One hundred years, one goal:
delivering on your priorities

A person walking through an airport terminal with sunlight streaming in, carrying a briefcase.

“Our centennial is not only an opportunity to honor our history, but also to celebrate the people and clients who continue to shape our future. We enter our second century focused on growth, innovation, and delivering exceptional service in an increasingly complex, yet exciting, legal and business environment.”

— Len Wolfe, Chair and CEO of Dykema

100 Years, 100 Stories

See the stories
Raymond K. Dykema, Elroy O. Jones, and Renville Wheat

For 100 years, Dykema has adapted, expanded, and led while staying true to what it is. And as it enters its second century, the firm is not simply looking back with pride—it is looking forward with confidence, ready to continue building, solving, and serving.

Our Story

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  • “Innovation and adapting to industry moments have always been part of our DNA.”

    —Lloyd Semple, Dykema Chairman Emeritus, 1964–2004

  • “We were encouraged to be ourselves—that authenticity showed up in the work.”

    — Jane Bockus, Senior Counsel, 2011–2025

  • “Dykema stood out as the newcomer among large law firms. Its people were open and energized.”

    —Dick Rabbideau, Dykema Chairman Emeritus, 1972–2002

  • “Our history is defined by dedication to client service.”

    —Al Ernst, Partner, 1982–2014

  • “People here help each other, even when there’s nothing in it for them.”

    — Deborah Williamson, Cox Smith Chairman Emeritus and Dykema Partner

  • “Communication and trust defined the culture.”

    — Lee Cusenbary, Partner, 2000–2003

  • “Clients came to us because we understood how their industry worked.”

    — Laura Baucus, Director of Dykema’s Automotive Industry Group

  • “Building a city means understanding how projects really get done.”

    — Tom Porter, Partner, 1985–1998

  • “Hallway mentorship mattered; doors are open.”

    — Jamie Smith, Senior Counsel, 1983–2025

  • “Healthcare law required mastering a regulatory system thicker than encyclopedias.”

    — Seth Lloyd, Partner, 1972–2009

  • “Pro bono as we know it exists because Bill Gossett fought for it publicly.”

    — Heidi Naasko, Partner, Pro Bono Counsel

  • “Clients became lifelong partners; we walked through crises together.”

    — Ron Rose, Senior Counsel, 2012–2014

  • “Clients want business advice through a legal lens, not the other way around.”

    — Lou Kasischke, Partner, 1972–2006

  • “We always put clients first—that’s firm DNA.”

    — Brian Colao, Director of Dykema’s Dental Service Organizations Industry Group

  • “Litigation began as corporate defense, not the trial powerhouse it has since become.”

    — Jim Feeney, Partner

  • “We were steadily becoming a national firm, one office at a time.”

    — Nicole Lamb‑Hale, Partner, 1991–2003

  • “We followed our clients as they expanded across the country. That was the strategy.”

    — Rex Schlaybaugh, Dykema Chairman Emeritus, 1982–2015

  • “We’re in the business of representing businesses, so you have to understand the business case and the clients you serve.”

    — Len Wolfe, Chair and CEO

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

The Lunch Bucket

Elliott Hall’s journey is a profound testament to the American spirit and the evolution of Detroit’s professional landscape. The son of a Ford foundry worker who carried a lunch bucket to work for 42 years, Elliott broke through systemic barriers to rise from partner at Dykema to the first Black vice president at Ford Motor Company.

His career, which spanned from the Detroit Mayor’s office to the global stage in Washington, D.C., was consistently driven by a deep-seated responsibility to serve those deprived of opportunity. By integrating city departments and navigating international corporate transitions, Elliott transformed a legacy of manual labor into one of landmark leadership.

Here is the story of a man who moved from the furnace to the boardroom, never forgetting the community that shaped him.

WATCH THE FULL STORY
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A man in a suit and glasses standing in a modern office lobby, holding a glass of wine, speaking to a small group of people. There is a Dykema sign on the wall behind him and a grand piano to his right.
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Group of Dykema staff posing with the Spartan Mascot in the firm's Lansing office wearing their Dykema100 swag to celebrate the firm's centennial.
Group of four Dykema staff smiling in the firm's Detroit office, wearing shirts and hoodies with a 'Dykema 100 Years' logo, celebrating the company's centennial.
Dykema staff showcasing the Dykema100 hat during the teams centennial kickoff event.
Large group of Dykema staff showing off team swag during the firms centennial kickoff event.
A woman standing next to a tall vertical banner that reads '100 Years, One Goal: Delivering on your priorities.' The woman has blonde hair, is smiling, and raising her right arm. She is wearing a black shirt and khaki pants. The background features a
Pets of Dykema: Two golden retriever dogs wearing blue bandanas that say Dykema 100
Morgan Hughley, Dykema marketing intern showing off her Dykema 100 swag in Dykema's Detroit office.
Dykema Staff showing off Dykema100 umbrella and sweatshirt
Dykema member showing off his Dachshund dressed in Dykema100 Swag
Dykema staff showing off the Dykema100 t-shirt during the firms centennial kickoff event.
Dykema staff show off Dykema100 swag sweatshirts during the firms centennial kickoff.
February Luncheon
Community Service Initiative

Be Part of the Centennial!

Share your Dykema photos

We’re collecting old photos to be featured in our Centennial celebration and “100 Years, 100 Stories” video series. Submit photos to Dykema Centennial at Dykema100@dykema.com.

Share a treasure

We want to feature your artifacts, memorabilia, or keepsakes in our showcase of Dykema’s history. Email Tony Marion at amarion@dykema.com.

Share your Dykema story

Your story is part of Dykema’s legacy. Share your memories or set up an interview by emailing Matt Scheetz at mscheetz@dykema.com.

Shop the Dykema Centennial Collection Boutique!

Show your Dykema pride and wear your Dykema gear. Visit the Dykema Brand Store here.