Biography
Although Michelle was born and raised in California, she has been proud to call Washington home since 2016. She began her legal career at the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii. Then she spent a decade in California, primarily representing parents and foster children in dependency cases and related appeals. Michelle has handled Washington family law appeals since 2021. Michelle’s experience has given her a broad range of expertise in complex family scenarios, which she uses to support clients throughout their cases.
Michelle works with clients to ensure they have the information they need to make their own decisions about how their case will move forward, with knowledge and support every step of the way. She believes clients are often best served by finding a peaceful resolution that maintains relationships and minimizes financial and emotional costs. Michelle is collaboratively trained and practices Collaborative Law under the Uniform Collaborative Law Act. For more traditional cases, Michelle works to help clients find opportunities for common ground and to reduce conflict.
Outside of the office, she can be found on walks outside, baking or watching cooking shows, and playing chauffeur to her kids.
Michelle attended the University of California, Berkeley, graduating with honors in Psychology and a minor in Spanish.
Michelle attended law school at New York University and graduated in 2003. While in law school, Michelle worked on the Review of Law and Social Changes and volunteered at both The Door in New York City and at Legal Services for Children in San Francisco.