Michelle R. Meza - Federal Way, WA

Michelle Meza joined Columbia Family Law Center after earning her Juris Doctor from Gonzaga University School of Law in May 2024. During her time at Gonzaga, she actively participated in the Street Law program, educating high school students about their constitutional rights. She also pursued international legal studies in Italy and Germany, focusing on human rights and the international court system, and competed in a moot court competition in New Orleans. Michelle gained practical legal experience through a summer internship with the Snohomish County Public Defender's Office in their misdemeanor division and an externship with Peninsula Community Health Services in Bremerton. She particularly enjoyed coursework in Family Law, Federal Indian Law, Employment Discrimination, and Constitutional Law.

Before embarking on her legal career, Michelle relocated to the Pacific Northwest from California in 2018 to be closer to her family. She brings a wealth of life experience, including six years of active duty in the U.S. Navy and 12 years as a registered nurse, primarily in emergency medicine. Seeking an alternative way to serve others, she transitioned from nursing to law, aiming to support individuals in need of compassionate and skilled advocacy.

Outside of work, Michelle enjoys traveling, cooking, singing, spoiling her beloved dog, and spending quality time with family and friends.