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ABOUT 
PROFESSOR MICHELLE J. MILLER, ESQ., LL.M

Michelle J. Miller is a highly accomplished international business, trademark, and entertainment attorney.. With over two decades of legal experience, Michelle has carved out a unique space in the legal field, serving an array of high-profile clients, from celebrities and entrepreneurs to global corporations. She is also the creator of the Digital General Counsel® brand, offering external fractional general counsel services that help businesses navigate complex legal landscapes with ease.

 

An Expert at the Intersection of Law and Business
 

Michelle’s journey has been defined by resilience and an unwavering passion for success. She earned two law degrees while balancing life as a single mother, demonstrating her determination and dedication to both her family and her career. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne, a Juris Doctor (JD) from DePaul University College of Law, and a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law. In 2022, she further enhanced her expertise by obtaining a Certification in Financial Analysis and Valuation for Lawyers from Harvard Business School Online/Harvard Law School adding depth to her approach to business law.


Beyond her extensive legal practice, Michelle has taken on the role of Asst. Clinical Professor of Intellectual Property Law, Entertainment, & Entrepreneurship at Chicago-Kent College of Law. As a professor, she is committed to shaping the future of legal professionals by blending her hands-on experience with academic leadership. Her teaching enables students to engage in real-world legal challenges and equips them with the skills they need to thrive in the ever-evolving legal industry. In this role, she mentors future legal professionals, blending her practical legal experience with academic rigor to inspire the next generation of attorneys.
 

A Global Legal Force
 

Michelle’s love for international speaking, education, business, and intellectual property law has taken her around the world. From China to South Africa, Dubai to Peru, Tanzania to Indonesia, and many more, she has worked with clients and businesses in a variety of industries, offering global legal strategies that meet the highest standards of excellence. Her work with multinational companies has included strategic oversight of operations, compliance, and VAT regulations in various countries, allowing her to offer a nuanced understanding of complex legal systems worldwide.
 

The Birth of The Brillionaire® Mindset
 

Michelle’s entrepreneurial journey began early, helping her father with contract templates for his roofing business at the age of 14. While initially hesitant to follow in his footsteps, her desire for freedom and passion for innovation led her to establish her private legal practice after years of corporate legal work. The result? A thriving law firm dedicated to serving what Michelle calls "Brillionaires"—visionaries with ideas that have the potential to transform industries and generate extraordinary wealth.

 

In 2018, Michelle embraced her message: "OWN YOUR BANKABLE BRILLIANCE RESILLENCE™!" This philosophy now drives her work, as she helps clients turn their brilliant ideas into billion-dollar enterprises by protecting their intellectual property and business assets with precision and care. This message of BRILLIANCE OWNERSHIP started a personal transformation journey for Michelle and not only does she strategically help others to confidently embrace their brilliance, but she also helps people own it.
 

Sought-After Speaker and Best-Selling Author
 

Michelle is frequently called upon to share her expertise with diverse audiences around the globe. She has delivered keynote addresses, conducted workshops, and led seminars on topics ranging from intellectual property and business growth to entrepreneurial spiritual empowerment. As a seasoned speaker, she delivers insightful, practical, and engaging content that resonates with business leaders, legal professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs.

 

Her books "REGISTERED: How to Protect Your Business, Brand, & Bucks with Trademarks" and "Trademark W.E.A.L.T.H", co-authored with Dr. Lynn Richardson®, have positioned her as a thought leader in trademark law and intellectual property protection. Through these works, she helps businesses and individuals understand the critical importance of safeguarding their brand and business assets.

 

The Digital General Counsel® and Fractional General Counsel Services
 

As the founder of the Digital General Counsel®, Michelle provides innovative external fractional general counsel services tailored for businesses that require ongoing legal support but may not need a full-time in-house attorney. With the Digital General Counsel® brand, Michelle offers flexible, high-level legal advice that empowers companies to navigate regulatory challenges, corporate governance, contract management, and strategic business decisions—all while maintaining cost efficiency.

 

Her fractional general counsel services are designed to provide the expert-level guidance businesses need to grow confidently, handle day-to-day legal matters, and avoid potential risks. This service has become particularly valuable for startups, entrepreneurs, and mid-sized companies seeking to enhance their legal protections without the burden of maintaining full-time legal staff.
 

Champion for Diversity of Brilliance in Law
 

As one of the 2% of Black women in the U.S. legal profession, Michelle seeks to inspire others from underrepresented groups to enter and succeed in the legal profession. 

 

Her message of “OWN YOUR BANKABLE BRILLIANCE RESILENCE™” is at the heart of her work—whether she’s helping a client protect their intellectual property or mentoring the next generation of legal professionals.

 

Her personal and professional philosophy is rooted in empowering others to recognize their potential, safeguard their ideas, and build legacies through their businesses. As a legal entrepreneur herself, Michelle's entrepreneurial spirit informs every aspect of her practice, offering her clients a truly unique perspective on what it means to take unapologetic and bold ownership of their brilliance.
 

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