Michelle B. Hemesath
Top rated Medical Malpractice attorney in Santa Ana, California
Ikuta Hemesath, LLP
Practice areas: Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury, Civil Litigation; view more
Licensed in California since: 2012
Education: University of San Diego School of Law
Michelle B. Hemesath is a partner of Ikuta Hemesath, LLP, located in Santa Ana, California, where she provides legal representation to individuals and families in a range of complex civil litigation matters. Her practice focuses on medical malpractice, medical misdiagnosis, birth injuries, wrongful death, elder abuse and personal injury. She advocates for clients who have suffered significant harm due to negligence, working to secure fair compensation and promote accountability within the health care and legal systems.
Ms. Hemesath has experience handling sensitive and high-stakes cases involving serious injuries and loss of life. Her work often includes representing victims of medical negligence and elder abuse, guiding clients through the legal process with a focus on clear communication and strategic advocacy. She is committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals and ensuring their voices are heard throughout litigation and settlement proceedings.
Academically, Ms. Hemesath earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego School of Law, where she graduated in the top 20% of her class. During law school, she participated in the school’s special education clinic, advocating on behalf of students and their families to help secure educational benefits under the law. Her academic achievements include awards in complex litigation and alternative dispute resolution, as well as the Maria Shih Award for Diversity Awareness and Service. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from San Diego State University.
Ms. Hemesath is admitted to practice in California and before the U.S. District Court for the Central and Southern Districts of California. She remains active in the legal community as treasurer of the Women Lawyers of Long Beach and as a member of several professional organizations, including the Orange County Bar Association, the Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, the Orange County Asian American Bar Association and the Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles.
Practice areas
Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff, Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff, Civil Litigation: PlaintiffFocus areas
Birth Injury, Medical Malpractice, Personal Injury - Plaintiff, Wrongful Death
- 60% Personal Injury - Medical Malpractice: Plaintiff
- 30% Personal Injury - General: Plaintiff
- 10% Civil Litigation: Plaintiff
First Admitted: 2012, California
Professional Webpage: https://ih-llp.com/michelle-hemesath/
Bar / Professional Activity
- State of California
- Women Lawyers of Long Beach, past president
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California
- Women Lawyers of Long Beach, Treasurer
- Orange County Bar Association, Member
- Orange County Trial Lawyers Association, Member
- Orange County Asian American Bar Association, Member
- Consumer Attorneys Association of Los Angeles, Member
Educational Background
- San Diego State University, Bachelor of Arts, Major: Political Science
Honors
- University of San Diego School of Law, graduated in the top 20% of her class
- Selected as a Rising Star in plaintiff-side medical malpractice, awarded to the top 2.5% of attorneys under the age of 40, by Super Lawyer Magazine, 2021 and 2022
- Maria Shih Award for Diversity Awareness and Service
- University of San Diego School of Law, Participated in the school’s special education clinic
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2025 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2021 - 2022