Varnum attorney Jailah Emerson has been named president of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) Wayne Region, Chanel Taylor has been appointed to Communications Secretary of the Women’s Bar Association (WBA), Oakland Region, and Varnum’s 2025 summer associates volunteered in their local communities.
Emerson Elected President of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Wayne Region
WLAM is a statewide organization dedicated to advancing women in the legal profession and promoting gender equity. As president of WLAM Wayne, Emerson will lead Wayne County initiatives supporting women attorneys and law students, while fostering collaboration among WLAM’s regional chapters.
As a member of Varnum’s Litigation Practice Team, Emerson specializes in complex commercial, family law, tax, and insolvency litigation. She represents clients throughout the litigation process, including hearings, depositions, trials, and appellate proceedings. She also assists clients with a wide range of commercial litigation issues, ranging from standard breach of contract claims to complex real estate disputes.
Taylor Appointed Communications Secretary of the Women’s Bar Association
Taylor has been appointed Communications Secretary of the Women’s Bar Association, Oakland Region chapter of WLAM. In this role, she will support the WBA’s efforts to provide members with opportunities for career advancement and community involvement through mentoring, networking, and professional development.
Also a member of Varnum’s Litigation Practice Team, Taylor supports clients and senior attorneys through research, drafting, and settlement negotiations, helping deliver creative, cost-effective solutions. She previously externed with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan and earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
Summer Associates Volunteer Across Michigan
As a part of the firm’s commitment to community involvement, Varnum’s 2025 summer associates volunteered at Buchanan Elementary in Grand Rapids and Gleaners Food Bank in Southeast Michigan.
At Buchanan Elementary, the associates helped host an end-of-year ice cream social for students and teachers, continuing Varnum’s long-standing support of the school through donations and holiday contributions. At Gleaners Community Food Bank, they packaged over 23,220 pounds of food, which was enough to provide more than 18,500 meals for local families in need.
The summer program also offers law students hands-on legal experience, networking opportunities, and participation in community service projects.
