Michelle Paxton is the Director and Founder of the Nebraska Children’s Justice and Legal Advocacy Center (NCJC), a first-of-its-kind initiative that strengthens legal advocacy for children and families through an integrated model of clinical education, professional training, and multidisciplinary consultation. A recognized leader in juvenile legal advocacy and rural justice reform, Michelle has secured over $4 million in funding to expand clinical education, rural attorney training, and multidisciplinary legal advocacy initiatives serving children and families in Nebraska’s juvenile courts. 

As an Assistant Professor at the University of Nebraska College of Law, Michelle teaches juvenile law and directs the Children’s Justice Clinic. She also founded the Children’s Justice Attorney Education Fellowship, which trains and supports attorneys—county attorneys, guardians ad litem, parents’ counsel, and youth counsel—who serve in Nebraska’s most underserved regions. Her work bridges courtroom practice and systemic reform, emphasizing reflective supervision, mental health-informed advocacy, and community-based solutions. 

Michelle is a frequent speaker at national and regional conferences, including the American Bar Association and the National Association of Counsel for Children. Her recent publications and media appearances highlight the role of legal training in combating rural legal deserts and improving outcomes for vulnerable children.