.

From his father’s example, Mike learned the importance of perseverance and the value of serving others. As a Marine, he developed the discipline, tenacity, and focus required to get things done. As an attorney, he is a strong, effective advocate for his clients. Now, he is ready to serve as a tenacious, results-oriented advocate for the citizens of northern Wake County.

A product of North Carolina’s public schools, Mike earned his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and his Juris Doctorate from the Duke University School of Law. He lives in Wake Forest with his wife, Carmon, and their four young sons. He attends Summit Church.