Michele Little Locke

PRO

Michele Little Locke

5.0
38 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 23 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at Austin, TX
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Family, Child Custody ... +2 more

1510 San Antonio St, Austin, TX

About Michele

Biography

Former Judge. Client focused Divorce Attorney and Child Custody Attorney.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Child Custody 20%

20%
Divorce and Separation 20%

20%
Domestic Violence 20%

20%
Family 20%

20%
Uncontested Divorce 20%

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2018 2017 2016
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 23 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 2002

Eligible to Practice in Texas

No misconduct found

Location

Coldwell Bowes LLP

1510 San Antonio St, Austin, TX, 78701

coldwellbowes.com/people/michele-l-locke

Online Presence

Other places you can find Michele online.

Michele Little Locke's Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (37) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 19 reviews | Advocacy

Posted by Mike | April 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Family

Hire the best from the get-go

Ms Locke was recommended by another well respected attorney who operated in an adjacent county. After 3 years working with her, I know that Michele is incredibly strong in a couple of areas that are enormously beneficial to you, as a client. Firstly, she is a master of the law. As a former judge, she... simply had no equal in her knowledge and speed of quoting and interpreting law. Secondly, her argumentation was top notch - very quick to grasp the issue at hand and interject just the right words and interpretation. She has a very realistic view of your case and can absolutely bring it to the optimal conclusion. She is also very concise and focused in her time with you. The process will take longer than you want because that is the nature of the law, but Ms Locke will be there when needed and will fight hard. The difference between Ms Locke and my previous counsel is night and day, so I can absolutely say that choosing the right person matters. Choose someone who will understand your case, understand the impact it has on your and your child(ren), who takes a clear and convincing stance on your case, and who has the tools to properly argue for your viewpoint. If you don't, you will be back in court later. Ms Locke will be your best asset in minimizing wasteful return trips to court. She expertly guided my case from initial intake, to gathering important records and examples, and she knew the right time to file to maximize the chances of the proper outcome. Ms Locke will absolutely not waste your time and money - her knowledge, effort, and efficiency will absolutely save you in the long run and the best thing: you'll know that you got the best absolute outcome and you'll minimize your stress and anxiety. Litigation is not cheap, fast, or easy, but what is more expensive and taxing is living with an outcome that harms you and your child(ren). So get it right and get the best person you can. I can say that Ms Locke is that person.

Posted by Dara | September 17, 2021 | Lawsuits & Disputes

She was my ex husbands lawyer

I’m not sure about her pricing but I promise you she’s worth it. She’s quick on her feet and FIERCE! She wasn’t my lawyer but she ate my lawyer and I alive. Highly recommend. Definitely the person you’d want on your team. Well versed, seems to have a great reputation with judges and is incredibly sma...rt.

Posted by Melissa | June 16, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody

Five Stars are Not Nearly Enough!!!

I consulted with and then hired Michele Locke in September 2020. She is the 4th attorney I have worked with since 2013. I wish I had met her 8 years ago. She is BY FAR THE MOST CAPABLE AND KNOWLEDGEABLE attorney I have interviewed and/or hired. Having been and still presiding as a Judge, Michele bri...ngs a unique perspective that most attorneys cannot provide. She is direct, succinct and concise in her delivery in the court room which makes her a force to be reckoned with. And when you hire Michele, you are not hiring JUST Michele...you are also gaining the knowledge and capabilities of her amazing paralegal, Juan Diaz. The two of them make THE MOST PERFECT TEAM! I read so many reviews before I hired Ms. Locke and so many referred to Juan and how integral he is to the process. I had NO IDEA how spot on those reviews were until I hired Michele. I hired Michele to defend me in a VERY high conflict custody modification lawsuit brought against me by my NAPD ex-husband. I needed THE BEST attorney I could find and that is EXACTLY what I received. Trust me, I have talked to and hired many attorneys in Wilco and Travis County. There is no one better than Michele Locke and her Paralegal Juan Diaz. Over the course of 10 months, Ms. Locke has walked with me through mediation, Discovery, a postponed hearing, a partial hearing and a full day hearing. Each time Michele MADE SURE I was COMPLETELY prepared for whatever situation I would be encountering. I could go on and on, however there simply are not adequate words to truly describe my gratitude or adequately endorse Ms. Locke to the degree she deserves. There just aren't. I have known I was in good hands the last 10 months, however what I witnessed in Court yesterday is almost indescribable. You most definitely want to be sitting at the same table as Ms. Locke!!! Because being cross - examined by her is not a pretty picture for the one sitting on the witness stand. My children and I will forever be in her debt.

