About Us
Michael Ortiz Cruz was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He moved to the United States in 1998 and graduated from Carmel High School. He attended Purdue University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.
Because of his interest in serving the community, Michael joined the Public Defender’s Agency as a legal assistant. There, he assisted attorneys provide indigent clients with a legal defense. During that time, Michael also interpreted for the Misdemeanor and Traffic Courts.
His love of the community propelled him to participate in Ivy Tech Day and the Lilly Global Day of Service. He repeatedly participates in Indianapolis’ “Keep Indianapolis Beautiful” Neighborhood Clean ups. Michael also served as Vice President for the Meridian Highland Neighborhood Association.
Before law school, Michael spent 7 years revitalizing the Meridian Highland Neighborhood. He also spent those years interpreting for attorneys. During that time, he had the pleasure of working with attorney Cynthia Carter exonerate an innocent man convicted of murder. That process encouraged him to return to the legal profession. He spent 5 years working with various firms in Immigration and Personal Injury.
Michael then attended, with scholarship, West Virginia University College of Law. He obtained a CALI award for his work in AI and the Law. Michael also worked with the College of Law’s Immigration Clinic helping a family gain asylum and filing affirmative asylum for another client of the clinic.
While in law school, Michael also worked for the Attorney General’s Consumer Litigation Division. There, he assisted in protecting Indiana residents from scammers and bad faith actors. Michael graduated, passed the bar, and set up his own firm in Indianapolis. He hopes to make a difference in immigrant communities.
Today, Michael is devoted to help immigrants in Indianapolis and throughout the United States. He has partnered with Indy Immigrant Solutions, a multi-service nexus for immigrants needs. He also assists Tu Refugio Seguro, a 501(c)(3) dedicated to fighting domestic violence and sexual abuse, by offering free consultations. Michael also lends his time to the Damien Center, a healthcare center dedicated to educating and lowering STIs in Indianapolis, by educating members on the struggles undocumented immigrants are facing today and the ever-changing laws affecting them.