Get to Know: Lorne Brown

By Teresa Killeen
Washtenaw County Bar Association

A Flint native, Brown was raised in Ann Arbor and attended Pioneer High School. He matriculated at the University of Michigan, where he achieved a BS in Political Science. Brown served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Sill, OK.

After his service, he entered the University of Michigan Law School. After graduation, he eventually started with the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office and has served there for over 32 years.

Did you always know you wanted to be an attorney?

I did not always know I wanted to be a lawyer. My family always said I would be, but I started college intending to go to medical school.

What jobs did you have before you became an attorney?

I’ve had quite a few jobs before becoming an attorney. Most interestingly I’ve been a DJ, spinning discs at the height of the Disco Era, I’ve been a fry cook, and I’ve been a soldier.
Tell us a little about your family.

My immediate family consists of my wife, Carolyn, a University of Michigan graduate who is an Associate COO at Michigan Medical and our two daughters.

The oldest is a University of Michigan graduate who lives and works in California. The younger is set to graduate from MSU this May.

What would your second career choice have been if you had not become a lawyer?

My second career choice would be a used book dealer. I love books.

What are some of your favorite places that you have visited?

Favorite places I have visited include Hawaii, Punta Cana, and Las Vegas.

What are your favorite local hangouts?

My favorite local hangout is the basketball gym. I still love a good game of basketball with longtime friends and even new ones.

When you have a little extra money, where do you like to spend it?

When I have a little extra money, I spend it on my comic book collection. I have been collecting comics since I was in Junior High School. I love to “rescue” collections from people who would otherwise throw them away as ‘junk.’

What do you like to do in your spare time? Hobbies?

My hobbies are basketball, comic book collecting, and reading. I do love a great mystery movie or an engrossing television series, as well.

(Reprinted with permission from the Washtenaw County Bar Association Res Ipsa Loquitur newsletter.)