Michelle is experienced in civil litigation and her main areas of practice are common law, personal injury and family law.

Michelle has successfully represented clients in claims for historical child sexual abuse, abuse in care, medical negligence, motor accident, workers compensation and other personal injury claims. In addition, she has worked on family provision claims, challenges to testamentary capacity and breach of executor duties claims.

Prior to being called to the Bar in 2023, Michelle was the owner and principal lawyer of Central Coast firm Meares Law, practicing primarily in family law. In her family law practice, Michelle has significant experience in complex parenting and property matters including company and trust structures, bankruptcy, superannuation including Australian and international pensions and appellate work. She frequently appears in parenting matters involving complex mental health and family violence issues.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts (Communications/Anthropology) from the University of Southern Queensland, a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Technology and Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) from the University of New England. She is also a member of the Women Lawyers Association of NSW and NSW Regional Women Lawyers Association, being a finalist for the NSW Women Lawyers Association – Regional Lawyer of the Year 2019.