Dernovshek Named to ICBA's “Top 5 under 35” Attorneys

LANSING, Mich. – Foster Swift Collins & Smith attorney, Amanda J. Dernovshek, is one of the recipients of the 2024 Ingham County Bar Association (ICBA)'s "Top 5 Under 35" award.

This award recognizes young lawyers who have distinguished themselves by manifesting exemplary character, integrity, judgment, and legal scholarship; service to the profession and the bar; service to the community; and a reputation for the advancement of the highest legal standards and professional responsibility. 

The award was presented to Amanda at the ICBA’s Annual Barrister’s Night on Thursday, March 14, 2024 by the Honorable Rosemarie E. Aquilina of the 30th Circuit Court, Ingham County.

Amanda began her journey at Foster Swift as a summer associate before joining the firm full-time as an associate attorney in November 2018. Always striving to provide understandable and practical advice, among her accomplishments that she has achieved for her clients includes:

• Advising an international company on its executive compensation plan, designed to incentivize diversity and inclusion among the company employees and management.
• Conducting extensive diligence that involved reviewing hundreds of contracts to determine the implications of a stock transaction between two hospitals in which change in control was an important issue.

In 2022, Amanda co-created the “Legal Strategies for Women Leaders” series, a well-received virtual program geared specifically towards women who are established in their businesses, as well as women business executives. The goal behind the program is to help participants stay up to date on the laws, regulations and other resources that may benefit them.

Beyond her practice, Amanda stays heavily involved in the community.

• Amanda recently completed three years of service with the Junior League of Lansing, an exclusively educational and charitable organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
• She is a Board Trustee, currently the Vice-Chairperson and IDEA Project Manager for the Mid-Michigan Chapter of Girls on the Run. This council is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that involves trained coaches using physical activity and dynamic discussions to build social, emotional and physical skills in every girl while encouraging healthy habits for life.