Overview
Michelle represents businesses and advises clients through every stage of complex litigation—from pre-litigation mediation and settlement strategy to dispositive motions and trial.
Michelle's practice spans commercial disputes, employment litigation, and investigations, giving clients a trusted advocate whether they are navigating a high-stakes business conflict or a contentious workplace matter. Clients consistently describe her as calm under pressure and decisive when it matters most, qualities that translate to practical guidance and strong outcomes even in the most difficult cases.
Before joining Greene Espel, Michelle honed her litigation practice at a national law firm in San Francisco, where she developed deep experience in employment law. She also served as a law clerk to the Honorable Joan N. Ericksen of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota—an experience that sharpened her understanding of how courts think and what persuades judges.
Michelle earned her J.D. from Stanford Law School, where she received pro bono distinction, and her B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Berkeley, with high honors.
EDUCATION
- J.D., Stanford Law School, Lead Article Editor, Stanford Journal of International Law
- B.A., University of California, Berkeley, with High Distinction, Phi Beta Kappa, Order of Omega
EXPERIENCE
- Associate, Paul Hastings LLP, San Francisco
- Law Clerk, U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, The Honorable Joan N. Ericksen
ADMISSIONS
- U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- State Bar of California
- State Bar of Minnesota
AFFILIATIONS
- Federal Bar Association
- Minnesota State Bar Association
Michelle's Practice Areas
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Employment Counseling
Explore Practice AreaGreene Espel partners with employers to foster diverse and inclusive workplaces, to develop and implement employment policies, and to advise about the myriad of employment issues that may arise daily.
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Employment Litigation
Explore Practice AreaBusinesses, public institutions, and individuals seek out Greene Espel for representation in a wide range of employment-litigation matters.
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Commercial Litigation
Explore Practice AreaOur business litigation practice embraces the wide variety of commercial disputes facing private and public companies today. Areas of particular expertise include intellectual property, antitrust, securities, employment, professional liability, and construction disputes.
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Class Actions
Explore Practice AreaClients regularly turn to Greene Espel when faced with high-stakes, class-action litigation. Greene Espel attorneys have defended dozens of putative class actions in federal and state courts all across the country.
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Non-Compete Disputes and Litigation
Explore Practice AreaEmployees come and go. When their departures implicate legal obligations, Greene Espel can help. Greene Espel mobilizes immediately when clients must seek, or defend against, expedited injunction motions that may arise when employees move from one job to another.
Michelle's Community Involvement
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
- Infinity Project, Board Member (2026-present)
- Minnesota Women Lawyers, Partner Leadership Council