Michele Elizabeth Hales

Michele Elizabeth Hales began her career in family law when she was only seven years old. As a young child, Michele was allowed to sit at the Counsel’s Table in Superior Court with her father, family law attorney Nat E. Hales, Jr. (Retired). Michele continued her informal, legal training throughout her high school, college and law school years, as she worked at the Hales Firm as a General Office Assistant, Receptionist, Law Clerk and, after passing the California Bar Exam in 1992, an Associate Attorney. Michele became the firm’s Managing Partner and worked closely with her father to oversee all aspects of the firm before opening her own practice as the owner of the Law Offices of Michele Elizabeth Hales in 2014. Michele has supplemented her successful litigation practice, and in addition to providing full representation in a litigation setting, Michele also offers Alternative Dispute Resolution services, such as mediation, collaboration and unbundled family law assistance, to her clients.

Michele earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California, Davis in 1989; during her tenure at UC Davis, Michele studied abroad at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, where she took courses in architecture, history and literature. Michele earned a Juris Doctorate from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1992. Michele is a member of the California Bar Association and is licensed to practice before all Courts of the State. Michele is also a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the San Benito County Bar Association.

During her law school years, Michele honed her singing and acting skills performing in Vaudeville Variety Shows at the historic Opry House in New Almaden and at Big Lil’s Cabaret in downtown San Jose. A fierce fitness fanatic with a love for all things athletic, Michele has competed in running events, triathalons, and fitness and powerlifting competitions. Michele has played on adult soccer and basketball teams and has been a volunteer youth coach for Little League baseball and Recreation soccer and basketball programs. Michele is an Athletics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA) certified indoor cycling coach, and enjoys working as a Gold’s Gym spin instructor in her spare time.

Michele shares her father’s fervent conviction for the importance of philanthropic activities. Michele was the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Emmaus House, a nonprofit organization providing shelter and assistance to women and children who are victims of domestic violence in San Benito County. Michele was also a founding member and Vice-President to the Board of Directors of the Baler Backers Athletic Organization, a 501(C)(3) non-profit group which provides financial support to the athletic department of Hollister High School.

Michele extends her personal philosophies, which include her core beliefs, the “SCI” life values – Strength, Compassion, Integrity – to her family law practice.