Overview

Michele Satterlund is a lawyer and lobbyist with over 20 years of experience representing a broad range of clients—from trade associations to Fortune 500 companies. Her work at the intersection of law, politics, and business has given her a front-row seat to the issues that matter most to Virginia’s business community and those seeking to invest in the Commonwealth.

Recognized by Super Lawyers as one of Virginia’s Rising Stars in Government Relations and named to Virginia Business’s “Legal Elite” in Legislative/Regulatory/Administrative Law, Michele brings a reputation for persistence, strategic thinking, and results. Colleagues often describe her as determined—focused on getting the job done and seeing complex issues through to resolution.

Michele has advised companies across sectors, including automotive, mobility, technology, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, private equity, and manufacturing. With insight into how business and government intersect, she helps clients navigate the complexities of local, state, and executive branch policymaking. As a small business owner herself, Michele brings a personal understanding of the need for a business-friendly policy environment and works closely with clients to advocate for their success.

Dedicated to community service, Michele has served as President of the Board of the Metro Richmond Women’s Bar Association, and most recently, served on the Board of Covenant Woods, where she chaired the Governance Committee. She has also provided pro bono legal assistance to individuals facing end-of-life and healthcare challenges.

Her professional excellence has been widely recognized: Michele has been named a Legal Elite by Virginia Business Magazine, honored as an Influential Woman of Law by Virginia Lawyers Weekly, and recognized as a Government Relations Trailblazer by the National Law Journal. She is also a recipient of a Burton Award in the category of Distinguished Legal Writing, and she received a commendation from the Financial Times North American Innovative Lawyers Report for her advocacy on behalf of the unmanned systems industry.

Michele holds degrees from the University of Oregon and Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul, MN. She and her husband co-own a property development company and are the proud parents of three children.

Experience

  • Macaulay Satterlund & Sessa, P.C.; Richmond, Virginia
  • McGuireWoods LLP; Richmond, Virginia
  • McGuireWoods Consulting LLC; Richmond, Virginia

Admitted

  • Federal and state courts in Virginia

Education

  • Mitchell Hamline School of Law; St. Paul, Minnesota, J.D.
  • University of Oregon; Eugene, Oregon, B.A. Journalism

Activities

  • Virginia State Bar, Health Law Section
  • Past President, Metro Richmond Women’s Bar Association
  • Executive Director, Unmanned Systems Association of Virginia
  • Board Member, Covenant Woods

Recognition

  • The Burton Awards, Law360 Distinguished Legal Writing Award
  • Legal Elite, Government Relations and Virginia Business
  • National Law Journal, Trailblazer – Government Relations
  • Virginia Lawyers Weekly, Influential Women of Law
  • Financial Times, North America Innovative Lawyers, Commendation Ranking