MacElree Harvey begins the month of March — Women’s History Month — with an interview with its CEO Michelle Foster.

1. When you began your career, did you ever imagine you would have a leadership role in this profession/industry?  

While I may not have initially envisioned becoming the CEO of this law firm, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have led me to this position. This is my twentieth year with MacElree Harvey, and many of us have worked together for a long time. I consider myself fortunate to enjoy the work that I do, the people that I work with, and for, an organization with values that I believe in.

2. What are the benefits of having women in leadership?   

Women in leadership promotes diversity of thought, enhances creativity, and fosters a more inclusive workplace. Women leaders often bring unique perspectives, skills, and strengths to the workplace. Generally speaking, women tend to be empathetic and emotionally intelligent, which are great qualities in leadership. Additionally, studies suggest that gender-diverse leadership teams can improve financial performance and overall effectiveness. For example, MacElree Harvey has seen its gross revenue over five years grow 45 percent and profits grow 39 percent.

3. How do you believe your unique perspective as a female CEO contributes to the overall success and diversity of MacElree Harvey?

My career at MacElree Harvey began in 2004 as a Staff Accountant. I have served the firm in many roles including COO, CFO, and CEO. Rising through the ranks while raising a family and going to school at night has granted me the opportunity to see various perspectives at different levels. Having the background and longevity with the firm allows a unique approach to leadership and assists with the overall vision of the firm. Throughout the years, we have shaped the culture into what it is today, and we are proud to have won Best Places to Work 2018-2022 and Top Workplaces 2023.

As a law firm, we have demonstrated a commitment to increasing women’s access to advancement through our culture and practices. Below are just a few examples:

• Open-door policy to promote ongoing communication to address the needs of its employees.
• Health and wellness programs, including mindful meditation, chair yoga, and nutrition seminars.
• A compensation structure based on a formula that creates equal compensation opportunities for women and men.
• A workplace that measures performance based on results, not attendance, and work schedule flexibility (including the opportunity for revenue-generating roles to work from home to support work-life balance while meeting clients’ needs).
• A workplace that fosters and promotes women in leadership positions and advancement within the Firm. 
• A workplace that provides training and resources to support women’s professional development and the growth of their business and network, including continuing education and marketing.
• An environment that encourages mentoring of attorneys to support their practice, development, and job satisfaction.

4. What qualities make a great female leader?

Integrity: Consistency in actions, honesty, and commitment to ethical behavior.  

Empathy: Understanding and considering the perspectives and feelings of others.

Vision: A clear vision and the ability to inspire others to work toward common goals. 

Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and outcomes of decisions.  

Strategic thinking: The ability to think long-term and plan for the future. The ability to navigate change effectively. 

5. What advice would you give to the next generation of women leaders? 

Believe in yourself: Cultivate self-confidence and believe in your abilities. Trust that you have the skills and resilience to overcome challenges.  

Embrace challenges: View challenges as opportunities for growth. Embrace them, learn from them, and use them to strengthen your skills and leadership abilities. 

Advocate for others: Lift as you would climb. Support your peers and use your position to create opportunities for others who are willing to put the effort in.

Learn more about the team members of MacElree Harvey and how they work to assist individuals and businesses with family, personal, and corporate law matters.