Michelle Crockett Appointed to Michigan Supreme Court DEI Committee
The commission was formed early in 2022 with a directive to assess and work toward the elimination of disparities within the Michigan judiciary and justice system. Members include a broad cross-section of judges, court administrators, attorneys and members of the community.
Crockett leads attorney hiring and recruitment, and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at Miller Canfield, a Detroit-headquartered law firm with 18 locations worldwide. Her achievements include leading the firm to be included in the first class of major law firms nationwide to pilot the Mansfield Rule and earn Mansfield certification from Diversity Lab, the leading incubator for innovative solutions to foster diversity and inclusion in law firms. Miller Canfield has earned the designation of Mansfield Certified Plus, making it the only Michigan-headquartered firm and one of only 24 firms nationwide to earn the designation four years in a row.
Firms earn Mansfield certification by demonstrating that at least 30 percent of people affirmatively considered for firm governance positions, promotions and lateral-hire opportunities are women and attorneys from underrepresented groups, such as people of color, LGBTQ+ and attorneys with disabilities. To be Mansfield Certified Plus, firms must not only consider women and people who are from underrepresented groups, but they must meet the goal of at least 30% representation in leadership roles.
Under Crockett's leadership, the firm has solidified its position as a leader in the area of diversity and inclusion, and has earned national recognition for its efforts and initiatives. The firm attributes much of its success to Crockett’s relentless efforts to create actionable, measurable, results-driven initiatives that foster meaningful and sustainable change. She developed an aggressive two-year diversity plan that sets specific targets within leadership ranks, including the firm's managing directors, to increase representation across the board.
The results have been remarkable. At Miller Canfield, women and members of underrepresented groups account for:
- 75% of partner promotions
- 60% of the firm's nomination committee
- 40% of the managing directors
- 66% of the firm's executive leadership
- 60% of the compensation committee
- 43% of resident directors
Crockett’s term will end on Dec. 31, 2024.
