what did michelle obama do to help people while being a lawyer

by Cara Wyman 7 min read

In her early legal career, she worked at the law firm Sidley Austin

Sidley Austin

Sidley Austin LLP, formerly known as Sidley Austin Brown & Wood LLP, is a general practice law firm based in the United States, with a focus on expertise in transactional and litigation matters. The current firm was formed as the result of the 2001 merger of two predecessors: the Chicago-b…

where she met Barack Obama. She subsequently worked in nonprofits and as the associate dean of Student Services at the University of Chicago as well as the vice president for Community and External Affairs of the University of Chicago Medical Center.

Full Answer

What did Michelle Obama do before she became a lawyer?

After earning her J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1988, Michelle joined the Chicago office of the law firm Sidley Austin as a junior associate specializing in marketing and intellectual property. Assigned to mentor a summer intern named Barack Obama, she deflected his initial romantic advancements before they began dating.

What did Michelle Obama do for a living as a doctor?

In 2002, she went to work for the University of Chicago Medical Center, where in 2005 she became the vice president of community and external affairs. During these years the Obamas’ daughters Malia and Sasha were born. As first lady, Michelle Obama initiated Let’s Move! a program aiming to end childhood obesity within a generation.

What did Michelle Obama do for public service?

Michelle Obama. In 1993, she was named executive director for the Chicago branch of Public Allies, a leadership-training program for young adults. Moving on to the University of Chicago as associate dean of student services, she developed the school’s first community-service program.

Who is Michelle Obama's mentor at Harvard Law School?

At Harvard Law School, where the tenured faculty was 96 percent white and 92 percent male, Obama spoke up for greater diversity. Charles Ogletree, a mentor and professor, pinpointed her passions early.

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What accomplishments did Michelle Obama do?

As first lady, Obama served as a role model for women and worked as an advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating. She supported American designers and was considered a fashion icon. After her husband's presidency, Obama's influence has remained high.

What law firm did the Obamas work for?

In 1993 Obama joined Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland, a 12-attorney law firm specializing in civil rights litigation and neighborhood economic development, where he was an associate for three years from 1993 to 1996, then of counsel from 1996 to 2004, with his law license becoming inactive in 2007.

How old is Obama today?

60 years (August 4, 1961)Barack Obama / Age

How many languages does Michelle Obama speak?

EnglishMichelle Obama / LanguagesEnglish is a West Germanic language of the Indo-European language family, originally spoken by the inhabitants of early medieval England. Wikipedia

Is Barack Obama still a president?

Obama left office on January 20, 2017, and continues to reside in Washington, D.C. During Obama's terms as president, the United States' reputation abroad, as well as the American economy, significantly improved. Scholars and historians rank him among the upper to mid tier of American presidents.

What is obamas networth?

List of presidents by peak net worthNameNet worth (millions of 2022 US$)Political partyBill Clinton90DemocraticFranklin D. Roosevelt79DemocraticJohn Tyler68Whig / NoneBarack Obama48Democratic41 more rows

Who was the youngest president?

The youngest person to assume the presidency was Theodore Roosevelt, who, at the age of 42, succeeded to the office after the assassination of William McKinley. The youngest to become president by election was John F. Kennedy, who was inaugurated at age 43.

How old is Hillary Clinton?

74 years (October 26, 1947)Hillary Clinton / Age

How old do you have to be to be president?

Requirements to Hold Office According to Article II of the U.S. Constitution, the president must be a natural-born citizen of the United States, be at least 35 years old, and have been a resident of the United States for 14 years.

What languages did Obama speak?

EnglishBarack Obama / Languages

Does Michelle Obama have a brother?

Craig RobinsonMichelle Obama / BrotherCraig Malcolm Robinson is an American college basketball coach, basketball executive, and broadcaster. He is a former head men's basketball coach at Oregon State University and Brown University. He was a star forward as a player at Princeton University in the early 1980s and a bond trader during the 1990s. Wikipedia

Where did Michelle Obama work after law school?

