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Overview

With a focus on Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Michelle defends clients in asbestos litigation and other toxic tort matters. She practices from Pittsburgh via our Link virtual office.

An asbestos-focused toxic tort litigator, Michelle represents major corporations in the equipment manufacturing sector, including those producing pumps, boilers, brakes, kilns, turbines, and construction equipment. Her practice centers on navigating cases in Pennsylvania and West Virginia, a region with significant asbestos exposure and jurisdictions considered to be particularly difficult for asbestos defendants. For Michelle, this means understanding clients’ business objectives and preferences so that she can obtain the best outcome possible.

With a background that spans both public and private sectors, Michelle brings a broad perspective to litigation. Experience at the Department of Labor’s OSHA division provided early insight into the scope of worker safety law, while her work in education law involved due process administrative hearings and federal litigation. This combination means Michelle approaches each matter with an eye toward a potential trial, which often leads to more efficient resolutions.

Since 2022, Michelle has concentrated on toxic tort defense. She is experienced at handling every stage of these complex cases, from depositions and medical record analysis to collaborating with expert witnesses and evaluating juries.

Clients appreciate Michelle’s clear communication and responsiveness. Recognizing that every client has unique goals, she works to develop strategies that align with business needs. By staying attentive to both the legal and practical aspects of a case, Michelle aims to deliver results that support clients’ broader objectives.

Industries

Services

Education

  • J.D., George Washington University Law School
    • cum laude
  • B.A., University of Rochester

Admissions

  • Pennsylvania

Michelle is associated with the Washington, DC office for telephone and mail purposes only. She is not admitted to practice in the District of Columbia.



*Michelle works remotely and is licensed in Pennsylvania, practicing in Pittsburgh, PA. Contact Michelle via email or phone for in-person/virtual meetings. Use the Washington, DC office address for mail/deliveries only.

Experience
  • Managed toxic tort matters in Pennsylvania and West Virginia for numerous defense clients, including outside contracting companies, manufacturers, suppliers, and employers.
  • Served as lead defense counsel at depositions, responsible for questioning the witness on areas common to the defense group, including alternative exposures and the claimant's pertinent medical, family, and employment history.
  • Conducted analyses of claimants' medical records in furtherance of medical defense strategy, including identifying areas for additional investigation and medical expert needs.
  • Prepared pretrial motions and discovery, including managing and responding to discovery requests on behalf of multiple clients across all toxic tort matters.
  • Prepared case evaluation reports in advance of trial group conciliations convened prior to trial, detailing all discovered evidence, likelihood of success of defenses, projected economic and non-economic damages, likely settlement value, and ultimate case disposition strategy.
  • Evaluated the jury pools for the West Virginia exigent and lung cancer trial groups based on a review of all juror questionnaires and compiled a consolidated spreadsheet detailing each prospective juror's pertinent backgrounds, reported biases, potential conflicts, and reasons not to serve.
  • Advised clients and insurance carriers on all upcoming depositions, providing concise case evaluations and obtaining the requisite approvals for deposition appearances.
Outside the Office

Michelle is a world traveler who’s always up for a new destination. Throughout her career and education, she’s tried to pursue as many opportunities to live and work abroad as she could, interning in Nigeria, spending three months in Guatemala developing her Spanish skills, living and working in Israel for a year, and studying in London.

When she’s at home in Pittsburgh, Michelle enjoys spoiling her Pitbull mix, going for a run, and spending time with friends and family.

Community Leadership

Michelle has volunteered with WomensLaw.org since 2007, providing technical assistance and legal answers to individuals in abusive relationships. She first began working with the organization as a law student and now supervises law student volunteers.