First Admitted: 2012, California

Professional Webpage: https://www.philolaw.com/about/

Bar/Professional Activity:

American Bar Association, Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice, Budget Officer (2024-2028)
Probate Attorneys of San Diego - Probate Handbook Committee (2023); Member
State Bar of California, 2012
U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2012
U.S. District Court Northern District of California, 2017
U.S. District Court Southern District of California, 2015
U.S. District Court Central District of California, 2012
Orange County Women Lawyers Association - Immediate Past President (2021), President (2020), President (2019), President-Elect (2018), Vice President (2017), Treasurer (2016), Secretary (2015), Board of Directors (2014): As an officer of OCWLA, Michelle works to advocate for the advancement of women in the legal profession. In addition, she works on the Annual Gala Committee and the Social Media Committee. Michelle has been involved with OCWLA since she was a law student.
Orange County Lawyers Magazine, Editorial Advisory Committee, 2021 - Chair, 2017 - Present
Chapman University Alumni Association - President (2023-2026); 2020-2022 - Vice President of Strategy & Operations (2020-2022); Vice President of Development (2019-2020); Board Member (2018-2019)
State Bar of California - Delegate to the ABA House of Delegates: The Board of Trustees of the State Bar of California appointed Michelle to serve as a State Bar delegate to the American Bar Association’s (ABA) House of Delegates. The House of Delegates is the policy-making body of the ABA and meets twice a year, at the ABA Mid-Year and ABA Annual Meeting. The State Bar's delegates are part of the California delegation, headed by the elected State Delegate. Michelle is serving her third term for the State Bar of California.
Whittier Law School Alumni Association - President (2020-2024); Treasurer (2018-2020), President (2018-2019), Chair (2016-2018), President (2014-2016), Secretary (2013-2014): The National Chapter of the Whittier Law School Alumni Association serves the alumni of Whittier Law School and serves as a liaison to the law school. Michelle also chairs the Social Media Committee, leading a team in the launch of the WLS Alumni Association social media presence across several social media platforms.
California Women Lawyers - Secretary (2024); Board of Directors - Gender Equity Task Force Chair (2017-2018) - Michelle is the current Secretary and served as an Affiliate Governor on CWL's board of directors. Under her leadership, the Gender Equity Task Force developed a Speakers Bureau that serves as a resource to identify and provide additional female speakers for panels, speaking and authorship opportunities, and media opportunities.
Orange County Bar Association Young Lawyers Division - Chair (2016), Chair-Elect (2015), Social Committee Chair (2014): The Young Lawyers Division is for attorneys in their first five years of practice. The Division plans events aimed at young lawyer involvement in the legal community, including educational seminars, social gatherings, community outreach service, and fitness and health activities. Under Michelle's leadership, Michelle created a YLD committee committed to diversity and inclusion in the profession.
American Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division Liaison to Section of Individual Rights & Responsibilities, 2014 - 2016
American Bar Association Commission on Women on the Profession, Social Media Co-Chair, 2014 - 2016

Honors/Awards:

Super Lawyers "Rising Star", 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015
Excellence in Service Award, California Lawyers Association Solo Small Firm Section, 2020
The award acknowledges achievements during and since a student's time at Aquinas High School., The Mike Riddell Distinguished Alumni Award, Aquinas High School, 2020
The Annual On the Rise - Top 40 Young Lawyers provides national recognition for ABA young lawyers members who exemplify a broad range of high achievement, innovation, vision, leadership, and legal and community service. , On the Rise - Top 40 Young Lawyers, American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division, 2016
Michelle was recognized by the Whittier Law School community for her ongoing commitment to the law school and its alumni community, Dean's Alumni Award, Whittier Law School Alumni Association, 2017
Orange County Wine Society President’s Award, 2014, 2014
The Everyday Hero Award recognizes an OCWLA member for outstanding achievements in the day to day practice of law., Everyday Hero Award, Orange County Women Lawyers Association, 2013
Whittier Law School Dean’s Citation Award, 2012, 2012
American Bar Association Law Student Division Silver Key Award, 2012, 2011 , 2012
American Bar Association Law Student Division Gold Key Award, 2012, 2012

Educational Background:

Whittier Law School, 2008-2012
Chapman University, Bachelor of Arts, Legal Studies, Honors: Presidential Scholar

Michelle A. Philo

Michelle A. Philo

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