LAW CLERK
MICHELLE CLARE BITTENBENDER, J.D.
Bio
Michelle was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where she began her legal career as a Legal Secretary in 1990 while still in High School. Michelle was the daughter of a distinguished Philadelphia Homicide Detective and knew from a very young age that she was destined to be in the legal profession in some facet. After graduating High School, Michelle attended a few classes at Community College of Philadelphia when she decided she wanted to serve her country. Michelle joined the United States Air Force at 19 years of age and served in Biloxi, Mississippi; Panama City, Panama; Atwater, California; and Alamogordo, New Mexico.
While serving in California, she met and married her husband of now nearly 30 years. After serving in the Air Force, Michelle continued her legal career working nearly 15 years in the California Superior Courts in positions such as Court Processing Clerk, Confidential Legal Clerk, and Probate Court Investigator. In 2005, Michelle obtained her B.A. in Psychology from National University and continued her education at Humphrey’s College, Laurence Drivon School of Law, where she obtained her Judicial Doctorate in 2010.
Michelle joined Sterling Law Group as a Law Clerk in May 2016. Michelle passed the California BAR Exam in October of 2020, the very first time the exam was administered online. Her areas of specialty are Probate, Trust & Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Guardianship and Conservatorship matters including litigation of the same. Michelle brings over 30 years of experience in these areas to the firm and enjoys utilizing this knowledge in assisting our clients.
Outside of the firm, if Michelle is not home enjoying time with her husband, three daughters, two son-in-laws, and her cats and dogs, she can be found at the local Pilates studio or running off to Lake Tahoe and Reno for a quick trip.
Education
- National University
- BA in Psychology
- Humphrey’s College, Laurence Drivon School of Law
- Judicial Doctorate