Michigan Lawyers Weekly Honors Kaitlin Brown Among 2021’s “Women in the Law,” the Latest in a Series of Accolades

We proudly announce that Michigan Lawyers Weekly selected shareholder Kaitlin Brown to the 2021 class of “Women in the Law.” Katie and the other honorees were celebrated at an awards ceremony at the Detroit Marriott on September 9, 2021.

Each year, Michigan Lawyers Weekly recognizes female attorneys “who are committed to excellence in the practice of law, are inspiring and accomplished leaders in the profession, seek improvements to the legal community and their communities at large, show leadership in improving the justice system in Michigan, and contribute significant time and effort to volunteerism or pro bono activities.”

The Women in the Law award is one of many professional accolades in 2021. Earlier this year, Crain’s Detroit Business recognized Katie as a 2021 “Notable Woman in Law” based on her career accomplishments, track record of success, and mentorship of others. Also, Michigan Lawyers Weekly announced its first-ever class of “Go To Lawyers” in employment law, naming Katie among the inaugural honorees.

The Oakland County Bar Association twice recognized Katie this year. First, the organization presented her with the 2021 Distinguished Service Award, citing her extraordinary service, dedication, leadership, and overall impact. In addition, the OCBA selected the Diversity & Inclusion Committee, which Katie has chaired since 2019, for its annual Committee of the Year Award. Under her leadership, the group developed an anti-racism statement and partnered with several professionals to lead and deepen conversations to impact the legal community meaningfully. In presenting the award, the OCBA acknowledged Katie’s vision, diligent planning, innovation, and committee member engagement.

Katie is a member of Maddin Hauser’s corporate law and employment and workforce management groups. She joined the firm as an associate in 2016; two years later, she became a shareholder, and this year, she was appointed to the firm’s Executive Committee. Katie counsels employers on preventing and mitigating costly workplace disputes, including wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, and improper payment of wages. Her primary mission is to help business owners, managers, and human resources leaders avoid such risks through training, education, and policy implementation. But when disagreements turn into formal agency investigations or litigation, Katie’s shrewdness and superior advocacy skills make her a formidable presence in the courtroom.

Both within and outside the firm, Katie strives to improve the workplace, even during a pandemic. She has helped orchestrate COVID-related accommodations and support systems for employees with children at home and ensured that lawyers and staff could continue to provide first-class client service. She is also a co-founder of the firm’s Success through Empowerment and Engagement (SEE) Committee – spotlighted in the April 23, 2021, issue of Michigan Lawyers Weekly – and champions its mission to maintain and enhance an environment and culture where attorneys from diverse backgrounds can “succeed, achieve, and lead” both within the firm and out in the community.

Katie’s involvement with the community is yet another extension of her selflessness and commitment to improving the lives of others. She has provided pro bono representation in multiple matters, including handling a prisoner’s rights case, volunteering at Homeless Experience Legal Protection and Common Ground’s Legal Clinic, and coordinating pro bono activities for the Women’s Bar Association in a way that caused “pro bono” to be a standing line item on their agenda. She has been active in the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan for many years and serves on the Institute for Continuing Legal Education’s Labor & Employment Law Advisory Board.

Outside the office, Katie and her husband are the proud parents of two daughters, ages six and three, who are the sparks that drive many of Katie’s ambitious goals. Katie earned her undergraduate degree in studio art, and on those rare occasions when she has quiet time, she enjoys painting and listening to live music.