Warmth, kindness, strength & experience
APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING: just ask the clients of
Dallas Family law attorney A. Michelle May. Once described as a
"lethal combination of sweet and salty," May gives a first impression
that is pure Southern Belle. "And I am that," she says with a laugh.
"But when it comes time to fight, that's when the gloves come off
and the sweet goes in the drawer."
Educated at Baylor University School of Law—where there's a
strong emphasis on litigation—May quickly learned that this was an
area in which she excelled. She established her own firm in Belton,
TX in 1992, focusing on family law litigation, both at the trial court
and appellate levels.
In 1998, May accepted a position with a major law firm in Dallas, a move that would give her
experience with prominent cases in a big city setting. "I wanted to learn from the best, and gain
from other people's experiences before starting my own firm here in Dallas," she explains. In 2003,
she returned to private practice, opening The May Firm, a family law boutique firm focusing on litigation
and appeals. "I offer clients the same benefits they would have with an attorney at a big
firm - but in a more personalized setting and, hopefully, with greater cost efficiencies," she says.
"That's my goal."
She is a fierce opponent in the courtroom, but May believes that litigants should make every effort
to settle, if possible. Family law appeals are another significant side of the firm's business, says May,
who has been published in the appellate law journals a significant number of times. "In Texas, there
are very few lawyers who are experienced in appealing family law cases. It's not a normal appeal:
there are many unique things you must know to be successful," she says. "I have the experience and
knowledge of an appellate lawyer," which May believes makes her a better litigator. "It gives me a
unique ability, because I know more about the big picture than a lot of lawyers."
Recognized as a family law specialist by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, May has
been listed in Who's Who in America, Who's Who in American Law, and Who's Who Among
American Women; she was also invited to join the Annette Stewart Inns of Court, a prestigious
Dallas family law organization. She volunteers her time with Altrusa International of Dallas, a community-
service organization dedicated to the empowerment of women. May was featured in the
August 1, 2005 Texas Lawyer Magazine.
When she meets clients for the first time, May asks them to tell her about their situation, then
talks about the law and how it might apply in their case. "I like clients to articulate their goals for
the litigation," she says. "What is it they expect? Then, I help them create realistic goals."
Tough with the opposition but compassionate with her clients, Michelle May has what it takes
to help you through this difficult transition: intelligence, experience, and strength. "Many of my
clients tell me that they appreciate my honesty and directness," she adds. "I don't blow smoke or
sugar-coat things. I see people through one of the two or three worst situations of their entire
lives. Helping them get out on the other end of it - hopefully with their sanity and finances
intact - is very satisfying to me."
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