Access & Engagement

Michael Best is committed to continuously enhancing our workplace, so each member of our team has what they need to be their Best. With purposeful involvement from the highest levels of leadership across our firm, Michael Best’s initiatives are guided by our Access & Engagement Committee and Employee Resource Groups to help keep us on mission.

Our firm’s inclusive initiatives and policies ensure all our employees are fully engaged in the work of the firm and have access to the support and resources needed to achieve their goals. We pledge to continue building on our firm’s storied history and create an environment where all people feel a sense of belonging.

LCLD Compass Award

The Compass Award recognizes those individuals and organizations that fulfill a number of requirements in a single calendar year.

LCLD Top Performer

The Top Performer award recognizes those organizations in the top 20 percent for participation in LCLD programs and activities.

Best Law Firms for Women

Michael Best was named to Best Law Firms for Women list by Working Mother. The list recognizes firms that utilize best practices to recruit, retain, promote and develop women lawyers.

At Michael Best, we believe that fostering belonging and opportunity requires intentional action through recruiting practices that open doors, programs that empower growth and engagement, and partnerships that strengthen our connection to clients and communities.

Talent Recruitment & Career Opportunities

We recruit talent from various backgrounds and through a number of different channels to ensure we hire the Best. Initiatives like our Summer Internship Program, Law School Ambassador Program and scholarships create pathways for individuals to join and thrive at Michael Best.

Through our summer internship program to initiatives like the Law School Ambassador Program and Legal Scholarships, we create pathways for individuals to join and thrive at Michael Best.

Empowering Engagement & Growth

Our commitment to talent attraction and engagement extends beyond the hiring process and continues through multiple opportunities for connection and advancement. We believe growth happens when people feel supported and connected, so we’ve built networks that do just that. Through our Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), mentorship program, peer advisors, and leadership cohorts, team members find guidance and opportunity at every stage.

Client & Community Connection

We extend our impact beyond the office walls by partnering with organizations that share our values and by giving back through initiatives like our pro bono and volunteer programs. We strengthen ties with the communities we serve and the clients who trust us. These connections reflect who we are as a firm that values collaboration for impact and shared success.

Growth Through Opportunity

Our Employee Resource Groups provide a space for employees to come together, share stories, and offer support. Julia Mader leads our Parents and Caregivers group. She has seen herself grow personally and professionally through the meaningful relationships and connections she has established. Julia told us,

"It really has helped me grow as a leader in terms of how I approach listening and hearing. These groups feel very safe. They help you grow as a person, and it recognizes that we all have things in our personal lives."

Invested in Career Development

In 2025, Ashley Smith received the LCLD Atlas Award for her commitment to the program. When asked what this award meant to her she shared,

“Receiving the Atlas Award is deeply meaningful to me because it reflects that I fully embraced the opportunity and investment my firm made in me through the LCLD Pathfinder Program. The leadership and career development programming equipped me with practical skills and tools that I have been able to apply immediately. As a result, I have grown not only as an attorney but also as a stronger resource for junior associates and, all around, an even more effective colleague and professional. I am excited to continue building on this foundation and to take advantage of the opportunities available to me as an LCLD alumnus.”

Join Us in Shaping a More Connected Future