Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law Tax Law Trusts and Estates
MG 
Michelle B. Graham
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2013 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Michelle Graham focuses her practice on estate planning and tax planning strategies for domestic and international clients. She advises U.S. and non-U.S. individuals on tax planning matters, including strategies to minimize global taxation and IRS compliance regarding foreign reporting.
Michelle works with non-U.S. individuals investing in the United States and U.S. individuals residing abroad on their U.S. tax filings and global estate planning. Her cross-border experience spans Latin America, Asia, Europe, Australia, Canada, and the Middle East. She also assists migrating clients, including corporate executives moving between states or internationally, and those retiring or acquiring second homes in California.
In addition, Michelle advises on complex planning issues for family businesses, including structuring and implementing intra-family sales, buy-sell agreements, and family business succession planning.
Michelle has been recognized by Chambers High Net Worth Guide in the area of Private Wealth Law – Southern California since 2020.
Overview
- Southern Methodist University, B.S.
- University of San Diego, J.D.
- University of San Diego, LL.M.
- California, 1995
- ACTEC International Estate Planning Committee - Member
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) - Fellow
- International Academy of Estate and Trust Law (IAETL) - Academian
- STEP (Society of Tax and Estate Practitioners) San Diego Board of Directors - Member
- U.S.- Mexico Bar Association (Barra de Abogados Mexico-Estados Unidos) - Tax Section - Board of Directors - Member
- California, 1995
- ACTEC International Estate Planning Committee - Member
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) - Fellow
- International Academy of Estate and Trust Law (IAETL) - Academian
- STEP (Society of Tax and Estate Practitioners) San Diego Board of Directors - Member
- U.S.- Mexico Bar Association (Barra de Abogados Mexico-Estados Unidos) - Tax Section - Board of Directors - Member
- Southern Methodist University, B.S.
- University of San Diego, J.D.
- University of San Diego, LL.M.
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Trusts and Estates, San Diego (2016)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Nonprofit / Charities Law
News & Media
Publications
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