Michele Pacheco is a Senior Associate at Lagerlof, LLP whose practice focuses on trust and estate litigation. She represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in complex disputes, guiding clients through sensitive and often high-stakes matters involving trusts and estates, and also represents clients in guardianship and conservatorship litigation. Michele brings a steady, detail-oriented approach to her work and is known for navigating legal issues and client relationships with precision, rigor, and thoughtful communication. She works closely with clients to help them understand the legal process, develop effective strategies, and pursue practical resolutions in contested trust, estate, and probate matters. Michele understands that disputes in this area often involve deeply personal and emotional circumstances, and she approaches each case with professionalism, care, and a strong commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients.
Michele earned her Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Science from San Jose State University and her Juris Doctor from Golden Gate University School of Law. During law school, she was the two-time recipient of the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Research and Writing. She also served as Production Editor for the Annual Survey of International & Comparative Law, Vice President of the San Francisco Student Trial Lawyers Association, and a Teaching Assistant for Torts at Golden Gate University School of Law.
Michele is admitted to practice in California and the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. She is a member of the California Lawyers Association, Trust & Estates Section; the Silicon Valley Bar Association; the Los Angeles County Bar Association, where she participates in both the Trust & Estates and Litigation Sections; and the Pasadena Bar Association.
Outside of her legal practice, Michele is actively involved in her community and volunteers with the County of Santa Clara Animal Services. In her free time, she enjoys biodiverse organic gardening and horseback riding, activities that reflect her appreciation for nature and balance outside of the office.