Michelle M. Bartels is an Administrative Partner in the firm’s Tampa office and a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney. Ms. Bartels' practice focuses in the areas of catastrophic and personal injury, general civil litigation, premises liability, trucking defense, professional malpractice, security negligence, vehicle negligence, significant wrongful death, defective products, foster care lead agency and community-based care defense.
Ms. Bartels earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Tampa, where she majored in Government and World Affairs, with a minor in Mathematics. Upon graduation, Ms. Bartels earned her Juris Doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law, graduating cum laude. Ms. Bartels received the highest-grade distinction in Property and Corporations and was a recipient of the William F. Blews Pro Bono Service Award and the Attorneys’ Title Insurance Fund Award. During her second year of law school, Ms. Bartels clerked for the Honorable Judge James D. Whittemore of the Middle District of Florida.
Ms. Bartels was named one of Florida’s top “Rising Stars” by Super Lawyers Magazine (2022-2023), which is awarded to less than 2.5% of the attorneys in the state. Ms. Bartels has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America since 2023.
Awards & Recognitions
The Best Lawyers in America , Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants, recognized since 2023
Newsroom
News
•Jury Clears Landscaping Company in Hillsborough County, FL Premises Liability Case
Recent Successful Trial, 11.6.2025
•Jury Delivers Swift Verdict in Rear-End Accident Case in Hillsborough County, FL
Recent Successful Trial, 10.9.2025
•Favorable Trial Result - Vehicular Liability - Pasco County
Publication, 3.1.2024
•MSJ Wins - Multiple Cases - Hillsborough County
Recent Successful Trial, 2.20.2024