Attorney relishes ‘detective work’ of red flag insurance cases

By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

Attorney Lindsay Dangl, a managing shareholder with Murphy & Spagnuolo, P.C. in Okemos, relishes the excitement of insurance defense.

“I only handle cases with red flags, allowing me to investigate and prevent fraud. It’s like detective work—challenging and fun,” she says. “I also get to spend a lot of time in depositions and in court – which is the fun part about the job.”

She also finds municipal work to be rewarding.

“Supporting local government officials who serve in often thankless roles feels fulfilling,” she says. “I’m especially passionate about representing libraries across the state. Libraries are one of the few places left that promote lifelong learning and the free exchange of ideas, which is crucial to what our country stands for.”

Dangl is the new president of the Ingham County Bar Association (ICBA), after previously being involved with its Board of Directors and Young Lawyers Section.

“I got the advice early on to join the Bar Association and I’m glad I did because lawyers are some of my favorite people.  I’ve made wonderful lifelong friendships,” she says. “I also have a strong network of good attorneys who are always there to answer a question when unique situations arise, which has been very valuable to me. I love the Bar Association and I think it can help provide that in-person support network that many are missing since the pandemic.”

Dangl’s main goal is to grow the ICBA membership.  “To me, more members means a larger community, providing a broader support network for individuals to connect, share experiences, and collaborate on common goals. It also diversifies our perspectives and ideas, further enriching the experience of everyone who participates,” she says.

“Frankly, COVID and the new reality of remote work have changed how lawyers interact with each other. The Bar Association needs to evolve and provide what our members need now—whether that’s allowing new attorneys the opportunity to set foot in-person in a courtroom at our Bench-Bar Conference because all their hearings have been by Zoom, or providing socializing opportunities with local judges to better get to know the judges you’re in front of—even if it’s just to learn your name—or providing space for those informal mentorship opportunities I got as a young attorney watching more experienced attorneys during motion calls – the bar can have a lot of value,” she says. “I’m also reaching out to the law schools to see how we can better serve the soon-to-be lawyers in our community.”

Dangl is a member of Women Lawyers Association of Mid-Michigan, although not as active as early on in her career, as the only female attorney at a firm.

“Attending WLAM Happy Hours and talking to other women who had been in the same situation was life-changing,” she says. “I still have many close friendships from these conversations with wonderful mentors who provided the unique perspective of being a woman in the law.”

She also is a member of the Michigan Defense Trial Counsel.

“It’s a great organization for defense attorneys to share experiences and collaborate on strategies that helps to keep me sharp in the courtroom,” she says.  

Growing up, Dangl was inspired by her grandfather and uncle, who had a law firm—and a “Take Your Daughter to Work Day” with her uncle further piqued her interest. She also recalls a female attorney speaker at a fifth grade career day.

“Hearing her speak solidified that I wanted to pursue a career in law,” she says.

After earning her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, Dangl earned her JD, magna cum laude, from MSU College of Law. She particularly enjoyed the Chance at Childhood program and earned a certificate in Child and Family Advocacy.

“I thought I would solely focus on family law in my career,” she says. “It was great exposure to what actually working in the profession day in and day out would look like.”

A clerkship for Judge Tracey Yokich in Macomb County Circuit Court was a valuable experience.

“I enjoyed everything,” Dangl says. “Judge Yokich has been an incredible mentor. I conducted legal research, observed motions and trials, and helped with opinion writing under her guidance. She also showed me, firsthand, the importance of treating court staff with respect, often bringing them sweets on rough days. Through her, I learned not only what to avoid but also how to appreciate those who support our work. She even took me to lunch with some remarkable people and allowed me to shadow her. I’m deeply grateful for all she’s taught me.”

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