Varnum business professionals Sandy Fox and Dianne Freeman are among the 28 honorees recognized in Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s “Unsung Legal Heroes” Class of 2024.

The recognition is reserved for talented and dedicated legal support professionals who have consistently gone above and beyond the call of duty according to Michigan Lawyers Weekly. Each of Varnum’s honorees was nominated by attorneys they directly support.

Sandy Fox is a paralegal in the firm’s Novi office who has worked on family law matters for more than 20 years. She was nominated by partner Julia Perkins who noted how Sandy has dedicated her career to supporting family law attorneys, honing skills that have made her an exceptional asset to both clients and colleagues alike. As the primary paralegal for three attorneys, Sandy manages her workload with composure and a positive attitude. She is a calming presence for clients navigating stressful matters, offering empathy and reassurance during challenging times.

Dianne Freeman is an estate planning assistant in the firm’s Grand Rapids office and has been a valued member of the firm since 1980. Nominated by partner Janelle Haggadone, Dianne is recognized for going the extra mile for her team. Her work duties are diverse, including coordinating conferences, recording deeds, preparing digital notebooks and assisting the team with ongoing projects. Dianne’s proactive approach ensures the Estate Planning Team is always prepared to meet client needs.

“We are thrilled to honor the achievements of these team members who show unwavering dedication to their teams and our clients,” said Scott Hill, Varnum’s Executive Partner. “This recognition highlights the essential role our support staff plays in the success of our firm, and we deeply value their contributions.”