Michelle Gurion
Phoenix,AZ
Summary
Adaptable legal professional with a strong background in criminal law, family law, and child welfare. Recognized for critical thinking, effective time management, and excellent communication.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Conciliator
Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County
Phoenix, AZ
11.2021 - Current
- Conduct mediations, staffings, and Preliminary Protective Conferences with attorneys, parents, and Department of Child Safety in child welfare cases
- Prepare mediation agreements and judicial orders reflecting agreements reached by parties
- Serve as primary conciliator hosting events in Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) cases
- Assist in training new staff, including training on legal issues
Deputy Public Defender
Maricopa County Public Defender
Phoenix, AZ
07.2016 - 07.2020
- Represented clients in felony criminal cases filed in a fast-paced, high-volume court
- Conducted legal research and prepared pleadings to advance case objectives
- Interviewed witnesses and collaborated with investigators and mitigation specialists to gather evidence and strengthen case presentation
Family Law Case Manager
Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County
Phoenix, AZ
05.2013 - 04.2016
- Conducted mediations with self-represented family court litigants to resolve issues in divorce and child custody cases
- Prepared consent decrees and parenting plans, and completed child support calculations, for use by judicial officers
- Hosted workshops for community groups and the public to provide legal information and improve access to the court system
Attorney
Law Office of Michelle Gurion PLLC
Yuma, AZ
10.2011 - 10.2012
- Represented clients in criminal cases in felony, misdemeanor, and tribal courts.
- Served as counsel for parents, and as guardian ad litem for children, in juvenile dependency proceedings.
- Conducted legal research and drafted pleadings to advance case objectives.
- Negotiated settlements effectively, minimizing legal exposure for clients.
Assistant Legal Defender
Yuma County Legal Defender
Yuma, AZ
08.2007 - 05.2009
- Represented clients in all stages of felony criminal proceedings.
- Conducted legal research to support defense strategies and case preparation.
- Effectively advocated for client positions in evidentiary hearings, settlement conferences, and mitigation hearings.
Education
J.D. - Law
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Phoenix, AZ05-2007
Bachelor of Arts - History
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ05-2003
Skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Excellent communication
- Critical thinking
- Organizational skills
- Time management
Certification
Bar Admissions: State of Arizona (2008), U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona (2009)
Timeline
Conciliator
Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County
11.2021 - Current
Deputy Public Defender
Maricopa County Public Defender
07.2016 - 07.2020
Family Law Case Manager
Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County
05.2013 - 04.2016
Attorney
Law Office of Michelle Gurion PLLC
10.2011 - 10.2012
Assistant Legal Defender
Yuma County Legal Defender
08.2007 - 05.2009
J.D. - Law
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Bachelor of Arts - History
Arizona State University