By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Labor and employment attorney Michelle Crockett recalls a case in which she assisted with identification of malfeasance of funds by employees, leading to an FBI investigation.
“I worked collaboratively with FBI officials which was not on my bingo card when I went to law school,” she said with a smile. “Nevertheless, it was another great learning experience that has broadened my ability to handle very complex matters associated with employment law.”
Crockett, who joined Honigman’s Detroit office in March as a partner in the Labor Practice Group and Labor and Employment Department, looks forward to exclusively concentrating on representing clients in every aspect of traditional labor and employment litigation.
“This includes a hopeful expansion of my ability to assist entities — including federal contractors and subcontractors — in the DEI space by aiding in their understanding of the ever-evolving legal landscape in this regard,” she said. “I’m also eager to continue training and proactively collaborating with clients to hopefully minimize the amount of litigation they may be subjected to.”
Crockett believes labor and employment law is the one area — outside of criminal law — where lawyers can directly impact individuals the most.
“Having said that, it may seem counterintuitive that I’ve spent the majority of my career representing employers,” she said. “In my opinion however, I’m able to effectuate change as a management attorney in a manner that would not be afforded to me as a plaintiff’s attorney.
“Instead of being on the other side of the table with the employer, I have the privilege of working in partnership with my clients to proactively identify opportunities — when possible — to revise practices and/or policies in an effort to maintain a culture where all employees have opportunities to succeed.
When issues do arise, Crockett added she enjoys “the process of working collaboratively with clients to reach a resolution that not only protects their interests but also allows for growth from even the most challenging situations.”
Crockett noted that, generally, any case involving an employee who initiates a lawsuit against their employer while still employed is challenging.
“There are so many competing interests and concerns when this occurs,” she said. “The employer has to balance the need to continue managing the employee, while simultaneously working towards a resolution of their claims against the backdrop of the possibility of an additional retaliation claim being asserted against them.”
An American Arbitration Association (AAA) arbitrator for employment matters nationwide, Crockett says serving in this role to assist parties with resolving matters is one of the highlights of her current practice.
“I’m able to engage in problem-solving in a manner that is unavailable to me as a practitioner, in that, I’m forced to take a bird’s-eye view of every situation, and objectively evaluate the facts presented against applicable law,” she said. “In this capacity, my sole focus is on following the law and making decisions accordingly.
“I believe this has made me an even better management attorney because my view of the cases I litigate has broadened to such an extent that I’m able to better anticipate and defend against certain claims and positions that opposing counsel may assert.”
Crockett also aims to become licensed in Washington, D.C., and expand her practice in that geographical area. A niece and nephew — her “bonus kids” due to the untimely passing of her sister — live in the nation’s capital.
“My goal is to eventually split my time between Washington, D.C. and Michigan, such that, I have a rich expanded L&E practice, while also being able to assist my brother-in-law as much as possible,” she said.
Crockett joined Honigman from Miller Canfield, where she served as Deputy Executive Officer and Chief Diversity Officer — and in 2022 was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to the State DEI Commission.
“It’s such an honor to be a State DEI Commissioner,” she says. “The goal of this commission is to ensure the state judiciary treats everyone with dignity and respect, provides equal treatment under the law, and is welcoming to all.
“What I’ve learned through my service is there are no easy answers and a ‘one size fits all’ approach is futile. The different communities within the state warrant different initiatives that are tailored to their specific needs and desires. While I certainly appreciate and have often trained others on this very concept, the application of such on a large scale has been eye-opening for me. Moreover, I’ve been reminded that what we’re attempting to do as commissioners is really the crux of DEI, as it is all about including everyone in the workplace, and in this particular context, our state judicial system.”
With kudos that include Best Lawyers in America, Crain's Notable Black Business Leader, and CORP Magazine Diversity Business Leader, Crockett was initially drawn to study law when she was in middle school and began learning about the civil rights movement.
“I realized I was reaping the benefits of that movement as I was the only African American in the private school my family chose to enroll me in after making the decision to not have me bussed approximately one hour from my home due to desegregation efforts,” she said. “I was fascinated by the history associated with segregation and the laws allowing for such.”
She went on to earn her B.A. in political science and government from North Carolina State University, and her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School.