Following law school, Obama became an associate at the Chicago office of the law firm Sidley & Austin, where she met her future husband Barack. At the firm, she worked on marketing and intellectual property law. She continues to hold her law license, but as she no longer needs it for her work, she has kept it on a voluntary inactive status since 1993.

What did Michelle Obama do as a first lady?

As first lady, Obama served as a role model for women and worked as an advocate for poverty awareness, education, nutrition, physical activity, and healthy eating. She supported American designers and was considered a fashion icon.

What religion did Michelle Obama attend?

Religion. The Obamas attend a church service in Washington, D.C., January 2013. Michelle Obama was raised United Methodist and joined the Trinity United Church of Christ, a mostly black congregation of the Reformed denomination known as the United Church of Christ.

When did Michelle Obama get married?

They married on October 3, 1992. After suffering a miscarriage, Michelle underwent in vitro fertilisation to conceive their daughters Malia Ann (born 1998) and Natasha (known as Sasha, born 2001). The Obama family lived on Chicago's South Side, where Barack taught at the University of Chicago Law School.

When did Obama meet Queen Elizabeth II?

On April 1, 2009, Obama met with Queen Elizabeth II in Buckingham Palace, Obama embracing her before attending an event with world leaders. Obama praised her, though the hug generated controversy for being out of protocol when greeting Elizabeth.

Who designed Michelle Obama's pants?

On January 20, 2021, the Obamas attended the inauguration of Joe Biden. Michelle Obama wore a matching plum coat, sweater, pants, and belt designed by Sergio Hudson to the inauguration. In 2021, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

Who is Michelle Obama's brother?

Obama family (by marriage) Craig Robinson (brother) Education. Princeton University ( AB) Harvard University ( JD) Signature. Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama (born January 17, 1964) is an American attorney and author who served as the First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017.

When did Barack Obama and Michelle Obama take a portrait?

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha pose for a family portrait with Bo and Sunny in the Rose Garden of the White House on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015. The National Archives.

When did Michelle leave corporate law?

They were engaged within two years, and married at the Trinity United Church of Christ on October 3, 1992. Michelle left corporate law in 1991 to pursue a career in public service, enabling her to fulfill a personal passion and create networking opportunities that would benefit her husband’s future political career.

When did Barack Obama and his daughters pose for a portrait?

President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, and daughters Malia and Sasha pose for a family portrait with Bo and Sunny in the Rose Garden of the White House on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015.

Why did the First Lady want her mother to live with her in the White House?

Continuing the family theme of her campaign speeches, the first lady stressed the importance of remaining a diligent parent and brought her mother to live with her in the White House. She was also recognized for an ability to connect to younger generations by remaining attuned to popular culture.

Who was Barack Obama's wife?

Michelle Obama (1964-), the wife of 44th U.S. president Barack Obama, served as first lady from 2009-2017. An Ivy League graduate, she built a successful career, first as a lawyer, and then in the private sector, which she maintained throughout her husband’s early political career. Concerned about the effect the campaign would have on their young ...

Who wrote to Thomas Jefferson urging justice for African Americans?

1791. Benjamin Banneker writes to Thomas Jefferson, urging justice for African Americans. When Obama decided to run for Illinois state senator in 1996, Michelle proved a disciplined campaign aide by canvassing for signatures and throwing fundraising parties.

What did Michelle Obama do in the White House?

Throughout her time in the White House Mrs. Obama worked to support veterans and military families. She also focused her energies on what she calls her most important role: MominChief to her daughters, who grew into accomplished young women during their eight years in the White House.

What did Michelle Obama do in 2002?

During these years the Obamas’ daughters Malia and Sasha were born. As first lady, Michelle Obama initiated Let’s Move! a program aiming to end childhood obesity within a generation.

What did Michelle Obama do during her second term?

During Barack Obama’s second term Michelle spearheaded the Reach Higher Initiative to help students understand job opportunities and the education and skills they need for those jobs.

Where did Michelle Obama get her bachelors degree?

Michelle earned a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and a juris doctor degree from Harvard Law School. In 1988, she returned to Chicago to join the firm of Sidley Austin. It was there that she met Barack Obama, a summer associate she was assigned to advise. They were married in 1992.

