Secrest Wardle Executive Partner Caroline A. Grech-Clapper Accepts Michigan Lawyers Weekly Women in the Law 2014 Award

Caroline A. Grech-Clapper was recently recognized as one of 30 outstanding women in Michigan’s legal community as 2014 Women in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Members of the Women of the Law Class of 2014 were recognized at an award ceremony followed by a luncheon on September 11, 2014, at the Detroit Marriott in Troy. The following individuals were in attendance at the luncheon honoring Ms. Grech-Clapper: Secrest Wardle Senior Partner/Co-Managing Partner Mark E. Morley, Walter Dentel, Secrest Wardle Senior Partner Daniel P. Makarski, Carmen Grech-Berry, Secrest Wardle Senior Partner/Co-Managing Partner Bruce A. Truex, retired Secrest Wardle Senior Partner John R. Secrest, Secrest Wardle Senior Partner Mark F. Masters, Secrest Wardle Paralegal Anna Degiusti, Helga Secrest, and Judge Fred Mester.

John R. Secrest, retired Secrest Wardle Senior Partner, had this to say about Caroline Grech-Clapper as she accepted the award:

“Recently I attended an award luncheon sponsored by Michigan Lawyers Weekly, honoring outstanding Women in the Law. One of the outstanding awards deservedly went to Caroline Grech–Clapper, with whom I had worked with for more years than I care to admit. Frankly, I was not surprised that she received such a high honor as I am and have been well aware of her many strengths such as loyalty, intelligence, perseverance, and love of the law. Caroline also has a broad understanding of how a law firm and a lawyer within that firm should function as she has worked in many areas of a large, complex law firm. She exhibited, early on with the firm, various skills such as secretarial, legal research, legal writing, as well as the ability to organize and strategize unique and challenging cases. I always knew she had the complete trust of our clients which reflected well for our firm. Caroline, I salute you for all of your many achievements as a terrific lawyer and above all a wonderful human being. I also thank Secrest Wardle for recognizing and promoting all of your talents.”

James D. Robb, Associate Dean of External Affairs and Senior Counsel, Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, was also in attendance at the luncheon and had the following statement to share regarding Ms. Grech-Clapper’s recognition:

“Western Michigan University Cooley Law School is proud to salute Caroline on her recognition as one of the leading women in the law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Caroline has distinguished herself representing her clients in the courtroom, managing a major law firm, and promoting access of women into both the legal and business communities. We are very proud of her accomplishments.”

Mark E. Morley, Secrest Wardle Senior Partner and Co-Managing Partner, commented as follows after the luncheon:

“Caroline’s story is one of courage and perseverance as one who had the will and ambition to strive for the top and made it. All while raising a family as a single mother, attending law school, and working full-time. We are proud to call her a colleague and partner.”

Ms. Grech-Clapper received her Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree with Honors from Madonna University. Ms. Grech-Clapper is a Vice-President of the Women Officials Network Foundation. She has also served in a Director position with WON Foundation. Ms. Grech-Clapper has appeared as a featured speaker at the Troy Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Forum, “Top of Troy: Women of Influence.”

Secrest Wardle is a law firm specializing in defense litigation and counsel for insurance, municipal, and commercial clients headquartered in Troy, Michigan, with additional offices in Grand Rapids and Lansing. Ms. Grech-Clapper is an Executive Partner located in the Troy office and member of the Firm’s Employment, Family Law, and Premises Liability Practice Groups. For more information please visit www.secrestwardle.com.