PATRICIA NEMETH:
 
ALEX BURKULAS




 
 
 
 
 
Founding Partner of Nemeth Burwell P.C. in Detroit, which specializes in employment litigation, traditional labor law, and management consultation for private- and public-sector employers. Since 2001, Nemeth Burwell has collaborated with the Wayne State University Law School’s Law Review to compile the Annual Survey of Michigan Employment and Labor Law, a summary and analysis of the important labor and employment decisions of the preceding year. After working for several smaller law firms, Nemeth founded what is now Nemeth Burwell in 1992. Since that time she and Linda Burwell, who joined Nemeth in 1994, have grown the firm to 16 attorneys and 18 support staff. Nemeth has been named one of Michigan’s 25 Leaders in the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly. She has been named a Michigan Super Lawyer under her primary area of practice, employment and labor, since the honor was first presented in 2006. She has also been included on the Super Lawyers list of Michigan’s top 50 women lawyers. In addition to being a litigator, Nemeth is certified as a mediator. She is a member of the Michigan Bar Association, labor and employment and international sections, and the American Bar Association, labor and alternative dispute resolution sections. She is a member of the Michigan and Illinois Bars and a graduate of Leadership Detroit. A member of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Nemeth was named one of the group’s top 10 Michigan business women in 2002. In 2007, she was named to Inforum’s prestigious Inner Circle, which recognizes women for exemplary leadership. Nemeth has been a volunteer at Vista Maria in Dearborn Heights since 1998 and is an executive board member. In addition, she serves on the personnel committee for Girl Scouts of America. Nemeth was recognized in 2005 as a “Distinguished Volunteer” by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. In 2008, Nemeth Burwell was recognized by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a 21st century innovator and has been named one of “Metropolitan Detroit’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For” seven times by the Michigan Business and Professional Association. The firm has also been honored by Crain’s Detroit Business twice as one of the “Ten Best Places to Work in Southeast Michigan.” Nemeth received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s and juris doctorate in labor law from Wayne State University School of Law.


WHERE BORN: "Flint."

MOST INFLUENTIAL PERSONS: "My grandfather. He was in the first sit-down strike in Flint. He influenced me a lot with employment and labor issues. Also, from a business perspective, my great aunt. She taught me that you spend within your means."

LAST BOOK READ: "How We Decide by Jonah Lehrer.”

WORDS THAT DESCRIBE ME: "Determined, bold, never say die, engaged."

WHERE MY FIELD/INDUSTRY IS HEADED: "The business model for law firms is in transition, as is litigation itself. There is more of a movement toward mediation and arbitration, which will decrease the cost of litigation."

FAVORITE TECHNOLOGICAL GADGET: "My BlackBerry."

FAVORITE PLACE: "The Cross in the Woods in Indian River. My grandfather took me there when we were young and it’s still a spiritual place."

FAVORITE HOBBIES: "Rollerblading and sailing."

FAVORITE FOOD: "Frozen vanilla yogurt."

MY HIDDEN TALENT: "I’m a pretty good dancer.”

HOW I WANT TO BE REMEMBERED: "As a good mother, colleague, sister, and friend.”


Grant Thornton Website At the annual awards reception in April 2014, one Leader & Innovator from the previous 12 months will be selected as the Grant Thornton Leader & Innovator of the Year.