Rhoades McKee Welcomes Summer Associates from the Minority Clerkship Program

Rhoades McKee is pleased to announce that all three law students joining the firm to complete its summer associate program are current or past participants in the Grand Rapids Bar Association Floyd Skinner Minority Clerkship Program. Bryndan Arnold and Amber Anderson began with the firm on May 20, 2019 and Tysean Hendrix will begin on June 24, 2019.

The Grand Rapids Bar Association, in conjunction with the Floyd Skinner Bar Association, strives to increase the diversity of attorneys in the Grand Rapids area. The program offers law students of ethnic minority groups an opportunity to clerk with participating Grand Rapids law firms and other legal employers.

Rhoades McKee has participated in this program since its inception in the 1990s. “We recognize that inclusion and diversity are not only fundamental to empowering us to do our best work, but also vital to the firm’s longevity and growth,” stated Catherine Brainerd, Chair of the Firm’s Diversity Committee.  “We are honored to partner with the Bar Association to bring these work experiences to these students, as well as make strides in engaging and creating a more diverse workplace,” she continued. While at Rhoades McKee, summer associates have the opportunity to work on multiple projects in over 25 practice areas as well as observe hearings, client mediations, and trials.

Bryndan Arnold

Arnold currently attends Michigan State University College of Law with an expected graduation date of May 2020. He is returning to Rhoades McKee after completing a previous summer associate position with the firm in 2018.  His prior experience also includes working as an intern in the Diversity Programs Office at Michigan State University, serving as a Vacant Property Coordinator for the City of East Lansing, and working as a Probation Officer at the 54-A District Court. He earned his undergraduate degree from James Madison College at Michigan State University.

Amber Anderson

Anderson is currently attending the University of Michigan Law School with an expected graduation date of 2021.  She is a member of the Black Law Student Association, the First Generation Law Student Association, and she has volunteered for the LGBTQ community through LAW Breaks. Anderson received her undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.

Tysean Hendrix

Hendrix currently attends Michigan State University College of Law with an expected graduation date of 2021.  He has worked as a community assistant for a residential housing complex and as a student athlete tutor.  He is also a member of the Black Law Student Association.  Hendrix earned his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University.