Maddin Milestones: Celebrating 100 Years With Deb Lapin
In 2025, Maddin Hauser proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary. Since 1925, Maddin Hauser has flourished and been inspired by Detroit’s impressive staying power as an influential American city. In honor of a century of service to clients and our greater Michigan communities, we sat down with some of our attorneys to discuss Maddin Hauser’s history, their professional journeys, and what the future holds for the firm and its clients.
Today, we chatted with Deb Lapin, a shareholder and member of Maddin Hauser’s Consumer Finance/Regulatory Compliance and Real Property Litigation Practice Groups.
Q: How long have you been with Maddin Hauser, what attracted you to the firm, and what do you value or appreciate most about working at MH?
A: I’ve been at Maddin Hauser for eight years, but I’ve known the firm much longer than that. Before joining Maddin Hauser, I had worked with or against several attorneys here and was consistently impressed with their work ethic, professionalism, and talents. In fact, that is how I wound up here. I had a case in which a Maddin attorney was opposing counsel, and when the firm had an opening some time later, he recommended that they reach out to me. At the time, I never thought I would leave the other firm, but the opportunity seemed too good to pass up – and it was.
What sealed the deal, and what has stayed true in the years since I came here, is how much the firm invests in its people and provides them with the support, tools, and resources they need to build and grow their practices, expand their skill sets, and better serve clients. For younger attorneys, in particular, that kind of commitment from the firm can provide a transformative advantage.
Q: As Maddin Hauser celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2025, what would you see in the firm’s future if you had a crystal ball?
A: That is an interesting question because it’s almost like the firm lives in the future already, in the sense that our management has vision, foresight, and a plan for what comes next. That thoughtful and forward-looking approach will fuel its continued growth and success and enhance our already stellar reputation. That, in turn, will make us an employer of choice for talented attorneys and other legal professionals who want to be part of a firm that is constantly upping its game.
Importantly, though, while the firm’s growth may change the number of attorneys here, I am confident that it won’t change the core values of collegiality, professionalism, and client service that make this place so special.
Q. One hundred years is a tremendous milestone for the firm to achieve. What do you feel has been the most significant influence on its longevity, and what sets the firm apart?
A: Those core values I just mentioned – putting clients first, always supporting one another, and a commitment to doing exceptional work. When you create an environment that prioritizes those things and takes the steps needed to make them more than lip service, you’ll have a firm that will be around for a long, long time.
Q: Technology and how we work and communicate have changed dramatically in the last 100 years. How has innovation influenced your practice?
A: This may age me a bit, but when I started practicing law, I was doing my legal research with actual books; electronic tools like Westlaw were still in their infancy, and the highest technology I had on my desk was my landline phone. It has been remarkable to see how much all these innovations have enhanced our ability to serve clients more efficiently and effectively. It also makes it easier to reach more people and facilitates the sharing of thoughts, perspectives, and expertise with colleagues and clients. That ability to connect so easily and quickly also fosters closer attorney-client relationships.
Q: In 2023, the firm launched an important initiative, The Maddin Hauser Way, which clearly defines everyone’s shared values and practices, which are the foundation of the firm’s culture. Recognizing that all of them are vital, is there one that has more greatly influenced or impacted your practice?
A: There are two that really speak to me and sum up why this is such a fantastic and special place. The first is “Treating Each Other Like Family.” That is so foundational here, the simple idea that all of us have each other’s backs, treat each other with respect, and bring out the best in those around us. We all spend so much time together that the last thing one would want is to be surrounded by jerks. This is definitely a jerk-free environment.
The second is “Investing in Relationships.” To me, that is about how the firm supports the people who work here and how much it values building trust, confidence, and personal connections with our clients. Those things don’t happen without sustained effort and deeply held commitment, and the firm and people who work here have both of those in spades.