Darlow's Distinguished Career in Law and Public Service
With a career spanning several decades, Darlow has established herself as a formidable figure in the Michigan legal landscape. Her professional journey is marked by a commitment to corporate governance—the system of rules, practices, and processes by which a firm is directed and controlled—and a pioneering spirit in breaking gender barriers within the legal profession.
Legal Practice and Academic Contributions
Darlow began her professional legal journey in Detroit, where she practiced with the law firm Dickinson Wright from 1971 to 2004. During her tenure there, she specialized in domestic and international business transactions, as well as corporate governance. Following this, from 2005 to 2007, she transitioned to the firm Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett LLP in Novi, Michigan, where she shifted her focus toward nonprofit law.
Beyond her private practice, Darlow contributed to the development of future legal professionals. She served as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School during two separate terms in 1976 and 1996.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Leadership and Professional Milestones
Darlow's influence extended far beyond the courtroom and the classroom. She held several high-profile leadership roles that shaped the legal community in Michigan. Most notably, she became the first woman to serve as the president of the State Bar of Michigan from 1986 to 1987.
Her commitment to equity and legislative clarity is evident in her role as the reporter and principal drafter of the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act. Additionally, she led the Michigan Supreme Court Task Force on Gender Issues in the Courts from 1987 to 1989 and served as the President of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan from 1977 to 1978.
Key Professional Appointments
- Michigan Chair of the American Bar Foundation Fellows (1991–1996)
- Member of the Michigan State Officers Compensation Commission (1994-1996)
Board Memberships and Governance
Darlow's expertise in governance led to her appointment on numerous boards of directors and trustees across diverse sectors, including healthcare, arts, and industry. Her service includes roles with the Detroit Medical Center, Hutzel Hospital, Michigan Opera Theatre, Marygrove College, and the Michigan Women's Foundation.
In the corporate sector, she provided oversight for several organizations, including Hella North America, Inc., North American Lighting, Inc., Intermet Corporation, and Hueck Foils, Inc., as well as the University Musical Society.
University of Michigan Board of Regents
In 2006, Darlow entered the political arena by seeking a Democratic nomination for the University of Michigan Board of Regents. She competed against three other candidates: incumbent Regent Kathy White, Denise Ilitch, and Casandra Ulbrich. Both Darlow and White secured the Democratic nominations at the August 2006 Michigan Democratic Party Convention.
On November 7, 2006, Darlow was elected to the Board of Regents, finishing second in the general election with 1,633,250 votes. She was officially sworn in on January 1, 2007. After serving her term, she chose not to run for reelection in 2014 and was succeeded by Mike Behm.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- First Female President: First woman to lead the State Bar of Michigan (1986–1987).
- Legislative Impact: Principal drafter of the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act.
- Academic Role: Adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School.
- Public Office: Served on the University of Michigan Board of Regents from 2007 to 2014.
- Election Success: Received over 1.6 million votes in the 2006 Regent election.
| Period | Organization/Role | Focus/Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| 1971–2004 | Dickinson Wright | Business Transactions & Corporate Governance |
| 1986–1987 | State Bar of Michigan | First Woman President |
| 2005–2007 | Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett LLP | Nonprofit Law |
| 2007–2014 | U-M Board of Regents | University Governance |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which law firms did Darlow work for?
Darlow practiced at Dickinson Wright in Detroit from 1971 to 2004 and later at Varnum, Riddering, Schmidt & Howlett LLP in Novi, Michigan, from 2005 to 2007.
What was Darlow's role in the Michigan Nonprofit Corporation Act?
Darlow served as the reporter and the principal drafter of the act.
When did Darlow serve on the University of Michigan Board of Regents?
She was elected in November 2006, sworn in on January 1, 2007, and served until 2014.
How many votes did Darlow receive in the 2006 Regent election?
Darlow received 1,633,250 votes, finishing in second place.
What academic institutions did Darlow teach at?
Darlow served as an adjunct professor at Wayne State University Law School in 1976 and 1996.