Michelle Valania joined Neil Dymott Hudson as an associate in 2026. Her practice focuses on civil litigation and the defense of healthcare providers in medical and dental malpractice matters. She is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association and the San Diego Defense Lawyers.
Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Valania practiced at a San Diego plaintiff’s personal injury firm, where she developed comprehensive experience handling all phases of litigation. Her background provides valuable perspective in evaluating claims and defending complex liability matters.
Ms. Valania earned her Juris Doctor from California Western School of Law. During law school, she interned with the San Diego Volunteer Lawyers Program and California Western’s Community Law Project, advocating for clients in matters involving business, juvenile justice, and landlord-tenant disputes. In recognition of her commitment to service and advocacy, she is a two-time recipient of the Wiley W. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services and a member of the Pro Bono Honors Society. She also received Academic Excellence Awards in Legal Drafting and Trial Skills, earned the Distinguished Advocate Award, and placed second in the Gil Trial Competition.
Before attending law school, Ms. Valania received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, cum laude, from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts.
Outside of her practice, Ms. Valania enjoys hiking with her dogs, running, and snowboarding.
