Michelle Cleary Profile

Michelle is a seasoned economist and project manager with over 25 years of experience in the economic consulting industry, possessing a deep understanding of both the client base and expert staff. She currently serves as the Senior Director of Client Management and Business Development for Keystone Strategy. Prior to this role, she held positions as a Senior Practice Development Manager and Senior Consultant at the Brattle Group, as well as a Senior Associate at the Princeton Economics Group. Michelle began her consulting career as a research associate at NERA.

Throughout her career, she has consulted on numerous high-profile investigations, litigations, mergers, and regulatory challenges, specializing in antitrust, consumer protection, and securities/finance across a variety of industries. She has effectively managed research teams that provide analyses for expert reports prepared for many leading academics and testifying economists, including two Nobel Laureates.

With over a decade of experience in business development and account management at consulting firms, she has been instrumental in developing processes to manage and expand client relationships, including securing new business opportunities. Her expertise also extends to operations, where she has strategized extensively on process optimization with stakeholders across functional groups. Throughout her career, Michelle has created several tools for change management aimed at enhancing project, practice, and knowledge management, as well as quality control and invoicing, alongside initiatives focused on diversity and work-life integration.

A strong advocate for a positive workplace culture, Michelle is passionate about fostering an inclusive and collaborative environment. She serves as the vice-chair for the Cartel & Criminal Practice Community of the ABA Antitrust Section, where she has actively participated in numerous diversity initiatives within the legal community.

Michelle earned her B.A. in Economics and French from Drew University and holds a strategy certificate from Harvard Business School.

“I am passionate about being a change champion, deeply committed to advancing fundamental human rights. With a background that intersects both privilege and marginalization, I have experienced both trust and unwarranted dismissal throughout my 50 years.  

My empathy for victims of social injustice is profound, driving me to be a compassionate leader dedicated to eradicating discrimination and inequality.

As a veteran consultant, project manager, business development and operations director in the commercial expert field, I was delighted to be invited to join this Board by Coleman Bazelon. My extensive experience in expert consulting, client management, and business operations, coupled with my active participation in numerous diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives at consulting firms and industry associations, has equipped me to drive meaningful change in the commercial sector.

Bringing these skills and perspectives to social justice issues is a natural extension of my background.  I am eager to embark on this journey from the ground up, addressing the critical need for expert and litigation consulting support in civil liberties matters.”