Michelle brings over 25 years of practice to her mediation practice. As a manager of civil litigation for one of the largest counties in the State, she has tried and settled complex litigation matters.
Experience
Her focus includes personal injury, wrongful death, police use of force, employment, medical malpractice, land use, construction defect, legal malpractice, class actions and the public records act. She enjoys leaning into disputes that are high conflict, high stakes and bringing parties to a meaningful resolution. As a trial attorney most of her career, she understands the risks of the courtroom and the pressure clients and organizations feel.
Education
* University of Washington School of Law, JD, Order of the Coif (1997)
* Gonzaga University, BA, Political Science & English (1994)
Admission and Memberships
* Washington State Bar Association: Admitted to Practice in Washington State Courts, US District Court – Western Division, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
* Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Board of Trustees 2012-2013
* Washington State Bar. Admitted to Practice in Washington State Courts, United States District Court – Western Division, 9th Circuit Court of Appeals
Professional Development & Achievement
* Center for Dispute Resolution – Mediation Training (2023)
* Pepperdine Caruso School of Law – Mediation Course (2021)
* Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) (2017)
* Federal Simmunitions Training (2017)
* Law Enforcement Use of Force and Defensive Tactics Certified (2016)
* Force Science Institute Certification -analyzing police use of force and OIS (2016)
* Police Practice Training: Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission OC exposure, canine, training, WSP EVOC training, and defensive tactics
* Pro Tem Judge Thurston County
* Washington Traffic Safety Commission Award – Government Excellence
* WA State Judicial Diversity Program - 2012
* Pierce County Sheriff’s Department Prosecuting Attorney of the Year - 2018
* Gardner-Sutherland Achievement Award – For extraordinary work to prevent impaired driving
Presentations
* Homeless Encampment Policy: WAPA 2020, 2021, WSAMA 2022, TPCBA 2022,
* Representing Individuals in County Litigation (2017),
* Prosecutor Ethics – Keep Calm and Carry On (2015)
* Federal Practice - Practical Considerations, June 2014, Federal Courthouse, TPCBA
* Abstaining from Offensive Personalities, TPCBA (2013)
* Ethics for Prosecutors, The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, PCPAO (2012)
* Prosecutors and the Press, WAPA (2008)
