Attorney Michelle J. Donabed
Attorney Michelle J. Donabed has been licensed to practice law since 2011. She is admitted into Massachusetts State Court, Federal District Court of Massachusetts, and the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. She began her career at a mid-size law firm in Newton, MA where she represented national lenders in Foreclosure and Title Litigation and REO Closings. She then further specialized at a boutique firm in Boston, MA where she litigated cases on behalf of national and local property management companies and condo associations in lease violations, security deposit statutes, liability claims and discrimination complaints.
Mediator – Michelle obtained her mediation certificate in 2015 to provide her clients with alternative dispute resolution services. She is experienced in mediating a variety of matters whether it be divorce separation agreements, or family business succession planning.
Business Consultant – While in law school, she interned in the Fair Labor Division of the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General – Martha Coakley. There she investigated wage & hour complaints by interviewing employees, employers, and examining business records. This peaked her interest in the forensic operations of a business. In 2017 Michelle joined a publicly traded fortune 500 company. There she served as a strategic business consultant to law firms, small to mid-size businesses, and large corporations, where she delivered scalable growth solutions surrounding matters of Litigation, M&A, Contracts, Compliance and Managed Data.
Veteran Advocate & Fundraiser – Michelle advocates relentlessly for the Veteran Community. She donates her time and talents to provide pro bono legal assistance to homeless, at risk, disabled and low income current and former service members to eradicate barriers to housing, healthcare, education, and employment and foster self-sufficiency. Legal Matters include Discharge Upgrades, Veteran Benefits, Expungements, and Non-Profit and Small Business Assistance. Additionally, she has been successful in developing robust donor portfolios on behalf of veteran nonprofits resulting in annual donations, major gifts, and planned giving.
Sailor & Fisherman– In her free time, you will find Michelle on the water. She grew up sailing and racing in waters of Boston Harbor, Narragansett Bay, Mt Hope Bay, Buzzards Bay, Vineyard & Nantucket Sound, and San Francisco Bay. She is also an avid fisher, shellfisher, and sets her own recreational lobster traps every summer.
Bar Admissions:
Massachusetts 2011
Federal District Court 2011
United States Court of Appeals 2011
Education & Certifications:
BA, Roger Williams University 2007
JD, Massachusetts School of Law, 2010
Mediator – Certified 2015
Harvard Kennedy School, Executive Education - Nonprofit Financial Stewardship, 2021
Community Involvement
Friends of Nobska Light, Falmouth MA – Chair, Capital Campaign Committee & Assistant to the President
Falmouth Harbor Sailing School, Falmouth MA - Board Member, Secretary
Professional Associations
Philanthropy Partners of the Cape and Islands
Real Estate Bar Association of Massachusetts
Planned Giving Group of New England