Amanda Dernovshek grew up in Knoxville, Tenn., and attended college at East Tennessee State University for undergrad and her MBA. In August 2015, Dernovshek began law school at Michigan State University College of Law, where she served as the editor-in-chief of the International Law Review and the communications director for the Student Bar Association.
As a student, Dernovshek served as a judicial extern for U.S. Court of Appeals Judge David McKeague, Sixth Circuit. She also served as a student clinician for one year after becoming a certified civil mediator. Dernovshek graduated from MSU Law with honors in May 2018 and joined Foster, Swift, Collins, & Smith as an associate attorney in September 2018. A Lansing resident, she is a member of the firm’s Business and Tax Practice Group and practices in the Lansing office where she has experience in federal taxation, employee benefits, intellectual property and executive compensation.
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Why did you become a lawyer?
I love to learn about new things and the legal profession allows me to continue learning every day and with every new client and project.
Who are your law role models – real and/or fictional?
RBG (Ruth Bader Ginsburg), of course.
What advice do you have for someone considering law school?
If law school is a dream for you, go for it. It’s an experience unlike anything else and even if you don’t become a traditional attorney, a J.D. can open many doors for you.
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be?
Probably my cousin, Tessa. She lives in Hawaii and gets to hike around the island and eat fresh fruit and ice cream all the time. Sounds amazing!
What do you do to relax?
I love to listen to podcasts, cook, bake, embroider, craft, and watch movies.
What other career path might you have chosen?
I’ve always loved animals and if I hadn’t decided to attend law school so long ago, I might have chosen to be a veterinarian.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self?
Stay focused and work hard, don’t worry about the small things and be confident – you will reach your goals.
Favorite local hangouts?
Lansing Brewing Company, Arcadia Smokehouse, Good Truckin’ Diner, Zoobies.
Favorite app?
Apple’s Podcast App.
Favorite Podcasts?
My Favorite Murder, Dr. Death, Sawbones, Criminal, Ologies, and so many more.
Favorite music?
Country.
What is your happiest childhood memory?
Singing Dixie Chicks with my sisters and mom in the car – we knew all the words.
What has been your favorite year so far and why?
2018—I graduated law school, bought a new car, got married, passed the bar, and began my career.
What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve ever been?
Rocky Mountain National Park – Estes Park, Colo.
What’s one thing you would like to learn to do?
Pottery – I’ve always loved pottery. I think it’s beautiful and I’d love to learn how to make it using a wheel.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I’m a certified scuba diver.
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