COMPASSION AND WISDOM TOWARD MINDFUL PLANNING
Michael Levelle
Principal-Attorney
Education
- Juris Doctor, Willamette University College of Law
- Willamette University College of Law Center for Dispute Resolution Certificate -1990
- Bachelor of Arts in Social Work From the University of Montana Graduated with Honors
With over 30 years of experience, Michael Levelle’s practice is concentrated on complex estate planning, estate and trust administration, guardianship, and conservatorships, as well as dispute resolution. In 2018 he embarked on a new journey and established Levelle Law LLC, a firm that emphasizes a client-centered culture. Michael defines his role not only as a legal advisor but also as a counselor to help his clients determine solutions based on their own values and objectives. Michael is experienced in resolving disputes through facilitation and mediation by assisting the parties to share their concerns, understand each other’s points of view, and find common ground to preserve and mend valuable relationships when possible.
Michael was elected to the Oregon State Bar Board of Governors in 2015. He served as its first African American President in 2017. His focus as President was to promote equity, inclusion, and access to justice. Michael is dedicated to participating in civic organizations that serve under-represented and at-risk communities. He has extensive non-profit experience, including his role as Board Chair for the local organization Self Enhancement Inc., and on the Medical Teams International Board. Michael was recently appointed and sworn in as a Probate ProTem Judge in Washington County. He is also involved with the Oregon Mediation Diversity Project, a collective that seeks to address the lack of diversity in the mediation profession in the state of Oregon.
Michael is grateful to be able to spend his discretionary time mentoring several local organizations that serve the interests of historically excluded and underrepresented communities. In addition to practicing law, he also enjoys woodworking, photography, gardening, traversing the great outdoors (especially in his home state of Montana), and spending time with his four adult children, grandchildren, and spouse of nearly 40 years.
Katie Levelle
Office & Client Relations Manager
Education
- Bachelor of Science in Social Science with a minor in Child and Family Studies from Portland State University
Katie is the Office Manager at Levelle Law LLC. She is responsible for client relations and the oversight of the firm’s daily operations including document management, scheduling, and client communication.
Prior to her position at Levelle Law, Katie worked in the Beaverton School District as an Instructional Assistant for 13 years and additionally served as a certified substitute teacher for three years. With the onset of COVID, Katie was excited to have the opportunity to pivot into a new role supporting the ongoing growth of Levelle Law. With her background in social work, her academic background and classroom management experience, and her passion for supporting human-centered work, in 2021 she officially began charting a new course as Levelle Law’s Office and Client Relations Manager. In joining the practice, she is thrilled to expand upon her penchant for meeting and supporting people from all walks of life and helping to steward them toward achieving their personal goals with warmth, empathy, and compassion.
Katie’s volunteer experiences in the community include CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Victim Advocate for the Beaverton Police Department, and the Homeless Relief Initiative.