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Michelle Y. Francois

Associate

Overview

Michelle Francois represents government contractors in a wide variety of matters, such as claims, bid protests and compliance with procurement regulations. She also has significant experience representing public and private clients in various stages of litigation, which has included drafting procedural and dispositive motions, representing clients in court conferences and other administrative proceedings, taking depositions, and representing clients in mediations and settlement negotiations.

Michelle has represented municipalities in litigation against public and private entities in §1983, land use and taxation actions. She has also counseled elected officials and government staff on issues including land use and zoning, public records and open meetings, state regulatory compliance, and constitutional matters.

Previous Experience

Before entering the private sector, Michelle completed internships at the U.S. Department of Justice, the National Legal Aid & Defender Association, and the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, Ohio. She also served as a judicial extern for the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Related Industries

Related Topics

ESG

Credentials

Bar Admissions

District of Columbia
Ohio

Court Admissions

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio
U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Education

Georgetown University Law Center
J.D. Georgetown Journal of Legal Ethics - Senior Submissions Editor (2015)

Columbia University
B.A. (2011)

Insights & Events

Other Perspectives

Firm Blog Contributions

  • LaborSphere – a resource providing coverage and insights on breaking cases, recently enacted legislation and a broad range of labor issues

Leadership & Community

Pro Bono

Michelle is actively committed to pro bono work, assisting clients with immigration, housing, and family law matters, as well as volunteering as a case screener for the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project.

Professional Associations

  • American Bar Association

Honors

  • Law360 — “Rising Star,” Government Contracts, 2024
  • Best Lawyers® — “Ones to Watch,” Administrative / Regulatory Law, 2023-25
  • Faegre Drinker — Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2020-22
Awards Methodology
No aspect of these recognitions has been approved by the highest court of any state.