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 says 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 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 says. “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 says. “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, I thoroughly enjoy 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 notes 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 explains. “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 says. “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 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.”
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 civil rights.
She went on to earn her B.A. in government and political science from North Carolina State University, and her J.D. from Wayne State University Law Schoo, .bout the civil rights movement.
Despite her busy schedule, she also makes time to give back to the community. and notes that community service, mentoring, and giving back to as many people as possible is her “North Star.”
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 says 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 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 says. “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 says. “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, I thoroughly enjoy 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 notes 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 explains. “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 says. “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 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.”
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 civil rights.
She went on to earn her B.A. in government and political science from North Carolina State University, and her J.D. from Wayne State University Law Schoo, .bout the civil rights movement.
Despite her busy schedule, she also makes time to give back to the community. and notes that community service, mentoring, and giving back to as many people as possible is her “North Star.”
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