Michel oversees the policies, processes, and procedures associated with the legal operations of the Firm. She leads the firm’s Practice Management, New Business and Records Management, and Conflicts departments.
She guides and supports the firm’s strategic and operational goals, drawing on her years spent in public accounting to bring experience in improving processes, providing financial and profitability analysis, and realizing business objectives to her work for Michael Best.
As a comprehensive business partner, Michel:
- Leads operations strategy and effectiveness to ensure consistent delivery of strong client service, a positive working culture, and profitable operations.
- Supports implementation of the Firm’s strategic plan, as well as short and long-term initiatives.
- Partners with Firm leadership to develop leadership goals, evaluate attorney performance, develop bonus plans and compensation adjustments, establish billing rates and budget revenue targets, and manage expenses.
- Ensures adequate support across service areas by collaborating with finance, business development, marketing, information technology, and human resources.
- Manages Practice Group reporting and ensures proper processes are in place for effective management of work in progress and accounts receivable.
- Monitors the professional development of attorneys, engineers, and staff.
- Leads onboarding and integration efforts for lateral Partner and group integration.
- Coordinates on implementations of project management software, accounting and financial software, and legal process improvement efforts.
Previously, Michel spent 13 years as a certified public accountant and audit manager at a national accounting firm.