Tips from the Bar: Michelle Mitchell, Esq.

Michelle Mitchell is a San Diego-based Trial Attorney at Portfolio Recovery Associates with over 20 years of experience in civil litigation. As a trial attorney, she values the importance of weaving evidence into a story as part of the litigation process, providing a wide range of valuable assets to high-level exposure cases from start to finish. 

Background 

Before Ms. Mitchell began her legal career as a trial attorney, she worked in sales for a couple of years. What sparked her attention to law school and the legal field was learning about a JD/PhD program in the Bay area. After careful consideration in deciding whether to join the legal field, she expressed an interest in attending law school at California Western School of Law. After receiving her JD at California Western, she worked as a trial attorney at two Plaintiff’s firms, first handling Employment law cases, and then handling catastrophic injuries and wrongful death cases. After having kids and seeking a more balanced schedule, she went on to work at Portfolio Recovery Associates, overseeing a variety of trials and arbitration proceedings for the defense.

Remarkable Moment in Her Legal Career 

Ms. Mitchell recalls a few remarkable experiences that have significantly impacted her career. A truly rewarding moment was one where she represented the family of a deceased person, advocating for their rights in making this family financially whole despite experiencing a horrific and tragic loss. One of the highlights in representing this family was being able to guide them through the litigation process every step of the way.  

Advice for Young Attorneys 

Ms. Mitchell believes that following your passion in work is what will bring true satisfaction.  To that end, Ms. Mitchell started her own business as a Life Coach, working with divorced parents who are navigating a high conflict co-parenting relationship.  Ms. Mitchell’s business, High Conflict Resolutions, LLC (coparentingcoach.com) teaches parents the skills and tools to disengage from the conflict, and instead focusing on removing their children from being placed in an untenable situation.  Ms. Mitchell believes that her work both as an Attorney and as a Certified Life Coach allowed her the opportunity to maintain a flexible work-life balance. Ms. Mitchell advises young attorneys the importance of defining your boundaries and integrating self-care into practice for a clearer mind.

Ms. Mitchell further advises that because litigation is not for the “faint of the heart,” young attorneys should understand that it takes a considerable amount of time and commitment to advocate for your clients, emphasizing the importance of empathizing for them despite any differences in views. 

Involvement Outside the Office 

Earlier in her career, Ms. Mitchell founded the San Diego Bar Association’s Young New Lawyers’ Division (“YNLD”). She was the first ever young attorney to serve as the YNLD board member for the SDCBA. At the conclusion of that term, Ms. Mitchell went on to serve a full three-year term on the board.  She also wrote a variety of employment law articles for the Consumer Lawyers of San Diego and served on their board concurrently around 2005-2006. She also was a part of the Wallace Inn of Court and Lawyers Club of San Diego. 

Given her extensive involvement in multiple San Diego legal organizations, she advises young attorneys that there is no need to wait to give back to the community, network, and collaborate with other senior and other junior attorneys alike on projects of interest. She encourages all attorneys to start early and to use the resources offered by these organizations to grow in your legal career.