We are pleased to announce that Dawn M Schluter has been selected as a member of Michigan Lawyers Weekly's Hall of Fame Lawyers class of 2025. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and significant achievement.

The Hall of Fame program recognizes Michigan's legal leaders who have been in practice for 30 years for their successful careers and valuable contributions to the community. These legendary lawyers have made their mark, either in the courtroom or the boardroom, in their law firms or legal departments, with community organizations, and with local, state and national bar associations.

HALL OF FAME / Q&A/ Dawn Schluter

What important professional accomplishment would you like to have as your legacy?

I have spent my entire career practicing law. I had great fortune in finding a profession that permitted me to get to know and interact with interesting, intelligent and wonderful colleagues, professional peers, and of course, clients on a daily basis.  I also had the benefit of learning from spectacular mentors and role models along the way.  I hope that as part of my professional legacy, that I will have shared generously my knowledge, as well as my energy and enthusiasm for the practice of law. Through one-on-one mentorships and leadership of women-focused events, I open doors to create opportunities for career advancement. As firm believer in “yes, you can have it all”, I hope that I will have inspired some and been a role model to others.   

What was your first job? What did you learn from the experience

Working in my father's law office.  The job seemed so glamourous.  No two days were the same - I answered phones, typed, and was able to do filings at Wayne County. I loved all of it. After 35 years of practicing law, it turns out I was right, no two days are ever the same.  As for the glamour, that may ebb and flow, but without equivocation I still love the practice of law. It has provided plenty of challenge and even more reward.   

What would you like to do in the next act of your life?

In January of 2022, I left a career of over 30 years in a large law firm to co-found Schluter & Hughes Law Firm.  Since that time, the S & H Law Firm has grown to over 20 team members.   Schluter & Hughes is a boutique firm that provides traditional trust and estate services and along with important, but not so common services, such as care coordination. The later makes Schluter & Hughes completely unique in the marketplace. My role in co-founding and contributing to the long-term success of the Firm for the benefit of clients has been and will remain my next act.