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.
Rachel earned her Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law, building on her lifelong commitment to helping families in crisis. Even before law school, she dedicated herself to supporting her community work, which shaped her career path in private practice, the courts, and legal aid. Her background as a family law facilitator and advocate for survivors of domestic violence continues to inform her thoughtful, client-centered approach to representation.