Originally from Richmond, Va., Crockett now makes her home in Southfield, where her leisure pursuits include running and cooking — with dreams of one day owning a small bistro or catering business. Her daughter is completing medical studies at Emory University this May and will begin residency in Connecticut in June.
Despite her busy schedule, she also makes time to give back to the community. Secretary of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, current chair of the African American Partners’ Collaborative, and current chair of Michigan Community Resources, Crockett noted that community service, mentoring, and giving back to as many people as possible is her “North Star.”
“The organizations I’ve been privileged to help lead are a reflection of that,” she said. “The Troy Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to ensuring community members are aware of, and able to fully participate in the mosaic businesses within the Troy city limits. The individual members of the chamber also benefit from better understanding the community in which they work and serve.
Similarly, Crockett added, Michigan Community Resources “seeks to service underrepresented neighborhoods and community members by providing resources that will aid in their ability to uplift those that they live and work with.”
The African American Partners’ Collaborative is the brainchild of Crockett’s mentor, Saul Green, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. Each month, African American partners in most major law firms in Detroit join together to discuss and identify ways in which they can help mentor, advance and increase the representation of African Americans in the legal field.
“It’s my joy to be the chair of this esteemed group this year as we continue to support one another and promote the rich experiences that African Americans bring to our profession,” Crockett said.
She previously taught at the University of Michigan Law School; and served as president of Leadership Oakland; president of the Michigan Council of School Attorneys; and board president for Alternatives for Girls (AFG), whose mission is to support girls and young women and help them to explore and access support, resources, and opportunities necessary to be safe, to grow strong, and to make positive choices.
“I enjoyed this experience so much that when my term as president of the board ended, I cried,” Crockett said. “The work and growth of this organization over the years to help women and girls overcome obstacles and succeed in life — in accordance with their unique definition of success — is so special and needed.
“I learned so much from AFG’s participants and gained an even deeper appreciation of what an opportunity and a little assistance can do for someone who just needs a chance. It forever changed me as I now always try to find avenues to offer what I can to anyone who reaches out asks for assistance. There’s nothing better!”
Legal News
Labor and employment attorney Michelle Crockett recalls a case in which she assisted with identification of malfeasance of funds by employees, leading to an FBI investigation.
“I worked collaboratively with FBI officials which was not on my bingo card when I went to law school,” she said with a smile. “Nevertheless, it was another great learning experience that has broadened my ability to handle very complex matters associated with employment law.”
Crockett, who joined Honigman’s Detroit office in March as a partner in the Labor Practice Group and Labor and Employment Department, looks forward to exclusively concentrating on representing clients in every aspect of traditional labor and employment litigation.
“This includes a hopeful expansion of my ability to assist entities — including federal contractors and subcontractors — in the DEI space by aiding in their understanding of the ever-evolving legal landscape in this regard,” she said. “I’m also eager to continue training and proactively collaborating with clients to hopefully minimize the amount of litigation they may be subjected to.”
Crockett believes labor and employment law is the one area — outside of criminal law — where lawyers can directly impact individuals the most.
“Having said that, it may seem counterintuitive that I’ve spent the majority of my career representing employers,” she said. “In my opinion however, I’m able to effectuate change as a management attorney in a manner that would not be afforded to me as a plaintiff’s attorney.
“Instead of being on the other side of the table with the employer, I have the privilege of working in partnership with my clients to proactively identify opportunities — when possible — to revise practices and/or policies in an effort to maintain a culture where all employees have opportunities to succeed.
When issues do arise, Crockett added she enjoys “the process of working collaboratively with clients to reach a resolution that not only protects their interests but also allows for growth from even the most challenging situations.”
Crockett noted that, generally, any case involving an employee who initiates a lawsuit against their employer while still employed is challenging.
“There are so many competing interests and concerns when this occurs,” she said. “The employer has to balance the need to continue managing the employee, while simultaneously working towards a resolution of their claims against the backdrop of the possibility of an additional retaliation claim being asserted against them.”
An American Arbitration Association (AAA) arbitrator for employment matters nationwide, Crockett says serving in this role to assist parties with resolving matters is one of the highlights of her current practice.
