Mikaela is an associate in the litigation department, with a focus on business and employment litigation. She is involved in every stage of the litigation process, from conducting legal research and drafting motions to managing discovery and preparing cases for trial. Mikaela also provides strategic support throughout the case, ensuring detailed preparation and a focused approach at each phase.
As a litigator, she emphasizes an empathetic approach and places her clients at the forefront of every case, ensuring they feel supported and heard throughout the legal process. With extensive experience working with diverse populations, Mikaela understands the challenges faced by these communities, shaped by her own background as well as her professional experience.
Mikaela is particularly passionate about supporting minority and women-owned businesses, recognizing the unique hurdles they often encounter. She fosters an inclusive environment where these entrepreneurs feel valued and empowered, guiding them through legal complexities with sensitivity and respect.
Prior to becoming an associate, Mikaela served as a law clerk at the firm, where she honed both her technical and practical skills in case review, document drafting, and legal analysis.
In addition to her work in employment law, Mikaela has significant experience in immigration law during her time in law school, which enhances her ability to navigate intricate and sensitive legal issues that intersect with her clients’ livelihoods. Her deep understanding of the complexities of civil matters is further enriched by her experience updating the Wright & Miller Federal Practice and Procedure Treatise during her time at Lewis & Clark, providing her with a comprehensive grasp of federal litigation practices.
Mikaela’s commitment to justice is exemplified by her current involvement with the Domestic Violence Project, where she passionately advocates for survivors of abuse. This experience deepens her understanding of the intersection between law and personal hardship, reinforcing her belief in the importance of compassionate representation. With her holistic approach and rich experience, Mikaela serves her clients with both skill and sensitivity.
Mikaela is the recipient of the 2026 Michael E. Haglund Young Lawyer Award, presented by the Multnomah Bar Association, which honors young lawyers who demonstrate exceptional commitment to pro bono service. This recognition reflects Mikaela’s dedication to advocacy, community service, and making a meaningful impact through her work. “I believe that we have a collective responsibility to serve the communities in which we live and practice,” says Mikaela.
Less than a year out of law school, Mikaela began volunteering with two of Legal Aid Services of Oregon’s pro bono programs – the Expungement Clinic and the Domestic Violence Project (DVP). As a volunteer at an in-person expungement clinic, Marino prepared motions to set aside and seal criminal convictions on behalf of clients who qualified for this relief. Criminal records create barriers to employment, education, housing, and consumer credit opportunities, and expungement is an important and powerful tool for removing those barriers.
As a part of this recognition, Mikaela was featured in Pro Bono Oregon’s Volunteer Spotlight series. View the spotlight here: https://probonooregon.org/our-partners/
