Everybody has a story to tell. For some it’s a tale of triumph, survival, or defeat. But for attorney-at-law Michelle Thomas, it’s one of courage and sheer enthusiasm. Recently, Flair journeyed to the 28-year-old’s office, eagerly wanting to learn of her history. And Thomas, a polished woman, with sharply defined facial features, came alive with each word as she related the different sides of her narrative.
“I don’t believe that because you are young, you should be limited. I try to challenge myself. I’m very God-fearing and I attribute most of my successes to Him. Also, I believe that I am blessed and was called to do remarkable things on Earth. So, I am not wasting any time, ” an emotional Thomas told Flair.
Some may know her as a Commonwealth Youth Council member, serving as the special project chairperson. Others may identify her as the vice-chairperson for policy and advocacy on the Regional Youth Council, as well as a member of Jamaica’s first youth adviser to the Government.
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So, it’s clear that she is a multifaceted individual. But what you might find surprising is, Thomas has an entrepreneurial spirit. This has brought her to open a hair salon and starting and managing a thriving pig farm in St Thomas, where her parents are from.
“We all know St Thomas has been underdeveloped and that’s why I decided to start my entrepreneurial efforts there. That’s how I went into farming, partnering with my brother-in-law. Then I started my salon in Yallahs Square because my sister is a hairstylist, I grew up in a home that taught that a woman must look good. My hair and make-up had to be intact, ” she said.
Thomas, who’s also her biggest competitor, believes that her role model is the best version of herself. Still her aim is to serve her community. Practising for four years now, the modish quick-witted legal representative opened the doors to her law firm, Michelle Thomas and Associates Attorneys-at-Law, a few years ago. It’s anchored at the Boulevard Shopping Centre in St Andrew. There she works with paralegal consultants and a junior intern. The firm is strategically located across from her home community, Cooreville Gardens.
Thomas Law Firm
“I’m the closest lawyer to my community and the neighbouring areas. More than anything, I want to represent my community on the governmental platform. That’s why I choose to start here and not downtown, as they say you have to dance a yard before you dance abroad, ” she declared.
From as early as 10 years old, when she accompanied her mother to court, Thomas decided to pursue a career in law. It was a delightful and impressive moment that left her dumbfounded by the cleverness, attire, and overall demeanour of the lawyers who battled each other in the courthouse. It also soothed the desire she had to be a part of the arts and unleash her skills on stage.
Now, she is living her dream. However, it has not always been this happy. For instance, when she was unemployed for a year. Watching her colleagues excel, while she was “home getting fat”, was a moment filled with disappointments, pain and tears. Still, Thomas warns those who are facing a similar challenge to stay focused and never give up.
Michelle Thomas Activist And Lawyer, Fighting For Positive Change In Jamaica
“Trust and believe that everything happens for a reason. What you feel is best for you may not be what God wants for you. So don’t be disappointed when things do not work out. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel.”
“I’m always on a weight loss diet and I just can’t get it right. So, I’ll start out good for the first part of the month and by the end of the month, it’s haywire. I’m emotional, too. Many persons don’t see this side, ” she said.
She continued: “People, and especially my mother, would find it surprising that I do ministerial work. My mother doesn’t understand my Christianity because I am a party-goer. But I believe that God and I have a special relationship and it’s not something that I will put on public display. But I get visions and I even prophecy. I always tell people that the messenger has to have a message. I can’t relate to someone if I have never experienced that type of lifestyle.”Michelle C. Thomas, Esq. is a veteran trial lawyer and the founder of M.C. Thomas & Associates, PC, a premier divorce and family law firm serving Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland. Michelle has been repeatedly recognized as a Top Rated Family Lawyer in Washington D.C. by SuperLawyers, and recently named a Top Attorney in Divorce by Bethesda Magazine.
Michelle Thomas Castle Profile
Michelle has spent her career handling complex divorce litigation, high net worth divorce and contested custody cases. Among the property issues Michelle handles are the distribution of stock, stock options and restricted stock units, securities, deferred compensation, business valuations, asset protection, real estate holdings, private, governmental and military retirement benefits, professional goodwill for athletes and business owners, hidden assets and more. The firm works with business valuation experts, asset investigators, forensic accountants, tax advisors and other financial professionals to develop and incorporate comprehensive financial strategies into settlement negotiations and at trial. Michelle is keenly aware that families often benefit from resolving matters outside of court, and strives to settle cases on the most favorable terms; and at the same time remains prepared to go to trial as necessary to achieve the best result possible.
As a leader in the legal community, Michelle has addressed her colleagues on topics from trial advocacy to family law and business, and has been a featured speaker before such groups as the National Bar Association, the District of Columbia Bar, the Women’s Bar Association of DC, the Washington Bar Association, the Greater Washington Area Chapter Bar Association, and Montgomery County Commission for Women. She has also been a guest lecturer at The George Washington University Law School, Howard University and Morgan State University.
Today, Michelle is an active leader in her profession. She has been elected to the D.C. Bar Board of Governors, appointed chair of the Practice Management Service Committee of the D.C. Bar, and elected president of the National Bar Association's Division for Young Lawyers. She served on the Nominations Committee of the D.C. Bar and the Board of the Women’s Bar Association of D.C. Foundation, as well as President of GWAC, the National Bar Association's Women Lawyer's Division's D.C. Chapter.
Michelle Thomas Castle
As a result of her contributions to the legal community and reputation and work as a skilled trial divorce lawyer, Michelle has received several awards and recognitions, including being named the Young Lawyer of the Year by the Bar Association of D.C., a Top 40 Under 40 Lawyer by the National Bar Association, a Top 100 Lawyer by the National Black Lawyers, a 10 Best Client Satisfaction Family Lawyer in Maryland by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, and repeatedly named a
Michelle graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and The George Washington University Law School. For current information on divorce and family law, follow the firm @divorcelawfirm.
Co-Parenting Under Pressure: Strategies to Help You Co-Parent Effectively Amidst Protests and the Pandemic A Community Webinar Sponsored by M.C. Thomas & Associates, PC (June, 2020)
The Different Sides Of Michelle Thomas
, When Online Dating Leads to Love, Marriage...and Divorce: Legal Tips on How to Navigate Online Infidelity & Divorce” (WOL 1450AM/Radio One) (February, 2016)
, One Hour Interview with Michelle C. Thomas Answering Caller Questions on the Dos and Don’ts of Divorce” (WHUR 96.3 FM) (August, 2011)
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