MEET MICHELLE
“Clarke County is a remarkable place to live and raise a family – and is one of the safest areas in Virginia. To make sure Clarke stays that way requires that our community continues to elect leadership who will protect our county and whose core values align with those of the people who live here. I want to continue to do my part to help protect our great county. I’ve worked with law enforcement for many years while prosecuting at the local level and have built strong relationships with community leaders across all constituencies.
"For me, the role of Commonwealth’s Attorney calls for not only proven experience but also building a culture of trust, collaboration, open communication, stability, and accountability. These are key attributes of my work thus far, and I would be honored to continue this service in a more significant way as Clarke County Commonwealth’s Attorney."
Michelle has lived in Clarke County for more than 24 years. She's currently a member of the Clarke County Conservation Easement Authority (appointed in 2014) and has previously served as a board member for various Clarke County organizations, including the Foundation of the State Arboretum at Blandy Experimental Farm, the Clarke County Education Foundation, and the Clarke County Rotary Club. She is a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Berryville.
Michelle received her undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and her law degree from the University of Richmond. She has been a trial attorney since 1994.
PROTECTING CLARKE COUNTY WITH SKILL AND BALANCED JUDGMENT
SAFETY
Michelle has prosecuted Berryville’s traffic, DUI, and other local law violations for more than 20 years and has prosecuted similar offenses for other local governments in the Northern Shenandoah Valley. "I want to continue to do my part to help protect our great county," she says. "I’ve worked with law enforcement for many years while prosecuting at the local level and have built strong relationships with community leaders across all constituencies."
STABILITY
Michelle is a Virginia native and has practiced law in the Northern Shenandoah Valley for more than 20 years. She is a long-time resident of Clarke County, living on a small farm in central Clarke with her family. She is very much invested in the Clarke County community as evidenced by her volunteer service to the county through her active involvement with various Clarke County organizations in leadership positions. Michelle has strong ties throughout the county and with various constituencies, such as Clarke County 4-H, land conservationists, local government leadership, the county’s schools, her church, and the equine community.
COMMUNICATION
Michelle understands that good communication skills are a must for practicing lawyers, both in and out of the courtroom. She has honed her communication skills through numerous years of experience trying and negotiating legal disputes, including those involving traffic, DUI, and other local law violations. Michelle has communicated and cooperated with law enforcement for more than 20 years. She also has experience communicating with victims of crime and preparing them for the courtroom – while prosecuting at the local level she has personally handled all victim witness contact for the cases she has handled. An experienced trial lawyer, Michelle knows effective representation often requires the ability to communicate persuasively with opposing counsel. As Commonwealth’s Attorney, she will utilize her years of experience to represent and protect the people of Clarke County. She will continue to broaden her collaboration with law enforcement agencies to help ensure the safety of the community.
ACCOUNTABILITY
Simply put, the Clarke County Commonwealth’s Attorney is accountable to the people of Clarke County. In addition to being a strong advocate for the county in the courtroom, the Commonwealth’s Attorney is responsible for ensuring the tax dollars allocated to the office are used wisely. Michelle has significant, practical experience administering a law office, which includes budgetary management as well as supervision and training of young lawyers and legal support staff. She is fiscally responsible and will oversee the Commonwealth’s Attorney office and its associated programs soberly and judiciously.