Early in her legal career, Michelle practiced in Texas in the area of criminal defense. During her years in criminal practice, Michelle developed her skills in the courtroom and tried high profile capital murder cases, sexual assault, kidnapping, and federal felony drug cases. At a time when most young lawyers are still writing briefs and carrying a partner’s briefcase to the courthouse, Michelle was trying death penalty cases with high media publicity. This background also helped Michelle develop the skill of communicating with the media and being a voice for her clients not just in the courtroom, but also through different news outlets.
After years of advocating for accused individuals in the criminal justice system, Michelle decided to refocus her practice on representing victims and individuals who have been injured or wronged by companies and institutions in the civil court system. Specifically, she began representing victims of crime in civil lawsuits around the United States. She is one of the first attorneys to file a lawsuit connected to the October 2017 mass shooting in Las Vegas. Tuegel is a frequent voice in the media, from CNN to USA Today. Michelle was named to The National Trial Lawyers’ Top Trial Lawyers list, and to the Texas SuperLawyers Rising Star list for 2015-2018. Michelle was also included in the Texas SuperLawyers Rising Star list “Up and Coming Top 100 Lawyers” and “Up and Coming Top 50 Women Lawyers.”
A former world-ranked athlete in slalom water skiing and nationally recognized for Title IX representation of students, Tuegel uses her competitive drive to champion clients. She recently represented former U.S. national team and Olympic gymnasts and college athletes who were sexually abused by the Olympic team’s former doctor, filing suits against the United States Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics and Michigan State. Tuegel’s clients are part of a global settlement with Michigan State.
Some of Michelle Simpson Tuegel’s earliest memories are of her trial lawyer father speaking to juries. Michelle feels at home standing in front of a jury, and being a trial lawyer runs in her blood. Michelle is a combination of aggression and compassion and invests herself completely in the people she represents.
Amnesty International, United Kingdom—Fall 2004
Professional Slalom Water Skier
Mastercraft Boats-2002-2008—Sponsored Athlete
Shaklee Products-2006-2008—Sponsored Athlete