Where did Michelle Obama's journey begin?

Michelle Obama’s journey began in the South Side of Chicago, where Fraser and Marian Robinson instilled in their daughter a heartfelt commitment to family, hard work, and education.

What is the Chicago chapter of Public Allies?

She was assistant commissioner of planning and development in Chicago’s City Hall before becoming the founding executive director of the Chicago chapter of Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program that prepares young people for public service.

What was Michelle Obama's first role?

In January 2010, Obama undertook her first lady role and launched “Let’s Move!” , a public health campaign in the United States, to make progress in reversing the 21st-century trend of childhood obesity.

What are Michelle Obama's accomplishments?

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama was born on January 17, 1964 in Chicago, Illinois. The families of her father, Fraser Robinson III, and mother, Marian Shields Robinson, traced their roots to African American slaves from pre-Civil War American southern states. Completing her professional education, ...

Why is Michelle Obama compared to Jacqueline Kennedy?

Michelle Obama has been compared to Jacqueline Kennedy due to her sense of style and also to Barbara Bush for her discipline and decorum. She became a fashion trendsetter, including her first-term official portrait in a dress by Michael Kors, and her ball gowns designed by Jason Wu for both inaugurals.

What is the mission of the Chicago branch of the organization?

The mission of the organization is to create a just and equitable society and the diverse leadership to sustain it. As the founder of the Chicago branch of the organization, Michelle Obama was a highly successful fundraiser and executive, helping launch Public Allies successfully.

When did Michelle Obama start working?

In 2002, Michelle Obama started working as Executive Director for Community Affairs under University of Chicago Hospitals. Mrs. Michelle Obama extensively campaigned for her husband Barack Obama’s presidential bid throughout 2007- 2008 and was a driving force behind his nomination.

When did Michelle Obama join the military?

Joining Forces. In 2011, Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden came together to launch Joining Forces, a nationwide initiative calling all Americans to rally around service members, veterans, and their families and support them through wellness, education and employment opportunities.

Where is Michelle Obama's medical center?

In 2002, Michelle Obama started working as Executive Director for Community Affairs under University of Chicago Hospitals, a nationally ranked academic medical center located in Hyde Park on the South Side of Chicago.

What did Michelle Obama call herself?

She called herself “the little black girl from the South Side of Chicago.”.

What was Michelle Obama's upbringing?

By upbringing, she was urban and attuned to issues of prejudice, hardship and inequality.

Where did Michelle Obama exercise?

Michelle Obama exercises with children from Orr Elementary School in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 6, 2013. (Marvin Joseph/The Washington Post) One of Obama’s signatures was the push for a seat at the table — or in “the room where it happens,” to borrow from “Hamilton,” the Broadway musical the Obamas admire.

When did Michelle Obama address the Democratic National Convention?

First lady Michelle Obama addresses the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia on July 25, 2016. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post) Three weeks after Inauguration Day in 2009 and still a long way from crafting an agenda, Michelle Obama climbed into her motorcade and paid a visit to Mary’s Center, a Latino community services agency ...

Where did Michelle Obama's family vacation?

The first family prepares to board Air Force One on Aug. 21, 2016, after their vacation on Martha's Vineyard, in Massachusetts. (Steven Senne/Associated Press) Since the beginning of the first presidential campaign nearly 10 years ago, Obama has credited her girlfriends with keeping her grounded amid the maelstrom.

Who was Obama's grandfather?

Both of Obama’s grandfathers had come north in the Great Migration, and many members of the Robinson and Shields families lived nearby. Purnell Shields, a talented carpenter and Obama’s maternal grandfather, was barred as an African American from the labor unions that claimed the highest-paying jobs.

Did the Obamas have immunity?

The Obamas were not immune, despite their efforts, their achievements, their conduct. For years, Donald Trump sowed doubts about Barack Obama’s birth and citizenship, while talk show host Rush Limbaugh told his millions of followers that Michelle suffered from “uppity-ism” and called her “Michelle My Butt.”.

