Michele Dobson

By way of background, during law school, Ms. Dobson had the pleasure of defraying the cost of her education by substitute teaching in Long Beach Unified School District. In preparation for her professional career, she worked for 11 years as a law clerk and project attorney in a small civil practice in an area of Long Beach that served low income and disadvantaged citizens. During law school, she also had the opportunity to work with Community Legal Services of Los Angeles or "Legal Aid." As a law clerk for Legal Aid, she had the opportunity to work with clients in the areas of landlord/tenant and family law. During her time with Legal Aid, she also worked with the Domestic Violence Clinic at the Superior Court of California in Norwalk, California.

In the Fall of 1996, she also served as a law clerk for the Honorable David O. Carter, now a Federal Judge, during his tenure as the Master Calendar Judge for the Orange County Superior Court in Santa Ana. Finally, in the Spring of 1996, she had the opportunity to work as a Certified Law Clerk for the Orange County District Attorney’s Office in the West Orange County Court.

Ms. Dobson worked in several positions to pay for her education and gain Public Policy and Administration experience. The positions include that of a Congressional Intern in the City of Long Beach for the United States House of Representatives (Honorable Steven Horn (R)) and as a District Office Field Representative for the California State Assembly (Honorable Debra Bowen (D)).

After beginning her career as a Criminal Defense Attorney with the Public Defenders' Office, Ms. Dobson joined a large, corporate firm in the civil defense area defending Physicians, Acute Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Skilled Nursing Facilities and Their Staffs before starting her own firm in 2005. Ms. Dobson has been a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated since crossing in the Spring of 1987. Ms. Dobson is a mother of two, has been in private practice since December of 2005 and is a native of the Westside of the Great City of Long Beach, California daughter of Rev. Leslie Dobson and Mrs. Blonnie Dobson. She has been an ordained minister since the Winter of 2025.

Long Beach, California

I have encountered many friends, clients, and family members who have had difficulty finding a minister willing to officiate their marriage. I believe that love is love, and that all couples deserve the opportunity to have their commitment recognized and celebrated. I am honored to offer my services to support couples seeking an inclusive, respectful, and meaningful ceremony.

What makes my ceremonies special is that they are deeply personal, inclusive, and rooted in genuine connection. I take the time to truly listen to each couple’s story — how they met, what they value, what they’ve overcome, and what they hope to build together. No two love stories are the same, and I believe a ceremony should reflect that uniqueness rather than follow a one-size-fits-all script.

I approach each ceremony with warmth, respect, and intention, creating a space where couples feel seen, affirmed, and celebrated exactly as they are. I believe love is love, and every couple deserves a ceremony that honors their commitment with dignity, joy, and authenticity. Whether the tone is spiritual, secular, lighthearted, or deeply meaningful, I work collaboratively with couples to ensure their ceremony feels true to them.

At its heart, my goal is simple: to create a moment that feels genuine, memorable, and filled with love, one that couples and their loved ones will carry with them long after the ceremony ends.

In addition to officiating weddings, I see my role as one of support, presence, and care during meaningful life moments. I work closely with couples to ensure their ceremony reflects not only their love, but their values, culture, and vision for their future together. I’m happy to incorporate personal vows, cultural or spiritual traditions, family involvement, or moments of reflection that feel authentic to them.

I also understand that planning a wedding can feel overwhelming, so I aim to make the process calm, collaborative, and reassuring. From our first conversation to the moment you say “I do,” I strive to be accessible, organized, and attentive to detail, so couples can feel confident and supported every step of the way.

Beyond weddings, I am available for vow renewals, commitment ceremonies, and other meaningful life celebrations. My goal is always the same: to create a space where love is honored, stories are respected, and people feel truly seen and supported during one of the most important moments of their lives.