Mentorship: How We Can Succeed While Uplifting the Next Generation of Attorneys

Judge Laurie Michelson, U.S. District Court Eastern District of MI

Judge Laurie J. Michelson was commissioned by President Barack Obama on March 14, 2014, to serve as a United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan. She served as a United States Magistrate Judge in this District from 2011 to 2014. Judge Michelson received her law degree from Northwestern University School of Law in 1992 and a bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 1989.

Susan Allen, Stellantis (FCA)

Susan Allen is a Senior Staff Counsel at Stellantis (FCA). She formerly practiced as a litigator, focusing mainly on representing manufacturers in defense of product liability and warranty claims throughout the Midwest. Susan has extensive experience in discovery and motion practice in multiple state and federal jurisdictions.

Jennifer Stallings Dewey

Jennifer Stallings Dewey serves as Counsel at General Motors. Prior to her role at GM, Jennifer was a Member at Dickson Wright PLLC. She received the Michigan Super Lawyers Rising Star award and volunteers for Project H.E.L.P. (Homeless Experience Legal Protection). Jennifer received her J.D. from the Michigan State University College of Law, and her B.A. from Oakland University. 

Lawrence Garcia (Miller Canfield)

Lawrence Garcia is a seasoned attorney and counselor who is proud of his years of service to the City of Detroit as its Corporation Counsel. Now with Michigan’s oldest law firm, Miller Canfield, he is leveraging his recent experience in local government and his many years of experience as a trial attorney, in the firm’s Labor and Employment practice group.

Having worked to give greater voice to the Latino community in Southeast Michigan for many years, Lawrence also continues to volunteer his time in support of the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, Cesar Chavez Academy, and the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Lena Gonzalez (Bush Seyferth PLLC)

Lena M. Gonzalez is an Associate and Professional Development & Diversity Director at Bush Seyferth PLLC. She litigates complex commercial and insurance coverage cases in federal and state courts for clients ranging from global manufacturing companies to private individuals. In addition to practicing law, Lena is BSP’s Professional Development & Diversity Director. In this role, Lena focuses on the recruitment and development of all legal staff. She also guides BSP’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives within the firm.