Karen A. Rhyne|Michael L. Michel|Luwana R Klarstrom|Nina Jafari

Michel & Rhyne

teamSelecting the right legal firm to handle a divorce is critical. We believe that Michel & Rhyne is the right legal firm to consider. Both Karen A. Rhyne and Michael L. Michel are board certified specialists in Family Law, and we have over 25 years of experience in these matters. Moreover, the firm of Michel & Rhyne takes a multidisciplinary approach to family law. Partners and associates have been involved in research and have studied associated disciplines in psychology, business and accounting to provide the best possible advice to our clients.

We invite you to call us at (949) 553-1223 or (949) 553-1224 to schedule an appointment.

Karen A. Rhyne

TOP ^ Karen A. Rhyne

Karen A. Rhyne earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1980 from California State University Fullerton, in Fullerton, CA. In 1985, she earned her Juris Doctor degree from the Western State University School of Law in California.

Karen Rhyne was admitted to the California bar on June 11, 1985. She is an active member of the California Bar Association (member number 118645).

Ms. Rhyne was an Associate at the law firm of Tovstein & Kraetzer from 1985 through 1987. Since 1987, she and Michael Michel have been Partners at their own firm, Michel & Rhyne.

Karen has been a Certified Family Law Specialist since 1991. From 1992 to 2005, she was an Adjunct Professor at University of California at Irvine, teaching Family Law courses every quarter at the University of California Irvine Extension.

Other honors, activities, and publications include the following:

Michael L. Michel

TOP ^ Michael L. Michel

Michael L. Michel was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He Attended Tulane University in New Orleans, graduating with a B.A. degree in Political Science in 1961 and a Doctorate of Law in 1965.

Mr. Michel served in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1970, receiving the Veteran’s Service Medal and The Department of The Air Force Commendation Medal for exceptional performance of duty in Southeast Asia during 1967 and 1968.

Mr. Michel was admitted to the California bar on June 26, 1970. He is an active member of the California Bar Association (member number 46983).

In 1970, Mr. Michel began service with the Orange County Public Defender’s office. He progressed to Supervising Deputy, overseeing some 35 lawyers.

In 1974, Mr. Michel set up his own private law practice in Newport Beach, California, specializing in Criminal Defense work.

In 1980, after taking post-graduate courses in the field, Mr. Michel began practicing Family Law, specializing in difficult child custody cases.

Other honors, activities, and publications include the following:

Luwana R. Klarstrom

TOP ^ Luwana R. Klarstrom

Luwana R. Klarstrom earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in 1998 from the University of California Los Angeles, graduating magna cum laude. In 2002, she earned her Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern University School of Law in California.

Ms. Klarstrom was admitted to the California bar in 2003. She is an active member of the California Bar Association, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Beverly Hills Bar Association, Orange County Bar Association and Orange County Barristers.

Ms. Klarstrom has practiced family law exclusively since 2004. Prior to joining Michel & Rhyne, she practiced in Los Angeles County where she was a senior associate at a family law boutique firm in Century City.

Ms. Klarstrom has been selected as a Rising Star in 2010 and 2011 by Super Lawyers magazine, a national publication that recognizes the top 2.5% up-and-coming attorneys in the state. She is current treasurer for the Orange County Barristers and sits on their Board of Directors.

Nina Jafari

TOP ^ Nina Jafari

Nina Jafari earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Ecology in 2007 while studying at the University of California, Irvine. Upon graduating, she attended the University of San Diego, School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor in May 2010 and was a founding member of the San Diego Journal of Climate & Energy Law. During law school, Ms. Jafari spent a summer as a legal intern at E! Entertainment Television.

Ms. Jafari began working at Michel & Rhyne in 2010 as a law clerk and has since been hired on as an Associate Attorney in 2011 after being admitted to the State Bar of California. She is an active member of the California Bar Association, Orange County Bar Association, and Iranian American Bar Association.

Ms. Jafari is fluent in Farsi.