By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Attorney Mary Dirkes followed in her mother’s legal footsteps – literally.
“My mother graduated from Wayne State Law School the semester before I began,” she says.
Now an attorney at Howard & Howard in Royal Oak, Dirkes, who received an undergrad degree in civil engineering from the University of Michigan, earned her J.D., cum laude, from Wayne State Law School.
“I loved that my class was very friendly and willing to help out others – or at least the majority of them,” she says. “I had heard horror stories from upper classmen about students hiding the books that contained ‘the case’ needed for an assignment – yes, back then we were still reading case law from a book. My class was just the opposite as everyone was always willing to help out each other.”
Dirkes, who concentrates her practice in commercial litigation, set her sights on a legal career as early as high school.
“I think the idea of helping others navigate through a problem was very appealing to me,” she says. “I’ve always enjoyed being a problem-solver.”
“I love working on as many different types of commercial litigation matters as possible. That way, each case presents something new to learn.”
Dirkes represents and counsels a wide variety of companies, both large and small, and both closely-held and publicly-traded businesses; and has appeared on behalf of her clients in various federal and state trial and appellate courts.
“I love the challenge the courtroom presents – no matter how much you prepare, there is always the chance you will be thrown a curveball that you did not anticipate, but that you must address as if you had,” she says.
While Dirkes has handled many interesting cases, she notes the players involved are oftentimes more interesting than the underlying facts of the case.
“Throughout my career, I’ve run into some very interesting people – whether it be opposing counsel, or a client witness, or even the plaintiff,” she says. “Some are difficult – sometimes just for the sake of being difficult – some are charming, some are incredibly intelligent, and some are eclectic. You really do meet all walks of life.”
Dirkes also takes part in alternative dispute resolution settings such as mediation and arbitration hearings.
“Litigation is very expensive,” she says. “I’m a big believer in trying to resolve a matter without further court involvement at several different stages in the litigation process so as to minimize the cost.”
In addition to her caseload, Dirkes is in charge of the paralegals and associates at Howard & Howard, and she participates in recruiting.
“I love helping out in any way I can in those roles,” she says.
Born in Detroit, Dirkes moved to Lathrup Village in the fourth grade.
“I have nothing but great memories of both places,” she says.
She now makes her home in Royal Oak.
“Shortly after law school, I bought what I thought would be a 5-year starter home – I’ve yet to move from that starter home,” she says. “Although I’m sometimes jealous of folks that live in big cities such as Chicago or New York, I wouldn’t trade my backyard for big city life. The Detroit area is full of hidden – and not so hidden – gems.”
A perfect day for Dirkes is a sunny day, spent sitting outside with friends, having some wine and good food.
“I’m not sure if that is considered a hobby, but if it isn’t, it ought to be,” she says with a smile. “I’m also a pretty big sports fan – all the local teams, plus, of course, the Wolverines.”
And above all, family is very important to Dirkes.
“Lawyers have to work very long hours, however, I firmly believe that family always comes first,” she says.
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