About

E. Michelle Drake is a skilled trial lawyer dedicated to advancing her clients' interests.As a graduate of both Harvard Law School and Oxford University who learned to practice law by trying high stakes criminal cases, Michelle possesses a rare combination of elite academic pedigree and real world trial skills. Michelle started her career working as a public defender in Atlanta, Georgia. During that time, Michelle was lead counsel in hundreds of felony criminal cases. She tried many cases, including five murder cases, to verdict. After working as a public defender for several years, Michelle founded her own law firm and expanded her practice to include civil cases. In 2007, Michelle moved back to her home state of Minnesota and decided to join Nichols Kaster. Michelle has represented thousands of employees and consumers, in both individual and class cases. Her efforts have resulted in her clients recovering millions of dollars. Michelle has never lost her desire to spend her career fighting for the rights of individuals. Whether her clients are misclassified employees or consumers who have been treated unfairly by their bank, Michelle is happiest fighting on the side of the underdog. She is a fierce and fearless litigator and always puts her clients' interests first. Michelle's dry wit and straightforward speaking style have made her a valued member of the local and national community of consumer and employee rights litigators. She has spoken at numerous continuing legal education seminars. Michelle’s opinions have been published in the National Law Journal, and her cases were named as "Lawsuits of the Year" by Minnesota Law & Politics in both 2008 and 2009. Michelle has been named to the Rising Stars list by Minnesota Super Lawyers. Michelle leads the firm’s Consumer Class Action Team, which helps originate individual and class action cases directed at achieving justice for consumers. In particular, Michelle is currently lead counsel on several cases involving Fair Credit Reporting Act violations.

Practices Areas

Credit Repair

Consumer Protection

Employment and labor

Language

English

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