Business Philosophy

Building Success Through Legal Expertise

Over the first 15 years of her legal career, represent clients in a variety of litigation matters, including complex multi-party lawsuits involving disputes regarding discrimination, harassment, retaliation, whistleblowing, employment contracts and restrictive covenants, wage and hour violations, ERISA, and other claims. Michelle’s extensive litigation and administrative agency experience includes oral arguments and briefings before the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and the United States Supreme Court. She has advanced unique arguments to obtain successful judgments and confirming appellate orders in court, arbitration, administrative hearings, and agency proceedings. Michelle has also successfully negotiated resolutions of multimillion-dollar litigation through alternative dispute resolution. Michelle has represented physicians and other medical professionals in professional board proceedings.

Michelle balances her comprehensive knowledge of labor and employment law with the practical considerations that are unique to each of her clients, marrying legal advice with business realities. Michelle acts as a trusted business partner to provide advice that reflects each client’s business goals and organizational culture.  

Through her reputation for sound counsel, consistent results, and quality client service, Michelle has built a portfolio of valued clients that run the gamut from Fortune 100 companies to thriving local businesses, and industries including security, food and beverage, technology, health care, commercial real estate, start-ups, non-profits, as well as executive level employees within these industries.

One of the best compliments I have received as an attorney is from a client who said to me, “How do you make us feel like we are your only client, when we know you work with so many?” This is the way I hope all of my clients feel about the service I provide to them. Each and every client deserves high quality service and legal advice in a manner that lets them know that they are important to me.

Frankly, I view every opportunity to help a client as an honor. This is what I love most about what I do.  Knowing that I am a part of the process that might improve the day, month, or even long-term business or personal life of my clients provides me the greatest professional and personal satisfaction.  This guides every action for me – both personally and professionally.

In my current practice, much of my work involves talking with people.  When a client representative tells me, “Thank you for listening to me,” I know I am on the right path.

Because businesses – employers – are made up of people. And it is important for me to hear from those people – be it the owner, executive, legal professional, human resources professional, or front-line manager – what advice they are asking for and what outcome makes sense to them under the circumstances. Let’s be honest; there is a lot of legal information freely available these days (some reliable, some not). The value I provide is not just rote legal advice; each time I am faced with an issue, I carefully consider it and expend thoughtful judgment about how the client should proceed.

So, if I have the opportunity to work with you, then, first, let me say thank you for the honor of your trust in me. Let’s talk. I want to understand what it is that you or your business needs.  I know we will make great partners in your business and legal decision making.

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Meet with Michelle and find out how her expertise can help you achieve your employment-law related goals.

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