Our law practice is dedicated to assisted reproductive law and family formation (parental rights) law. We represent all types of clients including intended parent(s), surrogates, egg donors, embryo donors, and sperm donors.
Upon graduating from law school, Michelle chose to focus her career in the specialized areas of surrogacy and assisted reproductive law. Michelle oversees the drafting of surrogacy and egg donation agreements, makes court appearances to obtain parental rights judgments and consults with surrogates, egg donors and intended parents. In addition, Michelle is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the company and managing the staff. Practiced in both litigation and business legal fields, as well as knowledgeable from her experience of being an egg donor, Michelle brings a unique perspective to her role. Michelle is dedicated to ensuring that clients receive the most comprehensive service possible in creating their new families.
Michelle Leverton is a California licensed attorney. She graduated with a Bachelors of Arts degree in Political Science from Loyola Marymount University, and obtained a degree of Juris Doctor, summa cum laude, from Whittier Law School in 2016. While attending law school, Michelle traveled to China to study international adoption law, and to learn more about the rights of children and families throughout the country. She also participated in an internship with the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute in Washington D.C., where she advocated for children in the foster care system before members of the United States Congress. Michelle was introduced to fertility law during her legal education and has exclusively worked in the field since 2016. Michelle has represented intended parents, gestational carriers, egg donors, sperm donors, and embryo donors during the legal phase of their journeys and strives to ensure that her clients are empowered in their knowledge of the law, and are protected through a fair and enforceable contract.
As the Controller at Reproductive Law Center, Jenelle is responsible for overseeing the management and maintenance of the attorney-client trust account as well as the daily financial operations for the business. Having been with RLC since 2010, Jenelle has garnered a great deal of experience with both clients and management of the client trust accounts. Born and raised in San Diego, Jenelle enjoys playing and coaching soccer, along with cheering on her two children who play college soccer. She also enjoys spending time at the beach with her husband and watching sunsets.
Jacqueline joined the RLC team in 2013 and now serves as RLC’s Financial Administrator. She is responsible for the management and maintenance of the attorney-client trust account, as well as the daily financial operations for the business. Jacqui enjoys interacting with RLC’s Intended Parents, Surrogates and Donors. Texas native, Jacqueline enjoys paddle boarding, fishing, and spending time with her husband and kids and dogs and is a big San Diego Padres fan!
Deven joined RLC in 2023 after completing a Paralegal certification at the University of California, Irvine. Prior to that she attended Chapman University for her undergraduate degree and focused her studies on political science, law, and LGBTQ/Gender studies. She is excited to be a part of RLC as she is pursuing a career in law. She enjoys art history and is a Southern California native!
Melissa joined RLC in 2020 as a paralegal. Her area of focus is assisting clients with their parental establishment matters. She graduated from Bellevue University in Nebraska with a Bachelor of Science in Paralegal Studies and has worked in the legal field since 2004. In her leisure time, Melissa enjoys spending time with her husband and fur babies exploring the outdoors, hiking, kayaking and live music.
Maya graduated from the University of San Diego in 2020 with a degree in Anthropology and a minor in Ethnic Studies. In her role as a Legal Assistant at RLC, Maya enjoys assisting Donors, Surrogates, and Intended Parents with Egg Donation, Embryo Donation, and Surrogacy Agreements. In her free time, Maya likes to explore San Diego, listen to her records, and tan at the beach.
