Cary S. McGehee

Founding Partner

Cary is a founding partner of the firm. True to the mission of the firm, Cary’s practice has focused on representing victims of employment discrimination and civil rights violations, holding corporate and governmental entities accountable for their wrongdoings, and achieving justice for her clients. Cary has been a leader in numerous landmark cases, including class actions against the Michigan Department of Corrections on behalf of women and youth who were sexually assaulted while incarcerated ($100 and $80 million settlements), and the Flint Water Class Action ($624 million settlement). She is currently co-lead counsel in a groundbreaking case against the Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of Flint residents who were physically and emotionally harmed during the Flint Water Crisis due to the negligence of the federal government.

Cary is a skilled legal counselor carefully guiding her clients through challenging times and providing them with meaningful closure. Her experience as collegiate and professional basketball player instilled in her the mental toughness to take on the most formidable opponents without intimidation, tirelessly prepare, and develop a strategy to win.

Cary’s commitment to social justice extends beyond her law practice. She is the Chair of the Michigan Coalition for Human Rights, member of her city’s Anti-Racism Advisory Committee, and active member and a cooperating attorney for the ACLU.

Cary is listed in Best Lawyers in America as one of the best employment lawyers in the United States; has received the highest rating possible, AV, from Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review; and has been rated as one of the top employment lawyers in Michigan in Michigan Super Lawyer. She has also been elected a Fellow of the College of Labor and Employment Lawyers in recognition of her sustained contribution to the field of labor and employment law and her high standards of integrity, professionalism, and character. She was recognized by the Public Justice Foundation as Trial Lawyer of the Year; was awarded the Lawyers for the People Award by the National Lawyers Guild in recognition of extraordinary commitment to uphold human, civil, and constitutional rights, and given the Wade Hampton McCree Jr. Award for the advancement of social justice awarded by the Federal Bar Association.

Cary’s life work is inspired by the legacy of her dad, Episcopal Bishop H. Coleman McGehee, Jr., who was a social justice minister and civil rights leader.