Services
Education
Wayne State University Law School, J.D., 2000
North Carolina State University, B.A.
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court
- Eastern District of Michigan
Michelle P. Crockett leads the firm's hiring of all attorneys, recruitment, diversity & inclusion initiatives, mentoring programs, professional development and continuing education (CLE) initiatives.
She also specializes in defending Fortune 500 companies and public-sector clients against a variety of employment-related claims. She conducts internal investigations which involve claims of harassment, retaliation, discrimination, malfeasance, and misappropriation of funds. In addition, Michelle has an expertise in providing litigation and traditional labor advice to school districts throughout Michigan, which includes but is not limited to assistance with board governance, special education issues, due process hearings, student discipline and collective bargaining.
In her role as a traditional labor attorney she serves as chief negotiator and/or as a member of negotiating teams in the collective bargaining arena and gives advice and counsel on all matters related to the application of the anti-affirmative action amendment (formerly known as Proposition 2) adopted by Michigan voters in 2007. Michelle also assists government contractors and subcontractors with enforcing and implementing Executive Order 11246. To that end, she drafts affirmative action plans, assists with implementing and/or revising existing affirmative action plans, and provides guidance and counsel with OFCCP audits and/or conciliation agreements.
Michelle also served as general counsel for the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan from August 2013 to November 2014.
Representative Matters
Michelle has an extensive background in litigation matters involving all types of discriminatory claims. These cases frequently involve an employee or a number of employees alleging discrimination not only by the company, but also by specific individuals. As a result, the reputations of the company as well as people within the company - often high-level executives - are at stake. In these emotionally charged cases, Michelle believes it is important to understand all the dynamics at play. She has discovered that employees sometimes file lawsuits as a way to be heard or to prove a point. Thus, many lawsuits can either be prevented or resolved quickly if these employees are simply given an opportunity to vent their concerns. Michelle tends to approach all of her cases with this basic understanding of human nature, achieving great results for her clients.
"Fairness, understanding and providing excellent service in a cost-efficient manner is the best way I can serve my clients. My goal is resolution in the most cost-efficient manner for my client."
Honors
Fellow, College of Labor & Employment Lawyers
Best Lawyers in America, Employment Law - Management, 2022; Labor & Employment Litigation, 2013
Crain's Detroit Business 2021 Notable Executives in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Geraldine Bledsoe Ford Award, Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, 2021
Respected Advocate Award, Michigan Association for Justice, 2021
Michigan Lawyers Weekly's Leaders in the Law, Class of 2020
State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Honor Roll, 2020
Trailblazer Award, D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, 2019
Leadership Oakland Leader of Leaders, 2018
Crain's Notable Women Lawyers in Michigan, 2017
Michigan Chronicle Women of Excellence, 2015
Michigan Super Lawyers, Labor and Employment, 2013; Rising Star, 2008
Professional Activities
American Bar Association, 2000-present
State Bar of Michigan, 2000-present; Labor and Employment Law Council Member, 2013-present; Chair, 2019-present
Oakland County Bar Association, Labor & Employment Section Chair, 2016-2017; member, 2000-present
Oakland County Bar Foundation, Trustee, 2018-present
Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation, Board of Directors, 2020-present
Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors, 2020-present
Leadership Oakland XVI, Class of 2006
Leadership Detroit, Class of 2008
Civic, Cultural & Social Activities
Michigan Community Resources, Board Member, 2016-present; Chair, 2019-present
Detroit Regional LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Board Member, 2020
Leadership Oakland, President, 2016-2017; Board Member, 2010-2016
Alternatives for Girls, Board Chair, 2014-2018; Board Member, 2012-2019
Michigan Council of School Attorneys, President, 2012
Teaching
University of Michigan Law School, 2017-present: Race in the Law, K-12 Education Law
Speeches
"Impartiality, Implicit Assumptions, Biases and Arbitral Justice," Panelist, State Bar of Michigan Alternative Dispute Resolution Section Annual Conference, Oct. 9, 2021
"Leadership Through Diversity - Understanding the Do's and Don'ts," Troy Chamber of Commerce 2021 Diversity Summit, August 12, 2021
"Tapping Hidden Talent Pools to Fill Your Workforce Needs," Panelist, Michigan Chamber of Commerce Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Series, June 15, 2021
"The Way Forward: A Plan for Boosting Diversity and Inclusion in Law Firms," Michigan Lawyers Weekly webinar, Oct. 20, 2020
"Retaining Women in Law: New Strategies for Engaging and Retaining Women Lawyers," Panelist, Women Legal 2019, San Francisco, California, February 7, 2019
"Women Lawyers Association of Michigan - Celebrating the Past. Inspiring the Future." Panelist, Livonia, Michigan, November 15, 2018
"HR Department of One - Pump Up Your Skills," Panelist for HRAGD, September 2008
"How is Diversity Affected by a Downsizing Auto Industry? (Inclusive of Proposal 2)," Automotive Women's Alliance (AWA), The Townsend Hotel, March 13, 2007
"The Aftermath of the Affirmative Action Decision in Michigan," Miller Canfield Update, Detroit - November 2006, Grand Rapids - December 2006
Publications
"What law firms can learn from President Biden's Cabinet picks," Michigan Lawyers Weekly, February 11, 2021
"Alone on an Island," State Bar of Michigan Bar Journal, September 2013