Michelle graduated from York University on the Dean's List with an Honours degree in Political Science. During her undergraduate years she was a recipient of the Dean's Scholarship and selected as an Academic All-Canadian for excellence in academics and interuniversity sport.

Michelle studied law at Osgoode Hall Law School and in her final semester worked as a student caseworker at Parkdale Community Legal Services, representing clients at the Social Benefits Tribunal. She graduated in 2001 and articled with a firm specializing in insurance defence before her call to the bar in 2002.