About

What sets Michelle apart is not just her extensive legal experience, but her unique personal background. As a former foster parent and now an adoptive parent, Michelle brings an unparalleled depth of understanding to every case she handles. This firsthand experience with the juvenile system from multiple perspectives informs her compassionate approach and drives her tireless advocacy for her clients.

Michelle’s expertise extends to all aspects of juvenile law:

• Juvenile Delinquency: Defending minors facing criminal charges
• Juvenile Dependency: Representing children, parents, and caregivers in CPS cases
• Juvenile Appeals: Arguing cases at all levels, including before the California Supreme Court

Fluent in Spanish, Michelle ensures clear communication with all her clients, breaking down language barriers that often complicate legal proceedings.

Degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, International Relations, Texas Christian University, 1989
• Juris Doctor, Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law

Michelle’s academic journey laid a strong foundation for her future in juvenile law. At Texas Christian University, she honed her understanding of complex social and political systems, which would later prove invaluable in navigating the intricacies of juvenile justice and dependency cases.

Following her undergraduate studies, Michelle pursued her law degree at the prestigious Pepperdine University Caruso School of Law, located in beautiful Malibu, CA, on a full-ride scholarship. Her time at Pepperdine was marked by exceptional dedication and academic achievement. Michelle’s commitment to excellence was evident in her performance, as she won first place in a moot court competition for brief writing, demonstrating her outstanding legal writing skills.

During her time at Pepperdine, Michelle was also actively involved with the Christian Legal Society (CLS), reflecting her commitment to integrating her faith with her legal practice.

The rigorous legal education Michelle received at Pepperdine, combined with her background in political science and international relations, provided her with a comprehensive understanding of law and policy. This multifaceted educational background has proven instrumental in her approach to juvenile law, allowing her to address complex cases with a nuanced and well-rounded perspective.