Michelle L. Blackburn

Michelle L. Blackburn is a skilled Illinois attorney concentrating her practice on family law, estate planning, estate litigation, and immigration matters. Since joining Sorling Northrup Attorneys in 2010, she has provided thoughtful, effective representation for individuals and families across Springfield and Central Illinois. With more than two decades of experience, Michelle is known for her professionalism, courtroom skill, and compassionate approach to resolving complex family and estate disputes.

Michelle earned her J.D. from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago, where she served on the Moot Court executive board, and her B.S. in Political Science from Eastern Illinois University. She was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2001 and is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. Her education and early advocacy training laid the foundation for her success in trial and appellate litigation.

Throughout her career, Michelle has handled a wide range of family law cases involving dissolution of marriage, custody, child support, visitation, paternity, and adoption. Her appellate experience includes successfully arguing cases before the Illinois Appellate Court for the Fourth and Fifth Districts and the Illinois Supreme Court, such as In re Marriage of Cole, In re Marriage of Tedrick, In Re Sophia G.L., and In re Marriage of Mueller.

Michelle L. Blackburn is an active member of the American Bar Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Sangamon County Bar Association, and Central Illinois Women’s Bar Association, where she previously served as an officer. Dedicated to her clients and community, she combines deep legal knowledge with practical insight to guide families through sensitive legal challenges with integrity and care.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Sorling Northrup Attorneys
• Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, Central Illinois Women’s Bar Association
• Member, Sangamon County Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association

Licensed State

• Illinois

Education

• John Marshall Law School Chicago, IL
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Eastern Illinois University
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges