Attorney becomes first woman to manage Clark Hill Detroit office

Attorney Maria Fracassa Dwyer has been named Member In Charge of Clark Hill’s Detroit office, effective January 1, 2019. The first woman to hold the position in Detroit, she assumes the role from Stephen Ormond, who is stepping down from the role after five years of service during a critical growth period in Clark Hill’s history.

Dwyer is a member of Clark Hill’s Labor & Employment Law practice group where she focuses on employment defense litigation and counseling. Dwyer also serves as the Co-Chair of the Firm’s Food, Beverage and Hospitality Industry Team. She joined Clark Hill in 2004.

In her role as office managing member, she will guide implementation of the firm’s strategic plan in Detroit, oversee and maintain policies and procedures, manage operations and represent the Detroit office in the community.

She has set community engagement as a top priority. “In addition to effectively managing operations, I am committed to giving back to the community we serve. That includes working with Detroit-based businesses and organizations and identifying new ways to lend support and expertise,” Dwyer said. “Clark Hill places diversity, inclusion and creating opportunities for professionals at every level as a firm-wide priority. In assuming the Member In Charge role, I will continue this legacy and work to enhance opportunities for my colleagues and ensure  a cohesive working relationship within our office and across the Firm.”  

An active member of the community, Dwyer currently serves as a Board Member on several non-profit boards, including the Dearborn Public Schools Education Foundation, Dearborn Area Chamber of Commerce, Women Celebrating Life Downriver and is also an advisory board member for the Michigan Business and Professional Association Women and Leadership in the Workplace and the Michigan Food and Beverage Association. She is a graduate of Leadership Detroit Class XXXV and recently served on the State Bar of Michigan Diversity and Inclusion Committee for two terms.

 “We are thrilled that Maria is taking on the role of Member In Charge of our Detroit office. We are very proud of her success. Maria is a valued member of the Detroit community, an active volunteer and local leader whose dedication to service is inspiring,” noted John Hern, Clark Hill’s Chief Executive Officer.

He added, “Clark Hill is committed to diversity, and we are pleased that Maria continues to set an exceptional example for the women and men in our firm. We are also grateful to Stephen Ormond, who  steps down from this role following a critical growth period in our firm’s history.”

Dwyer is a graduate of Michigan State University. She has been recognized as a Michigan Super Lawyer each year from 2013 to 2018, a Rising Star in 2012, named a top women attorney in Michigan in Hour Detroit Magazine since 2013 and a Dbusiness Top Lawyer.
 

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