Getting to Know: Julia Perkins

A partner with Varnum Attorneys at Law in Novi, Julia Perkins works with clients in family law matters including divorce, child custody, child support and parenting time matters.

She has experience with international custody cases and valuation and division of high net worth marital estates.

The Flint native also is a certified mediator with a focus in family law, and mediates family cases regularly.

Named a Top Lawyer by dBusiness, Perkins joined Varnum from Jaffe, Raitt, Heuer & Weiss P.C. in Southfield, where she was a partner in the Family Law practice.

Perkins, who earned an undergrad degree in business from Indiana University, and her J.D., magna cum laude, from Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University College of Law), has been an adjunct family law professor at Detroit Mercy Law School since 2004.

She serves on the Canton Township Planning Commission for and formerly served on the Canton Township Zoning Board of Appeals.

Her other community involvement includes serving on the Advisory Committee for Kids-Talk Children's Advocacy Center, which helps children suspected of abuse or neglect.

Perkins also serves on the Culinary Challenge Core Committee, an annual charitable event that raises money for Alternatives for Girls, Crossroads for Youth, and WLAM Foundation scholarship fund.

By Jo Mathis
Legal News

Residence: Canton

Why do you enjoy specializing in family law? I enjoy the human element of practicing Family Law although it can be challenging. As I accepted a few Family Law cases early on, I continued to get new client referrals and developed this niche from there. 

What is your proudest moment as a lawyer? Winning my first custody trial.

What was always written on your grade school report card? “Pleasure to have in class” ... of course!

What is your happiest childhood memory? There are so many good memories, I couldn’t choose just one. My parents were the coolest. 

When you feel overwhelmed, what do you do? Take the next step.

What would surprise people about you or about your job? What might surprise people about me, not my job, is that I love to garden and I’m in a rock-n-roll band.

What’s the name of the band, and what do you play? Analog Dogs. I am the singer. Dan Bates, fellow attorney, is the bass player and one of the founders.

Favorite stamp on your passport: Italy. Two times.

When you look back into the past, what do you miss most? My parents.

What book has most impacted your life? J.D. Salinger’s “A Catcher in the Rye.”

What is one thing you would like to learn to do? Photography.

What is the best advice you ever received? “This too shall pass.”