“I’m able to engage in problem-solving in a manner that is unavailable to me as a practitioner, in that, I’m forced to take a bird’s-eye view of every situation, and objectively evaluate the facts presented against applicable law,” she said. “In this capacity, my sole focus is on following the law and making decisions accordingly.
“I believe this has made me an even better management attorney because my view of the cases I litigate has broadened to such an extent that I’m able to better anticipate and defend against certain claims and positions that opposing counsel may assert.”
Crockett also aims to become licensed in Washington, D.C., and expand her practice in that geographical area. A niece and nephew — her “bonus kids” due to the untimely passing of her sister — live in the nation’s capital.
“My goal is to eventually split my time between Washington, D.C. and Michigan, such that, I have a rich expanded L&E practice, while also being able to assist my brother-in-law as much as possible,” she said.
Crockett joined Honigman from Miller Canfield, where she served as Deputy Executive Officer and Chief Diversity Officer — and in 2022 was appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court to the State DEI Commission.
“It’s such an honor to be a State DEI Commissioner,” she says. “The goal of this commission is to ensure the state judiciary treats everyone with dignity and respect, provides equal treatment under the law, and is welcoming to all.
“What I’ve learned through my service is there are no easy answers and a ‘one size fits all’ approach is futile. The different communities within the state warrant different initiatives that are tailored to their specific needs and desires. While I certainly appreciate and have often trained others on this very concept, the application of such on a large scale has been eye-opening for me. Moreover, I’ve been reminded that what we’re attempting to do as commissioners is really the crux of DEI, as it is all about including everyone in the workplace, and in this particular context, our state judicial system.”
With kudos that include Best Lawyers in America, Crain's Notable Black Business Leader, and CORP Magazine Diversity Business Leader, Crockett was initially drawn to study law when she was in middle school and began learning about the civil rights movement.
“I realized I was reaping the benefits of that movement as I was the only African American in the private school my family chose to enroll me in after making the decision to not have me bussed approximately one hour from my home due to desegregation efforts,” she said. “I was fascinated by the history associated with segregation and the laws allowing for such.”
She went on to earn her B.A. in political science and government from North Carolina State University, and her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School.
Originally from Richmond, Va., Crockett now makes her home in Southfield, where her leisure pursuits include running and cooking — with dreams of one day owning a small bistro or catering business. Her daughter is completing medical studies at Emory University this May and will begin residency in Connecticut in June.
Despite her busy schedule, she also makes time to give back to the community. Secretary of the Troy Chamber of Commerce, current chair of the African American Partners’ Collaborative, and current chair of Michigan Community Resources, Crockett noted that community service, mentoring, and giving back to as many people as possible is her “North Star.”
“The organizations I’ve been privileged to help lead are a reflection of that,” she said. “The Troy Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to ensuring community members are aware of, and able to fully participate in the mosaic businesses within the Troy city limits. The individual members of the chamber also benefit from better understanding the community in which they work and serve.
Similarly, Crockett added, Michigan Community Resources “seeks to service underrepresented neighborhoods and community members by providing resources that will aid in their ability to uplift those that they live and work with.”
The African American Partners’ Collaborative is the brainchild of Crockett’s mentor, Saul Green, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan. Each month, African American partners in most major law firms in Detroit join together to discuss and identify ways in which they can help mentor, advance and increase the representation of African Americans in the legal field.
“It’s my joy to be the chair of this esteemed group this year as we continue to support one another and promote the rich experiences that African Americans bring to our profession,” Crockett said.
She previously taught at the University of Michigan Law School; and served as president of Leadership Oakland; president of the Michigan Council of School Attorneys; and board president for Alternatives for Girls (AFG), whose mission is to support girls and young women and help them to explore and access support, resources, and opportunities necessary to be safe, to grow strong, and to make positive choices.
“I enjoyed this experience so much that when my term as president of the board ended, I cried,” Crockett said. “The work and growth of this organization over the years to help women and girls overcome obstacles and succeed in life — in accordance with their unique definition of success — is so special and needed.
“I learned so much from AFG’s participants and gained an even deeper appreciation of what an opportunity and a little assistance can do for someone who just needs a chance. It forever changed me as I now always try to find avenues to offer what I can to anyone who reaches out asks for assistance. There’s nothing better!”
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