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.
Katie Richardson is the newest attorney to join the Reproductive Law Center. Throughout her undergraduate years and time in law school, she primarily focused on studies relating to child advocacy, women’s rights, and culture. During law school, she also volunteered as a court appointed special advocate (CASA) for Voices for Children to assist foster youth while they are still in the court system.
After spending six years practicing family law, Katie made the switch over to the assisted reproduction world. As an adoptee, she has always had a desire to work within the A.R.T field and to help with family formation. She is thrilled to now be working with surrogates, donors, and intended parents, as they work to build families and navigate the complexities to establish parental rights.
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!
Jessica became a member of the RLC team in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the fertility community. Before joining RLC, she held various roles such as Surrogacy Coordinator, International Intended Parent Advocate, and even served as a surrogate herself. Jessica takes great pleasure in utilizing her extensive background to assist Intended Parents, Donors, and Surrogates. In her free time, she cherishes being with her family, exploring new foods, and seeing new places.
Taylor graduated from Southern Utah University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She is excited about following her passion of pursuing a career in law. In her role as Legal Assistant at RLC, she enjoys assisting Intended Parents, Surrogates, and Donors with their Agreements. Taylor was born and raised in San Deigo, she enjoys spending time with her family, animals, and friends while enjoying all that San Diego has to offer. Taylor also enjoys live music, exploring the outdoors, participating in sports, and the beach.