Posted by Sonia | February 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Amazing lawyer!

The best part about Michele was that she is very honest. She will tell upfront about what will work and what will not. She NOT EVEN ONCE made any false promises or pushed me towards trial. She always wanted we settle before trial and told me the potential outcomes clearly. I trusted her completely ...for all my financial decisions as well and she got me an amazing deal at the divorce. For custody she guided me a lot. What I was asking was rare but we still managed to get quite a lot of that. She is sound legally and is a very intelligent lady. I will add that I had done massive preparation at my end too for several months and that coupled with Michele's expertise worked out really well. In a nutshell -honest, super smart and very good understanding of the law. I highly highly recommend her services.

Posted by anonymous | August 25, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

Professional and Driven by Excellence

Ms. Michele Locke represented me in my divorce case with one child (less than five years old) from beginning to end of the divorce process. Generally, I would describe the other partner as ‘highly unstable’. Due to Ms. Locke’s ‘legal jujitsu’ I am no longer financially and legally tied in the Final D...ivorce Decree to my ex, and contact is limited to a business relationship within the Final Custody Order. Firstly, Ms. Locke cares about families and has true empathy for the people and children on both sides of the case. I did not make empathy a primary criterion when I first began the process of identifying an attorney to represent me and now, I am so very grateful I found someone as genuine and caring as Michele. She guided me sometimes gently, and sometimes very directly, but in all cases her advisement was reasonable, carefully thought out, and based on pursing the best outcome for the case – follow it. Through the months long process, I had no issue being “hands off” and allowing Ms. Locke to process the case. The team professionally and efficiently processed divorce proceeding filings and discovery. I felt supported by a team of professionals, which facilitated a sense of relief, thus enabling me to focus on providing for my child. Divorce is costly, and I deeply appreciated the conservative billing, and efficient but high-quality work. Even so, the case added up. Being self-made and understanding where every dollar had come from, it was devastating to see my savings and income decrease so significantly. However, the cost of quality representation is absolutely worth the investment and I'm now living a more joyful life! Essential to any case is legal counsel like Ms. Locke who is tough and extremely talented – diligent, respected in a court room, and intelligent. It’s obvious Ms. Locke is driven by the desire to be excellent in her profession, continually gaming out scenarios inside a courtroom and pursing the best deal in mediation. I am confident, whatever your situation, if you follow Ms. Locke’s lead, continue trying to co-parent, and keep the lessons learned from this experience that you’ll be able to succeed at providing a stable and loving home for yourself and your children (or maybe your dog!).

See All Client Reviews

Michele Little Locke's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michele
Monica Brynn Stallings headshot
Monica Stallings

Family lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Michele is engaging, knowledgable, and a great advocate. As opposing counsel, she's the very definition of a straight shooter, and I always welcome the opportunity to work with her."

Kimberly Jo Burrows Smith headshot
Kimberly Smith

Unknown lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Melody M. Petitt headshot
Melody Petitt

Unknown lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew Woodson Rogers headshot
Andrew Rogers

Family lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Christian Lindsay headshot
David Lindsay

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Tina Cheryl Torres headshot
Tina Torres

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mstislav Pedro Talavera-Karmanov headshot
Mstislav Talavera-Karmanov

Family lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Shawn H. Smith headshot
Shawn Smith

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Robert Carl Frazer headshot
Robert Frazer

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mallory K. Ellis headshot
Mallory Ellis

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kody Charles Silva headshot
Kody Silva

Family lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Claudia Hernandez headshot
Claudia Hernandez

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher David William Philley headshot
Christopher Philley

Family lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"Michele is a strong and zealous advocate with personal empathy and understanding for what her clients are experiencing. Her insight from being a Judge gives her unique perspective in forming effective strategies and providing clients with reasonable expectations. She excels in the Courtroom, with litigation skills that demand respect from her opposing counsel."

Burgess Williams headshot
Burgess Williams

Family lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer."

