Michelle Dean is an experienced family law attorney who has been practicing law for over 25 years, and family law for over 16 years. Ms. Dean received her Bachelor’ s Degree in Science as a specialized communications major. While attending Cal Poly Pomona, Ms. Dean was a member of the collegiate debate team that was rated eighth in the nation. Ms. Dean received her Juris Doctor Degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego, California.
While attending law school, Ms. Dean continued her public speaking by participating in mock trial and moot court competitions. Ms. Dean completed a six-week international study abroad program in Cambridge (United Kingdom). After graduation and passing the California State Bar Exam, Ms. Dean started her legal career as a deputy district attorney in the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office for two years, and then transferred to the Merced County District Attorney’s Office, where she spent another seven years prosecuting and working in the criminal justice system on juvenile cases, as well as adult felony cases and gang related cases.
In early 2006, Ms. Dean had the opportunity to work with a small boutique family law firm in the South Bay where she began her practice of family law litigation and mediation and was trained as a collaborative law professional. In April 2015, Ms. Dean opened her own practice specializing in family law litigation, mediation, and collaborative divorce until she joined Keese Hargraves LLP in December 2022.
Ms. Dean’s experience and skills have allowed her to incorporate her knowledge of criminal law into the field of family law. Ms. Dean is excited to continue to utilize her training and skills to benefit the public.