Marti Atwater, Partner, Attorney

I am a great believer in the value of thinking before leaping. I make sure that the outcomes you hope for are the ones that are most likely to happen — and that you are protected against other potential consequences.

With a background in corporate law, I bring a depth of experience in negotiation, contracts, dispute resolution and settlements. I like to problem-solve, and I like to help. And I like to do that in a way that makes circumstances better.

My interest in the law began when, as a curious young person, I became aware of the disparate impact of the law on different communities. I sought a broader understanding of these social and legal forces as a student at Cornell University, graduating with distinction after majoring in psychology and African American studies.

As a student at the University of Detroit Law, I served as editor of the Law Review and participated in – and won – numerous national moot court competitions. I graduated first in my class, and then gained tremendous experience clerking for a federal appellate judge who had been a special assistant to the then-Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

After law school, I joined one of the largest and most respected law firms in Grand Rapids, Michigan, rising to become one of the firm’s youngest partners. My firm emphasized both breadth and depth in its training of associates, so I gained exposure to a spectrum of issues in all areas of the law, eventually focusing on employment law and litigation. 

After serving for years as a partner, I left the firm to focus on my young family and to work as a solo practitioner for both individual and corporate clients. I handled a variety of legal issues before co-founding the Atwater Law & Intellectual Property partnership in 2014. 

In addition to my work as an attorney, I am a tireless and engaged community servant. Today’s students are our future, and much of my free time has been devoted to education and related organizations. I’ve done pro bono legal work for numerous community and educational organizations and have helped them to marshal their resources efficiently and effectively. 

I hold or have held multiple leadership and elected roles on our local school board, a local chapter of an international organization focused on women’s education, and my church.  I served on the Forest Hills Public Schools Foundation board and continue to volunteer for and support Foundation events.

I am the Program Development Director for and board member of Creative Opportunities Unlimited in Michigan, which operates the Odyssey of the Mind program in the state. 

I am also the Odyssey of the Mind coordinator in our school district and judge tournaments at the local, state, and world level. I serve on the Robotics board for my local school district and support student participation at the local, state, and world level.

I’m known for my desire to give back, to wrestle with problems, and to make situations better.

When I speak to groups, my message is this: Find a way to contribute to your community, and make sure that you enjoy doing it. Because if you do, you’ll find your motivation soaring not only at work, but in your community and personal life as well.