Michelle Rey LaRocca

Associate

(415) 848-8920

Michelle Rey LaRocca

(415) 848-8920

Overview

Michelle Rey LaRocca represents corporate clients in complex matters involving professional liability, contracts, personal injury, premises liability, property damage, and land rights.  She has prevailed on summary judgment, taken and defended key depositions, negotiated settlements, effectively managed cases, and prepared for trial, including working with experts, evaluating key exhibits, and preparing motions in limine and jury instructions.  Recently, Michelle was an instructor at UC Hastings, College of the Law, teaching legal research, writing, and oral advocacy skills to first-year law students.  She is also a member of the American Society of Trial Consultants.

Prior to joining Gough & Hancock, Michelle was an associate at an international law firm where she worked on insurance and tort matters.  Michelle’s written work has been acknowledged in her legal practice and law school.  She has a published Hastings Law Journal note, and she received the Best Brief Award in the National Entertainment Law Moot Court Competition and the Best Brief Award in the David E. Snodgrass Moot Court Competition.  While at Santa Clara University, her capstone project focused on jurors' perceptions in the courtroom.

Education

  • Santa Clara University, B.A., Communication; Italian, 2009, cum laude
  • University of California, Hastings College of Law, J.D., 2014, cum laude. Recipient of the CALI Award for Excellence in Negotiation & Settlement, Legal Ethics, Contract Law Case Studies, Legal Writing & Research, and Health Law. Staff Editor of the Hastings Law Journal. Hastings Moot Court board member and team competitor.

Bar Admission:

  • California

Judicial Externship:

  • Hon. Nathanael Cousins, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California