Michelle Webster is Counsel at Mayer Brown LLP. She was born and raised in a town of 2,800 people in eastern Washington state. Her father was a small town lawyer and her mother was a social worker. She followed in her father’s footsteps and her brother followed in her mom’s. Michelle loves to travel and says she adored the WBA trip to Guatemala in February. Other recent trips include Iceland, Curacao, and Mexico.
Michelle is a self-proclaimed “sports nut” and has season tickets to the Washington Nationals, DC United, Washington Spirit, and DC Defenders. She is also a huge fan of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners. Michelle loves spending time with my friends and family and taking advantage of all of the magic Washington, DC has to offer.
Michelle serves as Trustee for the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. She has also been involved in the DC Leadership Committee for Lambda Legal and the Smith College Club of Washington. She served as a co-chair for Legal Aid’s Generous Associates Campaign. Michelle has provided pro bono services to clients through Whitman-Walker Legal, Legal Counsel for the Elderly, the Washington Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs. Michelle serves on a large class action with the Southern Poverty Law Center, American Immigration Council, Center for Constitutional Rights, and the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies.
When did you join the WBA?
2015
In what committees/forums have you been involved?
Membership/Engagement Co-Chair 2020-present and I am a member of the Golf Committee.
Why did you join the Women’s Bar Association?
My friend Candace Beck invited me to the wine tasting fundraiser for the Foundation and I met so many great people and had so much fun that I joined up!
What benefits do you get from being a part of the WBA and why do you think others should join?
I so enjoy the networking opportunities, but above and beyond, I love the friendships I’ve made through the WBA.
How has being a parent enhanced your career?
I have been a “bonus mom” for about 3 years. Our son is now almost 12. Parenting him with my spouse has given me a lot of perspective on my career and encouraged me to take more time for myself and my family.
What words of advice do you have for women new to the profession?
Don’t let it take over your life. Yes – it often feels like your career is the most important thing in the world due to the demands of, in my case, the firm, clients, colleagues. You have to keep perspective though. The job can’t be your identity and shouldn’t interfere with the many opportunities to enjoy life, love, friends, and family. I also tell young lawyers that when you’re slow don’t freak out, the work will come, but take advantage of the downtime and do things for you.
What is the best advice you have received?
Ask questions. You can’t learn if you don’t seek the information needed to do things correctly.