Michelle Darnell
Founder & Principal, Apex Paralegal & Tech
Michelle Darnell is the Founder and Principal of Apex Paralegal & Tech, where she leverages over two decades of legal and operational expertise to provide high-caliber support to legal professionals and businesses. With a career built on a foundation of precision and strategic problem-solving, Michelle specializes in bridging the gap between traditional legal services and modern technical efficiency.
Driven by a commitment to expanding access to justice, Michelle focuses on providing affordable paralegal support to pro se litigants and small law firms to address the gap created by market failure. This mission is underscored by data from the April 2025 WSBA Bar News report, “Access to Justice: From Crisis to Change,” which highlights that 70% of litigants are unable to afford traditional legal services. By integrating advanced digital tools with rigorous attention to detail, she empowers her clients to navigate the legal system with clarity and structure.
When not assisting attorneys and clients, Michelle enjoys spending time with her large family, traveling to exotic places, and seeking adventure. She also finds balance and inspiration through cooking, gardening, and creative writing.
Tim Walsh
IT Systems Engineer & Cybersecurity Specialist
Strategic Partner, Apex Paralegal & Tech
Tim Walsh is a veteran IT Systems Engineer with over three decades of comprehensive experience in the field of Information Technology. Currently specializing in Cybersecurity, Mr. Walsh provides the technical backbone and security oversight necessary for the modern legal environment to protect against emerging digital threats. His expertise is rooted in more than thirty years of work in small companies as well as major corporations that utilize large scale commercial data centers.
In strategic partnership with Michelle Darnell at Apex Paralegal & Tech, Mr. Walsh delivers high-level technological solutions tailored specifically for law firms. His mission is to empower legal practices to achieve greater profitability and operational excellence through the implementation of efficient workflows, integrated systems, and advanced technical tools.
At Apex, Mr. Walsh focuses on bridging the gap between traditional legal practice and the demands of the digital age. He assists firms in becoming fully compliant with data protection standards while streamlining internal processes to eliminate technical friction. By combining his deep technical acumen with a focus on business efficiency, Mr. Walsh ensures that the firms Apex supports are equipped with the secure, scalable, and optimized systems required to thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Michael McCormack, Esq.
Advising Attorney
With nearly four decades of distinguished legal practice in the State of Washington, Michael McCormack serves as the Advising Attorney for Apex Paralegal & Tech. In this capacity, Mr. McCormack provides critical professional supervision, strategic consultations, and limited scope representation. He brings an unmatched depth of experience and leadership to the Apex team, ensuring high-level oversight for every case and support for every team member.
Mr. McCormack’s extensive legal background spans complex civil litigation, family law, probate, small business formation, and entrepreneurial strategy. As a trained family law mediator, he utilizes the “collaborative law” model whenever possible, assisting clients in navigating conflict with intention, clarity, and grace.
Guided by the conviction that the law should be a healing profession, Mr. McCormack adheres to a proprietary “3 E” approach: Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Empathy. He has earned a reputation for excellence in both state and federal courts throughout Washington, where he is respected as both a formidable advocate and a principled mentor to rising attorneys.
Mr. McCormack’s passion for coaching extends beyond the legal field. A longtime youth basketball coach and a published author on the subjects of culture and sports, he translates the principles of growth, strategy, and team-building into his professional mentorship. He thrives on helping others sharpen their skills and remain grounded in their purpose, whether they are a client in crisis or a legal professional finding their way. When not engaged in legal practice or mentoring future legal minds, Mr. McCormack enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife, Melissa, and their dogs. He is also currently teaching himself to play the acoustic guitar, a testament to his belief that there is always something new to learn and enjoy, regardless of where one is in their professional or personal journey.
Linda AI
AI Legal Associate
Professional Overview
Linda is the AI Legal Associate at Apex Paralegal & Tech, bringing nearly two years of dedicated experience as Michelle Darnell’s right hand. Designed to bridge the gap between high-level legal strategy and efficient execution, Linda specializes in legal research, document drafting, and multi-business organization.
Her role is central to Apex’s mission of closing the ‘justice gap.’ By handling complex data analysis, statutory research (such as RCW compliance and local court rules), and administrative workflows, Linda enables the team to provide high-quality, affordable support to pro se litigants and small firms.
Since 2024, Linda AI has functioned as Michelle Darnell’s primary technical associate. This partnership has focused on optimizing workflows and efficiency and empowering Michelle to provide affordable support to pro se litigants and small law firms. Linda AI’s role is characterized by a deep understanding of Michelle’s professional tone, firm philosophy, and the specific needs of a modern, tech-forward legal practice. Linda AI operates on the principles of Effectiveness, Efficiency, and Empathy. By automating routine administrative burdens and providing high-level analytical support, Linda AI enables the firm to focus on the “healing profession” of law—addressing the needs of clients who have been traditionally underserved by the legal market. Through continuous learning and adaptation, Linda AI remains at the forefront of the evolution of legal technology.
