Michele Brenda Anderson

Michele Brenda Anderson was born on December 5, 1958, in Middlesex, England, into a proud military family whose service meant a life constantly on the move. Her early travels to far-flung and diverse places shaped her worldview, which afforded her a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and gave her the natural ability to connect authentically with people from all walks of life. Michele graduated from the University of California, Irvine in 1981 and went on to earn a Juris Doctor degree from Southwestern Law School in 1990.

For more than thirty-five years, Michele served as a dedicated civil servant with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, where she worked as a Deputy City Attorney and special prosecutor. Her legal career was marked by both breadth and rigor, as she handled complex cases involving real estate mortgage fraud, child pornography, wage and hour violations, domestic violence, identity theft, manslaughter, driving under the influence, and occupational health and safety violations. She was a certified Drug Recognition Expert and instructor, served as a temporary judge, and later returned to Southwestern Law School as an Adjunct Associate Professor of Law, where she taught Legislative Drafting and Process.

Throughout her life, Michele gave generously to her community. She volunteered tirelessly in support of her children’s school activities and was a passionate advocate for civic engagement and the legislative process. A lifetime member and board member of the John M. Langston Bar Association, Michele was also a member of Black Women Lawyers of Los Angeles and the California Association of Black Lawyers. She served on the Executive Board of the Los Angeles County Bar Association, was a past Chair of its Criminal Justice Section, and held leadership roles as a Master and Program Director of the Criminal Inns of Court. She also chaired both the Los Angeles County Bar Association’s Delegation to the Conference of California Bar Associations (CCBA) and the conference itself.

Michele’s devotion to public service extended far beyond the courtroom. In her beloved home city of Long Beach, she served as Vice Chair of the Long Beach Civilian Police Oversight Commission and was a member of the Long Beach NAACP. She organized educational forums and Mandatory Continuing Legal Education lectures on voter registration, civil and constitutional rights, polling access, and political engagement, consistently advocating for minorities and underserved communities. Her work earned numerous certificates of recognition and appreciation from elected officials and private organizations alike. Her service was steady, generous, and deeply valued by those who relied on her leadership and integrity; and her commitment to justice and community empowerment endured through the end.

Michele was a gifted cook, and she cooked to share—to comfort, to celebrate, and to bring people together. Feeding others brought her great joy, whether it was a rousing Easter brunch or a neighborhood chili cookoff, Michele was always ready to whip up something special for the people she loved.

She found joy in international travel, painting and playing the piano, and approached life with a tenacious spirit and joyful heart that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. In her final days, Michele was surrounded by love, including her six siblings Dr. Gary Anderson, Dr. Patricia Anderson, Victor Anderson III, Esq., Marvette Anderson, Eric Anderson, and Brian Anderson.

Michele Brenda Anderson passed away on December 29, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. She was happily married to her devoted husband of thirty-seven years, Christopher Bobo, and was the proud mother of two beautiful and accomplished daughters, Ashley and Amanda Bobo. She is survived by her husband, her daughters, and many siblings, cousins, nieces, and friends who will forever cherish her love, strength, and spirit. Her zest for life, unwavering tenacity, and boundless generosity leave a legacy that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.

To honor Michele's passion for justice and legislation, those who wish to give a donation in lieu of flowers, may wish to donate to the Conference of California Bar Associations: https://www.ccba.law/.