Get to Know Martha Gove

A Michigan native, Gove has lived in Ann Arbor since 2001. She earned her  undergraduate degree at Amherst College and law degree at the University of Michigan. In between, she received a master’s in French from Middlebury College and lived in California, North Carolina, and France.

Gove works for the Michigan Advocacy Program’s Family Law Project, representing survivors of domestic violence in matters of family law and personal protection. 

By Teresa A. Killeen
Washtenaw County Bar Association

What jobs did you have before you became an attorney?
In high school and college, I babysat, waitressed, and spent a summer working as a housekeeper in a Jackson Hole, WY resort. Later, I worked as an editor for foreign language textbooks and academic journals, and then did PR for environmental vehicle programs. I also volunteered as an adult literacy tutor.

Tell us a little about your family. I’m married with two teenage kids, two dogs, and two cats.

What is the biggest challenge facing you as an attorney today? Working in legal services, it’s always very difficult when our limited resources require us to reject clients in need. We would love to be able to refer such clients to our colleagues in the private bar who are willing to represent them on a pro bono (or even low-bono) basis.

Any words of wisdom to pass on to new lawyers? Whenever possible, sit through a judge’s motion docket before you appear before her or him for the first time. It’s an easy way to identify good (and bad) practices.

What is your favorite movie or book?
I have many favorite books, but the most unusual book I read and enjoyed recently is “Your Presence Is Requested at Suvanto,” by Maile Chapman.

What are your favorite local hangouts? Bird Hills, Washtenaw Dairy, Bill’s Beer Garden, and the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market.

What do you like to do in your spare time? I like to read, travel, and spend time with friends and family. I also play for an indoor soccer team and a USTA tennis league.

Why do you choose to be a member of the WCBA? What is the greatest benefit you have enjoyed as a member? Since my office relocated from downtown Ann Arbor out to Ypsilanti, I have been making heavy use of the computer work stations in the WCBA office to draft orders between hearings. But I’m most grateful for having a place to park my winter coat and boots while I’m in court (thanks, WCBA!).

Reprinted with permission from the Washtenaw County Bar Association’s newsletter, Res Ipsa Loquitur.


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