What was Michelle Obama's goal as First Lady?

Her goal was to make progress in reversing the 21st century trend of childhood obesity.

What does the First Lady do?

As First Lady she also supports military families, helps working women balance their careers and families, encourages national service, promotes the arts and arts education, and fosters healthy eating and healthy living for children and families across the country.

When did Michelle Obama graduate from Harvard Law School?

Michelle Obama graduated from Harvard Law School in 1988, and was admitted as a lawyer by the Supreme Court of Illinois on May 12, 1989. Following graduation, she joined Sidley Austin, a corporate law firm in Chicago.

When did Obama become a lawyer?

President Obama graduated from Harvard Law School in 1991 and was admitted as a lawyer by the Supreme Court of Illinois on Dec. 17, 1991. Prior to being elected to the Illinois state Senate in 1996, he worked as a civil rights lawyer at the firm formerly known as Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland.

How long was Barack Obama a professor?

From 1992 until his election to the U.S. Senate in 2004, Barack Obama served as a professor in the Law School. He was a Lecturer from 1992 to 1996.

Why did Obama surrender his license?

He surrendered his license back in 2008 in order to escape charges he lied on his bar application.

When did Obama retire?

Then, after becoming president, he elected to change his status to “retired” in February 2009.

Can you get disciplinary action against a person who inactivates their license?

A: No. A court official confirms that no public disciplinary proceeding has ever been brought against either of them, contrary to a false Internet rumor. By voluntarily inactivating their licenses, they avoid a requirement to take continuing education classes and pay hundreds of dollars in annual fees.

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Overview

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson Obama (born January 17, 1964) is an American attorney and author who served as the first lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017. She was the first African-American woman to serve in this position. She is the wife of former President Barack Obama.
Raised on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois, Obama is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Law School. In her early legal career, she worked at the law firm Sidley Austin where she …

Family and education

Michelle LaVaughn Robinson was born on January 17, 1964, in Chicago, Illinois, to Fraser Robinson III (1935–1991), a city water plant employee and Democratic precinct captain, and Marian Shields Robinson (b. July 30, 1937), a secretary at Spiegel's catalog store. Her mother was a full-time homemaker until Michelle entered high school.
The Robinson and Shields families trace their roots to pre-Civil War African Americans in the Ame…

Career

Following law school, Obama became an associate at the Chicago office of the law firm Sidley & Austin, where she met her future husband Barack. At the firm, she worked on marketing and intellectual property law. She continues to hold her law license, but as she no longer needs it for her work, she has kept it on a voluntary inactive status since 1993.
In 1991, she held public sector positions in the Chicago city government as an Assistant to the M…

Barack Obama political campaigns

During an interview in 1996, Michelle Obama acknowledged there was a "strong possibility" her husband would begin a political career, but said she was "wary" of the process. She knew it meant their lives would be subject to scrutiny and she was intensely private.
Although she campaigned on her husband's behalf since early in his political career by handshaking and fund-raising, she did not relish the activity at first. When she campaigned during her …

First Lady of the United States (2009–2017)

During her early months as First Lady, Obama visited homeless shelters and soup kitchens. She also sent representatives to schools and advocated public service.
Obama advocated for her husband's policy priorities by promoting bills that support it. She hosted a White House reception for women's rights advocates in celebration of the enactment of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009 Pay equity law. She supported the economic stimulus bill in visits …

Subsequent activities

In May 2017, during an appearance at the Partnership for a Healthier America conference, Obama rebuked the Trump administration for its delay of a federal requirement designed to increase the nutritional standards for school lunches. In June, while attending the WWDC in Silicon Valley, California, Obama called for tech companies to add women for the diversifying of their ranks. In July, Obama honored Eunice Shriver at the 2017 ESPY Awards. In September, Obama delivered a…

Authored books

• Obama, Michelle (2012). American Grown. New York: Crown Publishing Group. ISBN 978-0-307-95602-6.
• Obama, Michelle (2018). Becoming. New York: Crown Publishing Group. ISBN 978-1-5247-6313-8.

Book reviews

• New York Journal of Books, 2018