Rachel is a Western Michigan University Alumnus who took a very nontraditional path toward law. Rachel studied theatre at WMU. In her senior year, she took a conflict management course. The ideas of alternative ways to resolve problems intrigued her. After a brief career as a stage manager, Rachel made the decision to go to law school, so that she could help families resolve their own difficult conversations.

Once at law school, Rachel was fortunate to secure employment as a law clerk for Speaker Law Firm, where she worked almost exclusively on family law appeals. This experience gave her a solid foundation in legal research, writing, and the legal concepts that underpin family law matters. At the same time, Rachel participated in the Geoffrey Fieger Trial Practice Institute where she learned that she had the heart of a litigator. Rachel’s unique background permits her to see every case first and foremost through the lens of conflict resolution, with an eye to litigation strategy firmly rooted in legal theory.

Rachel also had a unique upbringing and understands complex family dynamics. She is the daughter of a Deaf person, and sister to two Deaf siblings (aka, she is a CODA and a SODA). Although not a certified interpreter, she can communicate proficiently in sign language. Several Deaf parents seek Rachel’s representation, as she is intimately familiar with Deaf culture. Rachel has had success assisting courts to see beyond the outdated thinking that deafness is a disability and has achieved favorable outcomes for Deaf clients.  If you are Deaf and would like to consult with Rachel, please contact us.