Michael J. Clarke graduated Florida State University in 2016 with bachelor's degree in Political Science. He then attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical School of Law in Orlando, Florida, graduating with a Juris Doctor in 2019. Admitted to the Florida Bar in 2019, he briefly started his own solo-practice in Orlando, Florida before going on to practice as an Assistant Public Defender for the Second Judicial Circuit representing indigent defendants in both misdemeanor and felony cases, trying many to verdict.

In his free time, he enjoys reading, woodworking, and spending time with his wife, dog, and cat.