I graduated from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1997 and from Bemidji State University in 1994 with a degree in philosophy.
After law school, I spent two years in Ukraine as a US Peace Corps Volunteer. I taught English language and American culture, and advised on nongovernmental organization operations and grant writing.
In 2000, I moved to Washington, DC, and joined the law firm of Dorn & Klamp, PC, as an associate.
From 2004-2007, I worked as the Contracts Administrator at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
In 2007, I returned to Dorn & Klamp as of counsel, and then joined with Susan Dorn to form Dorn & Hanson, PC, in 2008.
In 2011, I opened The Law Office of Michelle A. Hanson.
In 2025, I closed The Law Office of Michelle A. Hanson.
I am a member of the bar in Minnesota, Maryland, and the District of Columbia.