Claire Mitchell

Background

My journey to Excello Law began with a solid foundation in both academia and diverse legal experience. After graduating from UC Berkeley in 2010 with highest honors in International Development Studies—where I was recognized as both a Regents’ & Chancellor’s Scholar and Phi Beta Kappa—I pursued my legal education at the University of Virginia School of Law, earning my J.D. in 2017.

At UVA Law, I immersed myself in both academic excellence and practical experience. I served as Articles Editor for the Virginia Journal of International Law and Vice President of Moot Court, while also gaining hands-on experience in the Criminal Defense Clinic. As a Law & Public Service Fellow, I developed a deep commitment to using law as a tool for positive change—a value that has remained central to my practice throughout my career.

Building Experience in Complex Litigation

Upon graduation, I began my career as a litigation associate at O’Melveny & Myers, an Am Law 100 firm in Los Angeles. This experience provided me with exceptional training in complex litigation, representing high-profile entertainment industry clients, including Twentieth Century Fox Film. The work was sophisticated and challenging, giving me exposure to the intricacies of federal and state court practice across a broad spectrum of civil litigation matters.

In late 2019, I made the strategic decision to relocate my practice to Santa Barbara, where I expanded my focus to include a diverse range of litigation areas. As a civil litigator and trial attorney, I now handle complex cases representing both individuals and companies through all stages of litigation, often serving as lead trial counsel. My practice encompasses business litigation, consumer class actions, and trusts and estates litigation, with particular experience in breach of contract disputes, fraud cases, workplace sexual harassment matters, elder financial abuse, cannabis-related disputes, real estate litigation, and intellectual property issues.

Commitment to Justice Beyond Billable Hours

Throughout my career, I’ve maintained an unwavering commitment to pro bono work, focusing primarily on civil rights and immigration matters. This work has allowed me to partner with organizations that align with my values, including the American Civil Liberties Union and Planned Parenthood. These experiences have not only enriched my practice but reinforced my belief that legal expertise should serve the broader community, not just paying clients.

The Decision to Join Excello Law

When the opportunity arose to join Excello Law, I found myself at a crossroads. I had established a successful practice and built strong relationships with clients, but I was seeking something different – a model that would allow me to practice law on my own terms while maintaining the highest standards of client service.

My decision was largely influenced by my previous working relationship with J. Paul, whose caliber as both a lawyer and leader I had experienced firsthand. Having worked with him before, I knew the quality of his legal mind and his commitment to excellence. This existing relationship gave me confidence that Excello Law would provide the kind of collaborative yet independent environment I was seeking.

Why Excello Law Made Sense

What drew me to Excello Law was its unique value proposition: the opportunity to work autonomously while taking home more of my earnings and effectively running my own legal practice without the administrative burden that typically comes with solo practice. This model addressed several key priorities for me:

Professional Autonomy: After years in traditional firm structures, I valued the prospect of having greater control over my cases, client relationships, and practice development. Excello Law’s model allows me to make strategic decisions about my practice while benefiting from the infrastructure and support of an established organization.

Financial Alignment: The opportunity to retain a larger share of my earnings was appealing, but more importantly, it represented a model where my success directly correlates with my efforts and results. This alignment creates powerful incentives for excellence and client service.

Administrative Efficiency: One of the most attractive aspects of joining Excello Law was the promise of maintaining my own practice without the typical administrative hassles. The firm handles the back-office functions that can drain time and energy from client work, allowing me to focus on what I do best – litigating complex cases and serving my clients.

Collaborative Support: While the model emphasizes autonomy, it also provides access to colleagues and resources when needed. This balance between independence and support creates an ideal environment for handling sophisticated litigation matters.

Culture and Values: Beyond the structural advantages, what truly sealed my decision was Excello Law’s culture of friendliness and genuine support. In an industry that can often be adversarial and high-stress, I found a firm where colleagues maintain a good sense of humor and approach challenges with both professionalism and levity. Most importantly, everyone at Excello Law follows through on their commitments and they always do what they say they will do. This reliability and integrity in both small daily interactions and major business decisions creates a foundation of trust that makes collaboration both effective and enjoyable.

Looking Forward

Joining Excello Law represents the next evolution in my legal career. It allows me to combine the sophisticated practice I developed at a major firm with the entrepreneurial spirit and client focus that drives me as an attorney. The model supports my commitment to both paying clients and pro bono work, while providing the infrastructure necessary to handle complex litigation matters effectively.

This decision reflects my belief that the legal profession is evolving, and that alternative practice models like Excello Law’s can provide superior value to both attorneys and clients. By reducing overhead and administrative burden while maintaining high standards of legal service, this approach allows lawyers to focus on what matters most: delivering excellent results for clients while building sustainable, fulfilling careers.

For me, Excello Law represents not just a career move, but a alignment of my professional values with a practice model that supports both excellence and autonomy. It’s an opportunity to continue growing as a litigator while building the kind of practice that can adapt and thrive in an evolving legal marketplace.