Amy Hildebrandt Troy headshot
Amy Troy

Divorce and separation lawyer | Mar 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"Michele is a fantastic advocate for her client. I highly recommend her to anyone with a complex family law case."

Andrew Stevan Harris headshot
Andrew Harris

Family lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"Michele has an incredible legal mind and great communication with clients. She thinks like a judge which informs her strategy and expectations. She is an excellent choice for contested family law matters."

Carson Epes Steinbauer headshot
Carson Steinbauer

Family lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Co-worker

"Michele is very bright and tenacious. I endorse this lawyer."

Neil Patrick Solomon headshot
Neil Solomon

Family lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Co-worker

"I know Michele to be a fantastic advocate for her clients. I endorse Michele Locke."

Rachel Ann Craig headshot
Rachel Craig

Family lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"Michele has the experience and the command of the law that family lawyers need to help clients navigate difficult and complicated family law matters. I highly recommend Michele Locke on any family law matter."

Joseph Richard Caputo headshot
Joseph Caputo

Family lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"I would highly recommend Michele to handle any family law matter."

View All Endorsements
Monica Brynn Stallings headshot
Monica Stallings

Family lawyer

Taryn Bikle headshot
Taryn Bikle

Family lawyer

Melody M. Petitt headshot
Melody Petitt

Family lawyer

Kristina Angelia Chung headshot
Kristina Chung

Family lawyer

Jason David Aldridge headshot
Jason Aldridge

Personal injury lawyer

Claudia Hernandez headshot
Claudia Hernandez

Divorce and separation lawyer

Andrew Woodson Rogers headshot
Andrew Rogers

Personal injury lawyer

Amy Hildebrandt Troy headshot
Amy Troy

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Client's Choice, Avvo

2017

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Client's Choice, Avvo

2016

Client's Choice, Avvo

2006

Rising Star, Texas Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Partner, Coldwell Bowes L.L.P.

2011 - 2016

Associate Court Judge, County of El Paso

2009 - 2011

Associate Municipal Court Judge, City of El Paso

2006 - 2011

Attorney, Michele Locke P.C.

2005 - 2006

Attorney - Shareholder, Elizondo, Hayes, & Locke P.C.

2004 - 2005

Assistant City Attorney, El Paso City Attorney's Office

2002 - 2004

Associate Attorney, Kemp Smith L.L.P

Associations

Williamson County Bar Association

Travis County Bar Association

Austin Bar Association

2015 - 2016

American Inns of Court

2012 - 2015

El Paso Young Lawyers Association

2011 - 2016

El Paso Women's Bar Association

2002 - 2016

El Paso Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

Successfully obtained primary custody for Dad over his young children

Client was awarded Joint Managing Coservatorship with exclusive right to determine primary residence

Sole Managing Conservator awarded to Dad by a jury

Jury appointed Dad as the Sole Managing Conservator over his daughter.

Divorce with Children

Successfully represented mother in multi-million dollar estate divorce. She obtained custody of the one remaining minor child and obtained a substantial portion of the assets. Avoided Federal Criminal charges against mother, while father was indicted.

Divorce with Children - Father's Rights

Successfully represented father in obtaining primary custody over his two young boys

Divorce with Children

Successfully represented a father who was able to obtain visitation rights with his youngest non-biological child born during the marriage.

Pro Bono Eviction Case

Successfully kept client from being evicted so she could spend her last days in her home instead of homeless

See More Legal Cases

Education

2002

Texas Tech University School of Law

Doctor of Jurisprudence/Juris Doctor (J.D.)

1999

University of Texas

BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration

Speaking Engagements

2017

Monthly Meeting Travis County Criminal Defense Bar

Intersection of Family Law and Criminal Law

2016

Monthly Seminar

Sex, Religion, and Politics, The Anti Cocktail Party

2016

Monthly Meeting

Protective Orders - The Basics

2015

Monthly Seminar

Protective Orders, Who, What, and Where?

2014

Pro Bono Seminar

Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act

2014

Case Law Update

Recent Texas Supreme Court Cases

2012

Law Office Management CLE

Judges Panel on Courtroom Practices

2012

2012 Annual Conference

Judges Panel on Case Law Updates

Publications

2016

American Inn of Court Sex, Religion, and Politic, The Anti Cocktail Party

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution