Professional  Testimonials

 “Retaining the legal counsel of Michele Saling, after years of litigation in two countries, was the primary reason that my complex divorce and child custody case was ultimately resolved and that my family was finally able to move forward and thrive. There had been multiple bifurcation orders but no agreement or order for division of assets or debts. Anyway, there was almost nothing left. My ex-wife and I had not spoken to each other face to face for more than 24 months, not even by telephone or email. Our young children could barely remember having ever seen us together in the same room, let alone speaking to each other.   That cloudy day in Beverly Hills, Michele’s assistant ushered me into the waiting room of her law practice. There were framed licenses, award certificates, even gold and platinum records on the walls. There were colorful children’s books and toys on shelves and low tables around the room. Michele’s office was similarly festive, despite mountains of legal files neatly stacked on every desk and table-top. I was greeted with her trademark, direct stare and her firm but gently melodic voice. I sat nervously in silence while she studied my enormous court file for about fifteen minutes.   “I have been in hearings all day and I have a trial tomorrow.” Michele looked at me again. “I have very little time. Before you pay me and sign the retainer agreement, I want you to solemnly promise to never lie, contradict or disagree with me, or I will show you the door and that will be it. Do you understand?” Her candor, then as now, was a breath of fresh air.   All too often, judges, lawyers and clients are much too focused on the “he said-she said” of contested custody and divorce cases. With Michele, however, there’s no small talk or time- wasting. She often cuts through the gordian knots of litigation in the blink of an eye. She does not suffer fools gladly. She can recite the applicable precedent, code and history of each case, when needed. She also has a heart, will recall your children’s names, birthdays and which schools they attend, sometimes without reference to her notes. If you are fortunate enough to retain her services, be sure to listen carefully to every word she says. She doesn’t like to repeat herself. That is the key to her success.   You will come to treasure the results that Michele delivers to her clients, rich or poor. I have continued to work with Michele for many years, on multiple business and creative projects. She is still the go-to person for book, music, film and television development. I have found those same qualities, Michele’s insight, integrity and tenacity, to be enduring assets, as have my colleagues in education, publishing and the entertainment industry.” 

Daniel N. (client), Los Angeles, CA: Author, Director/Producer in Film, Professor of Cinema