Michelle L. White

Michelle brings more than 20 years of experience in civil litigation, insurance defense, fiduciary law, estate planning, and probate. She is known for sharp risk assessment, efficient case evaluation, and pragmatic strategies that deliver effective results. She regularly counsels individuals, businesses, and organizations on liability, best practices, and policy and procedure development.

Her insurance defense practice includes extensive work in employment, labor, and education law. She has represented both private and public entities, with particular insight into the complex challenges faced by school districts. Drawing on her background in family law and her experience working with families of children with special needs, she understands the sensitive issues that often underlie disputes. This perspective allows her to defend institutions effectively while managing expectations and navigating difficult dynamics with clarity and strength.

In addition to litigation, Michelle assists clients with estate planning and probate matters. With a long history of guiding families through highly personal and emotional transitions, she is particularly attuned to the challenges that arise in planning for death, incapacity, or catastrophic injury. She speaks with parent groups about planning for children with special needs as they reach adulthood, emphasizing alternatives to guardianship that preserve autonomy while providing protection. She welcomes inquiries regarding estate planning, probate, and fiduciary concerns.

Beyond private practice, Michelle serves as Director of Governmental Affairs for the St. Louis Apartment Association, a role she has held for more than 15 years. She drafts, proposes and advocates on legislative issues and legal matters impacting the multifamily housing industry, including issues affecting landlords, tenants, and related vendors with an overall goal of providing safe and affordable housing in the rental market.

Her career reflects both toughness and compassion: detail-oriented and efficient in her legal work, yet deeply empathetic toward clients and parties in vulnerable situations. This balance, combined with her range of experience, makes her a well-rounded attorney and a formidable advocate.

Outside of her legal work, Michelle volunteers with wildlife rescue, helping injured animals recover and return to their natural habitats.