We are pleased to announce that our colleague Melissa E. Graves has been named a 2016 Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Women in the Law.” The selection criteria included commitment to excellence in the practice of law, inspiring and accomplished leadership in the profession, mentoring and significant contributions of time and effort to volunteer and pro bono activities. Graves is one of 30 distinguished lawyers who were chosen to receive this prestigious award.
Graves, a partner with the firm, focuses her practice on the defense of professional liability claims and has represented a wide array of professionals, including attorneys, real estate agents, insurance agents, and health care professionals. She is also involved in the defense of judicial disciplinary and general liability matters, including claims arising out of auto and trucking accidents.
Graves contributes to the legal profession through her leadership in a number of organizations. Graves in actively involved in the Oakland County Bar Association, and is past president of the Oakland County Region of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM). She also the past president of the Oakland County Women’s Bar Association (WBA) and served on the board for many years. During her presidency, the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan awarded the WBA a Regional Leadership Award, recognizing the WBA’s “demonstrated professionalism, excellence and dedication to furthering the objectives of the WLAM.”
“Melissa has become an invaluable resource to our clients, who have come to depend on her for advice, counsel, and an aggressive defense,” states Michael J. Sullivan, President of Collins Einhorn Farrell PC. “She is truly one of the future leaders of the defense bar in the Professional Liability arena. This recognition is timely and appropriate.”
Graves has been recognized by Super Lawyers as a “Rising Star” in 2010 and 2012, and for her work in Professional Liability – Defense every year since 2013. She is also a two-time listed “Top Lawyer” by DBusiness Magazine for her work in Legal Malpractice Law.
Graves will be formally honored at an awards ceremony hosted by Michigan Lawyers Weekly on September 15th, 2015 at Detroit Marriott Troy, and will be profiled in Michigan Lawyers Weekly.