Secrest Wardle Partner Amanda B. Fopma has been named to list of Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2016 “Up & Coming Lawyers”

Amanda B. Fopma, a Partner in Secrest Wardle’s Grand Rapids location, has been named to the list of Michigan Lawyers Weekly's Class of 2016 "Up & Coming Lawyers.” The 30 members of the Class were chosen by a committee who based their selections on the lawyers establishing a name for themselves, going above and beyond, and displaying the ambition, drive, determination, and accomplishments that set them apart from their peers, within their first 10 years of practice. The 2016 Class of "Up & Coming Lawyers" will be recognized at an awards luncheon on December 1, 2016, at the Detroit Marriott in Troy. Secrest Wardle congratulates all of the members of the Class of 2016 "Up & Coming Lawyers”!

Amanda Fopma is an involved and accomplished individual in all aspects of her life - academically, professionally, and in civic endeavors as well. She graduated from Michigan State University with a B.A. in psychology and a second B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies in Law and Society. She received her Juris Doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2008. Amanda also holds two Master of Laws - one in Corporate Law & Finance and a second in Tax Law.

Ms. Fopma is a member of the Firm's Family Law, General Negligence, Insurance Coverage, Motor Vehicle Litigation, Premises Liability, and Property, Fire and Casualty Practice Groups. Ms. Fopma is a frequent contributor of articles for Secrest Wardle's newsletters and webinars. She possesses particular expertise in the area of insurance coverage matters. Ms. Fopma has represented regional and national insurers in a variety of matters involving insurance claims and coverage relative to both residential and commercial property and liability issues. On numerous occasions she has presented seminars to national insurance carriers on the issues of first and third-party no fault claims. She has also presented to national and local insurance carriers on emerging issues in property law claims and coverage issues. Ms. Fopma has conducted seminars for Special Investigation Unit (SIU) investigators from throughout the country on trial preparation and claims handling best practices.

Ms. Fopma strongly believes in supporting women’s professional endeavors and enjoys mentoring young female attorneys. She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women (NAPW,) a professional networking and charitable organization. NAPW Local Chapters strive to make a difference in their communities and the world through monthly philanthropic initiatives that raise awareness of issues and causes impacting their communities and the world. Amanda Fopma is also involved in the Grand Rapids chapter of the Boys and Girls Club organization. She has participated in many of the Boys and Girls Club's fundraising initiatives because she believes it is important that local children have the opportunity for a positive, supportive place to learn, grow, and be mentored.

Ms. Fopma is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, American Bar Association, and Defense Research Institute (DRI.) As a member of the DRI Insurance Law Committee, Amanda Fopma works with attorneys throughout the country to increase membership in the organization. She has been named to the list of Michigan Rising Stars in Super Lawyers magazine for 2016.

Michigan Lawyers Weekly was founded in 1986 and reports on the latest legal news from across Michigan. The publication provides digests of the most current opinions from state and federal courts in Michigan as well as reporting changes to court rules, verdict & settlement reports, attorney and judicial discipline matters and all other news vital to attorneys in the state. To learn more about Michigan Lawyers Weekly, please visit www.milawyersweekly.com.

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. For more information, please visit www.secrestwardle.com.