Karen Michaels

Family Law Attorney

Karen Michaels
Attorney at Law
KM@LonghornLawyer.com

Karen Michaels was born in Bonham, Texas and spent most of her childhood in Pasadena, Texas. She graduated with honors from Sam Rayburn High School. Karen then attended Austin College in Sherman, Texas where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.  Karen completed graduate work in Physiology and Biophysics at the University of Texas Medical Branch before receiving her Juris Doctorate from the University of Houston in 1987.

While doing graduate work in Physiology and Biophysics, Karen was published in the scientific journals:  Journal of Membrane Biology, Biophysics Journal and the American Journal of Physiology.

“When I told my father that I wanted to go to law school after spending three years working on a PhD in a different field, he told me, “Great!  There’s always room for an honest lawyer!”  And I have spent my legal career attempting to represent my clients with passion, honesty and integrity.  I love justice.  Our court system allows for advocacy and I am passionate about helping my clients through the legal process.  Particularly in family law matters, most clients are experiencing emotional trauma on top of their legal proceeding.  My staff and I are sensitive to family issues, as we have been through divorce ourselves and are also parents of children.  We understand and appreciate not only the energy it takes to make significant changes in your life and your children’s lives, but we know the law as well.  I get great satisfaction from advising my clients and helping them resolve their family law issues, with or without the Court’s involvement.”  - Karen Michaels

During law school, Karen interned with the Honorable Hugh Gibson in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Texas.  She also worked as a briefing clerk for the Litigation Section of Vinson and Elkins, Houston, Texas.

Karen was the recipient of the American Jurisprudence Award in Trial Advocacy. She was also invited into the Honorary Oral Advocacy Society, “The Advocates” at the University of Houston.

After graduating law school and moving to Tyler, Texas, Karen worked as a trial attorney in Insurance Defense for the law firm of Cowles and Thompson. Karen then began a solo practice, concentrating on Family Law matters before joining the Weinstein Law Firm to head up the Family Law division.

Certified in Basic Meditation Training (1997) and Advanced Family Mediation Training (2003), Karen has also received her certification as a guardian ad litem.  She is a member of the Smith County Bar Association, Family and Women’s Sections and the State Bar of Texas, Family and ADR sections.

Karen’s extensive litigation experience includes representing clients in all types of contested family cases in Athens, Tyler, and Dallas, including divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, protective orders and Grandparents’ rights.

Karen is very involved in community service and events. She is the proud mom of three children who keep her busy with their many sports and activities.