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What kind of law do you practice and what do you enjoy about it?

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I practice in the trusts and estates field – I love this area of practice because I get to create tailored solutions to match each individual client’s goals. I can help prevent future headaches, leaving clients with a sense of peace and ease. In addition, I enjoy the challenge of untangling and clarifying the probate and estate settlement process for families when things do get complicated.

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Tell us about your background and why you decided to become an attorney.

I am one of four children (I have three brothers). My mother is a teacher turned Episcopal Priest, and my father was an attorney. Growing up, I realized that in order to navigate our family of strong personalities, great negotiation skills were in order. I heard over and over again: “You should be a lawyer!” I think it speaks to my skills as a negotiator, and very much to my parents’ skills in raising children, that the four of us still get along so well and respect each other so much! Higher education was an expectation in our house, and I was lucky enough to have had a wonderful support network to help make that a reality. Ultimately, I started listening, and trusting in my skills and interests, and I ended up at Michigan State College of Law to follow that lawyerly advice.

I previously had a solo practice in the Muskegon area, and last year I represented one of my pro-bono clients in a contract negotiation where the other side was handled by a Warner attorney. After the deal was complete, that attorney reached out and invited me to an informal conversation, which took place almost exactly a year ago. During our conversation, it became very clear that Warner takes a team approach to client representation and supports its attorneys in all of their endeavors, in and out of the office. I wanted to be able to serve my clients and develop my own skills and knowledge base in a way that solo practice doesn’t always allow. Joining Warner has been a fantastic move for me and for my clients.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn about you?

I am no stranger to being in front of crowds. I am a former cheerleader, and I think people might be surprised to learn that I used to sing in the Smith College Glee Club and other community choirs. I am currently furthering my performing arts skills with tap dance lessons – it’s never too late to learn new skills!

I am a mother of two, and I love to cheer on our children in their various activities! I met my husband on a golf course, and so, of course, he and I enjoy playing golf together. Although I am not the most skilled golfer, I enjoy the game, and he is incredibly patient! When we are not playing golf as a family, we like to spend time on the beach at Lake Michigan. I also enjoy planning events, and I use that skill to help plan fundraisers and other events for various charitable organizations I serve, including the Harbor Hospice Foundation, The West Michigan Symphony and the Rotary Club of Muskegon.

Senior Counsel

Merica S. Dobry

Trusts and Estates

Attorney Spotlight: Merica Dobry

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Attorney Spotlight: Merica Dobry

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