Michael Ratcliffe earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy from California State University, a master's degree from San Francisco State University, and a law degree from the University of Hawaii. Ratcliffe's career experience includes working as an attorney specializing in labor law. He has worked for the Attorney General’s Appellate Division, the Hawaii Supreme Court, and the Hawaii Intermediate Court of Appeals. Ratcliffe has also served on the Kalihi-Pālama neighborhood board.
