About Michelle
Michelle Perez-Yanez earned her J.D. from California Western School of Law in 2019 after completing a B.A. in English at the University of Texas - Brownsville in 2015. She moved from a humanities background into law in a relatively short span, drawing on writing and analytical skills developed as an undergraduate. Her legal education included clinic and internship work that kept her connected to community-based services.
While in law school and shortly after graduation, Perez-Yanez accumulated a range of hands-on experience. In 2018 she served as a legal intern at the Community Law Project and at the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program, where she worked on matters that brought her into direct contact with clients seeking assistance outside the private market. She also worked as a law clerk at the Law Office of Devon Roepcke that same year, gaining exposure to daily office practice and case preparation.
After receiving her J.D., Perez-Yanez joined Gruenberg Law as an associate in 2019. The role introduced her to the routines and responsibilities of firm practice. She handled research, drafted pleadings, and supported client intake and case management. Those early years in firm settings helped her build a practical toolkit for client communication and litigation support.
By 2021 Perez-Yanez transitioned to work as an independent contractor for multiple firms. That period broadened the scope of matters she handled and offered a modular approach to practice. Working on a contract basis allowed her to rotate through different types of projects and to collaborate with a variety of attorneys on discrete tasks and ongoing matters.
Throughout her career she has maintained ties to community-focused legal programs. Her internship work at nonprofit legal services informed her approach to client work and case triage. She has combined public interest exposure with traditional firm experience, giving her a perspective that spans several legal environments.
Perez-Yanez is licensed in California and continues to work in the state. She is a member of professional associations relevant to her practice. She currently practices as a contract attorney in California, serving firms and clients on a project and case-by-case basis.
