A a native Long Islander, born and raised on the South Shore of Long Island with my six siblings. At an early age, I developed a passion for boating and sailing on the Great South Bay. I earned a living first from the clamming industry followed by driving water taxis along the Fire Island communities.

Bicycle riding also became a love when in 1973, at 16 years old, I traveled across the United States with my older brother. Starting from the summit of Donner Pass, California, we raced into Nevada starting our 35-day trip, with a plan of just heading Eastward. The trip took us through some amazing country that paled only against the generosity of people that we met. After law school in 1984, this love for bicycling led to six years of weekly tours throughout Vermont and Maine traveling with my father and three brothers. We earned the nickname "the Cartwright family," for those who remember the Bonanza TV series.

My college career in the mid-70's at the University of the Pacific is a great memory. I attended one of the most progressive liberal arts colleges at that time, Raymond College. Active in school politics, I earned the Dean's award for my commitment to the college community. During college I traveled extensively throughout the West by motorcycle. At that time California was experiencing a drought that created great motorcycle conditions if you could put up with the cold. In midwinter there were weekly midnight runs to Lake Tahoe in bitter cold. After twenty years, I can still remember vividly how deep the cold could penetrate.

At 24 years old, I attended Brooklyn Law School. I chose the evening program allowing me to work and explore the legal profession with various law firms in Manhatten. That opportunity allowed me to apply the classroom to the legal profession at an early part of my career.

I am happily married for 19 years and have three teenage children. My wife Lisa, a psychotherapist, and I are lucky to work two miles from home, and we have lunch dates at least twice a week and devote our time to our kids. My two boys are active in lacrosse , and the sport has taken us throughout the Northeast participating in tournaments. Lacrosse is a passion in our household and I am a founding member of West Babylon Lacrosse, Ltd., a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to teaching lacrosse through clinics and tournaments. Winters include ski trips to Vermont and Canada, where I enjoy snowboarding with my daughter. I lovelife with my children (when they're not driving me crazy.)

My philosophy of life to live with commitment, self-examination and passion. At the age of 47, I sometimes feel as though I've just started.

Mikel J. Hoffman