Heidi Hopper, PP, PLS, works as a legal assistant at Foster Swift Collins & Smith, PC in Lansing, where she has been for eight years. She generally works in litigation and has back-up knowledge in municipal finances. She describes the move from municipal finance to municipal litigation as a career highlight and says “but every day is a highlight.” After 20 years in the legal field, she has had many highlights in her career and the best ones are the most recent.
The first boost in her legal career when she was about to get a promotion in her job from receptionist to secretary at Dickinson Wright, PLLC in Lansing.
“My boss at the time suggested that I join NALS to learn more about the legal field and to get acquainted with those in the legal community,” says Hopper. “I am forever grateful for her suggestion.”
This membership in NALS has allowed Hopper to “have a broad range of legal education and, through networking, has opened doors to friendship and sponsorships that may not have been otherwise possible.”
Her career in NALS has been highlighted in her service in the three levels of the association. Currently, in her local chapter, NALS of Lansing, she is the treasurer. She has also been president twice and served as vice president, treasurer, and on several committees. The local chapter does many community service projects.
“This year we will be visiting the Capital Humane Society as well as serving a meal at the Advent House, a ministry that brings together people of all faiths to give hope to impoverished and homeless people,” says Hopper.
In the state chapter, NALS of Michigan, her service is similar to the local chapter. She is currently treasurer (for the second time), has been president, and has served on several committees. Hopper feels her greatest accomplishment in NALS is being state president and before that receiving the NALS of Michigan Legal Professional of the Year Award in 2017. Another highlight on the state level was working with the state chapter to produce the Visionary 5K Challenge that initiated and promoted the NALS of Michigan Scholarship Fund. Hopper says it “was a lot of work with marketing, planning, and hosting the event.”
Hopper’s favorite project was when NALS of Michigan hosted a Murder Mystery CLE camping event in Covert, Michigan. Engaged members and guests had to solve the mystery, which included evidence gathering, jury voir dire, and putting the pieces together to determine who the murderer was — all while camping in a rainstorm.
Hopper describes what she has gained through NALS membership, especially as a leader, “has personally assisted me to understand what makes a good role model and how to interact with others.”
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