Michael is the oldest son of Joseph S. and Elizabeth W. Cone. Born in Charleston and raised in Mount Pleasant, Michael was graduated from The Citadel in May of 1991 and immediately commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy.

After serving in the Navy in San Diego, California, Michael returned to South Carolina and entered law school in 1997.  He was graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in May of 2000 and served as law clerk to the Honorable Paul E. Short, Jr. until August of 2001.

From August 2001 until January 2006, Michael was an associate with Simpson & Dong, LLC where he practiced civil litigation.  While with Simpson & Dong, Michael participated in the prosecution of several class action lawsuits that resulted in beneficial recoveries for South Carolina consumers.  He also participated in several appellate cases, including at the Supreme Court of the United States.

Michael is admitted to the South Carolina Bar, the U. S. District Court for South Carolina, and the U. S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Charleston County Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the National Association of Consumer Advocates. Michael has achieved Advocate status in ATLA's Achievement Recognition Program. Michael attends the Church of the Holy Communion (an Anglo-Catholic parish of the Episcopal Church of the U.S.A.) is a lifetime member of the Citadel Alumni Association, and is a member of the Exchange Club of Charleston.