Farmington Hills Attorney Elected Michigan Bar President

Brilliant litigator. Born rainmaker. Tough negotiator. To such a reputation, many an ambitious attorney aspires.

However, attorney Julie I. Fershtman, a shareholder at Farmington Hills’ , and the State Bar of Michigan’s president-elect, transcends these simplistic legal stereotypes.

Fershtman, a Franklin resident, not only shoulders the litigator’s heavy workload and serves as a leading national expert in the practice area of equine, or horse, law, but also devotes a significant amount of her time to tending to the legal profession itself.

Her commitment to keeping a watchful eye on legal practice and its impact on people – both attorneys and their clients – began early in her career.

“I started out with projects that benefited young lawyers and the general public,” said Fershtman, who takes office in September.

Numerous appointments, leadership positions and professional honors followed her initial involvement.

In 2001, she chaired the Michigan bar association’s policy-setting arm. Honors include “Who’s Who in American Law” and inclusion in the American Bar Association’s Barrister magazine list of “21 Young Lawyers Leading Us into the 21st Century.”

Fershtman’s personal and human focus remains, despite her professional success.

“As trite as it may sound, the most meaningful recognition, in my opinion, comes from the people and businesses who are willing to hire me to handle their legal matters,” said Fershtman, 50. “And with 25 years of experience, my rates are not cheap. So when clients are ready to make an investment in my time and commitment, that’s all the recognition I could ever want.”

Not surprisingly, her unique legal specialty evolved from a personal interest.

“I’ve been riding horses since I was 8 and owned my first horse at 10,” she said.

Priorities for Fershtman during her one-year term as bar president are promoting the association’s practice management resources for attorneys and serving the organization’s core mission of protecting the public and meeting its legal needs, she said.

Although well known for its attorney referral service, the state bar association supports numerous legal aid programs and judicial access initiatives.

As only the fifth woman elected president of Michigan’s bar association, Fershtman also plans to step up outreach to women attorneys.

“I’d like to encourage women lawyers to become involved in bar association activities, to help speak out for our profession, and to become visible role models for girls who are considering careers in the legal profession," she said.