In 2015, Michelle worked closely with Goosmann Law Firm to support the firm in obtaining its certification as a woman-owned business. She has since returned to Goosmann on a full-time basis as Senior Counsel, bringing a distinctive and valuable perspective shaped by her experience as a business owner. Michelle does not merely advise business owners, she has been one. Having spent much of her career owning, operating, and leading businesses, she possesses a firsthand understanding of the pressures, risks, and responsibilities inherent in business ownership. This practical experience informs and strengthens her approach to legal counsel.

Over the past decade, Michelle has owned and operated multiple retail businesses employing more than 60 individuals, assuming responsibility for all aspects of operations, including entity formation, contract negotiation, employment matters, regulatory compliance, and long-term strategic planning. In addition, she has served as in-house counsel and trusted legal advisor to executive leadership teams, negotiating complex commercial agreements and providing guidance on risk management, compliance, and corporate strategy. Her experience enables her to appreciate the real-world impact of business decisions, not only on the organization itself, but also on the employees and families who depend on it.

Michelle often speaks about what she calls the “dump truck theory,” the idea that at any given moment, the unexpected can happen. When it does, business owners need to know their people will still get paid, their operations will continue, and their families will be protected.

That philosophy drives her work in business planning, succession, and trusts and estates. She helps clients put thoughtful structures in place so that, if the unthinkable occurs, chaos does not follow.

Her dedication to proactive planning was profoundly shaped by a personal experience that revealed how unprepared her own affairs were and served as a catalyst for change. From that point forward, Michelle developed a heightened sense of urgency regarding estate planning and continuity planning for business owners. This experience not only informs her empathetic and pragmatic approach but also gives her a deep appreciation for how legal decisions play out in real life.

In addition, Michelle spent many years in academia as a Program Director and Assistant Professor of Legal Studies and Business, where she both taught and developed curriculum in legal and business subjects. This academic background further strengthens her ability to distill complex legal concepts into clear, practical, and actionable guidance.

At Goosmann, Michelle focuses her practice on business transactions, and the design of business succession and estate planning strategies to protect both companies and the people behind them. She is particularly passionate about helping business owners move from a place of isolation to one of confidence, reminding them that it’s okay to ask for help and that planning ahead is an act of leadership. Michelle doesn’t just understand the legal side of business ownership. She understands the human side. And that’s what makes her a trusted advisor to the clients she serves.

Michelle’s “WHY”

Outside of her practice, Michelle is a strong advocate for women in traditionally male-dominated industries and a believer in paving the way for those who follow. Her “why” is rooted in family, especially her daughters, and in modeling what is possible through preparation, resilience, and purpose.