Michelle Schrader

Office Manager & Paralegal, Law Offices of Meredith Mochel

Michelle Schrader
Office Manager & Paralegal
Law Offices of Meredith Mochel

📍 Chattanooga, TN 37402
📞 (423) 803-4333
📧 michelle@mochellaw.com
🌐 www.mochellaw.com

Certified Legal Assistant | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Magna Cum Laude

Michelle Schrader serves as the office manager and senior paralegal at the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel, bringing over 15 years of experience in legal administration, document drafting, bookkeeping, and law office operations. Known for her attention to detail and efficiency, Michelle plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth and effective management of the firm’s day-to-day functions.

Michelle earned her Bachelor of Science in Legal Assistant Studies from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2009, graduating magna cum laude. She is a Certified Legal Assistant through the National Association of Legal Assistants and a member of both the Golden Key and Adult Scholars Honor Societies.

Her legal background spans multiple areas of law, including criminal defense, family law, civil litigation, medical malpractice, workers’ compensation, wills and estates, and corporate law. At the Law Offices of Meredith Mochel, Michelle manages client case files, maintains the office calendar, prepares and edits legal documents, and handles all aspects of financial operations including accounts payable, trust accounts, and monthly reporting. She also supervises office procurement and technology coordination.

Before joining the firm in 2021, Michelle worked as a paralegal and office manager at Franklin, Cooper & Marcus for seven years and previously held a similar role with attorney Whitney Durand. In addition to her legal work, she is the owner and bookkeeper for a Chattanooga-based construction company with divisions in roofing, electrical work, and remodeling.

Education

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
B.S. in Legal Assistant Studies, Magna Cum Laude (2009)
Certified Legal Assistant – National Association of Legal Assistants
Golden Key Honor Society | Adult Scholars Honor Society

Legal & Professional Experience

Law Offices of Meredith Mochel, Chattanooga, TN
Office Manager, Paralegal & Bookkeeper | 2021 – Present
Focus: Criminal Defense, Family Law
Manages firm operations, finances, legal drafting, client files, and court support
Franklin, Cooper & Marcus, Chattanooga, TN
Paralegal, Office Manager & Bookkeeper | 2010 – 2017
Focus: Civil Litigation, Medical Malpractice, Wills & Estates, Workers’ Compensation
Whitney Durant, Attorney at Law, Chattanooga, TN
Paralegal & Bookkeeper | 2009
Focus: Pre-trial preparation, document management, and court scheduling

Additional Roles

Owner & Bookkeeper, Chattanooga Contractors Group (2017 – Present) Manages accounting, payroll, and operations for a multi-division construction firm

Skills & Interests

Outside of work, I’ve spent the last decade managing multiple businesses—sometimes two to four at once since 2017. But when I do have spare time, I love traveling with my family, which includes my husband, my mom (we share a multi-generational home), five kids ranging from ages 15 to 29—three of whom still live at home—and two grandchildren, ages 8 and 3.

Like Meredith, I’m a dedicated dog lover. We share our home with six dogs—three of them English Bulldogs, a breed I’ve enjoyed raising for over 20 years. We also have a Bernese Mountain Dog and two Lab/Retriever mixes—one of which happens to be a puppy from Meredith’s own dogs.

I’m passionate about gardening and have spent the last ten years developing both extensive edible and flower gardens around our home. I also enjoy weightlifting, which I’ve practiced for over 20 years to support both my mental and physical health. Sitting still isn’t exactly my strong suit.