Michelle Lee is a skilled litigator with experience in a wide variety of matters, including legal malpractice, labor and employment class actions, and complex business litigation. She has experience managing all phases of litigation in both state and federal courts, and has represented a wide variety of clients, including leading international law firms and their partners, Fortune 500 companies, public universities, as well as high net-worth individuals. She has helped clients reach favorable settlements both before and during the litigation process, as well as lead them to victory at trial.
Prior to joining Hueston Hennigan, Ms. Lee was an associate at Irell & Manella. While in law school, she externed for the Hon. Dickran Tevrizian of the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Experience
Representing Southern California Edison and Edison International in litigation arising out of the 2017 Thomas Fire, the 2018 Montecito mudslides, and the 2018 Woolsey Fire.
After a one-week confidential arbitration, won a defense award in favor of a leading California law firm on all claims, including claims of legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of contract and other alleged misconduct.
Represented a leading international law firm and several of its partners in a lawsuit brought by former clients alleging, inter alia, legal malpractice, breach of fiduciary duty, and breach of contract. After filing a motion for summary judgment on the clients’ behalf, the matter settled.
Successfully brought motions to dismiss both the original and amended complaints on behalf of a global restaurant corporation in defense of a putative class action involving allegations of false advertising, negligent and intentional misrepresentation, unfair competition, and unjust enrichment. The complaint was ultimately dismissed with prejudice and without leave to amend.
Conducted internal investigations for a prominent California university in connection with various matters, including potential action against activists threatening the university’s employees with violence.
Represented a national waste disposal company in dispute with a local municipality. After filing complaint, obtained settlement favorable to client.