Varnum employees Cheri Countryman, Kate McCarthy and Michelle Webster were among the 25 members of the recently-announced “Unsung Legal Heroes” Class of 2019, as presented by Michigan Lawyers Weekly.
The recognition is meant to honor non-attorney members of the legal profession “who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty, often behind the scenes,” according to Michigan Lawyers Weekly. “This award is reserved for the state’s most talented and dedicated legal support professionals. They are part of a special group as this is only the third time we have recognized these vital staffers.”
The three were nominated by attorneys at the firm.
Cheri Countryman has been a litigation secretary for more than 30 years, serving the past 15 at Varnum. She has a business/legal assistant degree from Delta College and is certified as a legal assistant/paralegal.
Kate McCarthy is an information research specialist with a master’s degree from the Winterthur Program, University of Delaware. She has been at Varnum for 18 years.
Michelle Webster works in Legal Support Services and Information Technology. She has 23 years of experience in litigation support, serving the past six at Varnum.
“It is so appropriate to have an award that recognizes staff members who support the legal profession and appropriate to note that they are all too often ’unsung’,” said Varnum Executive Partner Scott Hill. “Our law firm depends in large part on these dedicated individuals who not only have a 100 percent commitment to their regular work, but who also go the extra mile and pitch in when the unexpected occurs. We are very proud of Cheri, Kate and Michelle, who are so deserving of this recognition.”
The honorees will be presented with a special commemorative award and will be profiled in the July 29 issue of Michigan Lawyers Weekly. More information can be found at https://milawyersweekly.com/news/2019/06/12/unsung-legal-heroes-class-of-2019-unveiled/