Overview

Michelle defends employers in complex employment litigation and provides strategic counsel to promote workplace compliance.

With over 15 years of experience in labor and employment law, she represents clients in high-stakes matters involving discrimination, harassment, retaliation, wrongful termination, and wage and hour claims. Michelle has litigated single-plaintiff, class, and collective actions in both state and federal courts, as well as in arbitration. Her industry experience includes advising employers in the hospitality and education sectors, including private and charter schools.

In addition to her litigation practice, Michelle works closely with employers to develop proactive strategies that reduce risk and support a positive workplace culture. She provides guidance on employee discipline, leave management, complaint handling, and termination procedures. Michelle helps clients implement practical policies and procedures that align with business goals while supporting legal compliance.

Michelle also delivers customized training for managers and HR teams on a variety of employment law topics, including preventing workplace harassment, managing accommodations, and conducting effective investigations. Her approach emphasizes clarity and actionable insights to help employers navigate evolving legal obligations with confidence.

Before entering private practice, Michelle served as a judicial extern to the Honorable Ronald S.W. Lew and the Honorable Otis D. Wright II in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, experiences that continue to inform her practical, courtroom-tested perspective on employment disputes.

Honors & Recognition

  • Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® "Ones to Watch" for Labor and Employment Law - Management and Litigation - Labor and Employment (2023-present)

Credentials

Clerkships

  • Hon. Ronald S.W. Lew, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
  • Hon. Otis D. Wright, U.S. District Court for the Central District of California

Education

University of Southern California Gould School of Law

  • J.D., 2008

University of California, Los Angeles

  • B.A., cum laude, 2005

Media

Constangy Streaming

Admissions

  • California, 2008
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
  • U.S. District Court - CA - C.D., S.D.

"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out."

Robert Collier
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