Greathouse lives up to her name, fulfills lifelong ambitions

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As early as grade school, Denise Greathouse was dreaming of becoming a lawyer.

The youngest of five children, Greathouse envisioned being the one to “quote the law” when she was faced with injustice or a situation that called for someone who could clearly tell the difference between right and wrong.

Thanks to the support of her family — “It truly does take a village,” she said recently — and her years of hard work, Greathouse achieved those dreams. After earning a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois and her law degree from Marquette University, Greathouse became a prosecutor.

She later took on labor and employment law, which she currently practices as a partner at Michael Best & Friedrich.

Her successes as a lawyer are many. Greathouse has handled whistleblower matters that resulted in dismissals at the investigation stage, challenged the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s unwarrantable failure classification and advised complicated OSHA inspections involving deaths.

Asked what she likes most about her job, Greathouse said: “The variety,” adding that no two days are the same.

“Denise’s successes are ample and reach far beyond being a great lawyer,” said David Krutz, a managing partner at Michael Best. “Her involvement as a leader, mentor and volunteer sets her apart from others, and I applaud Denise in her ability to graciously give back to the community.

“On behalf of all Michael Best attorneys, we are proud to call her our colleague.”

Greathouse regularly reaches out to associates to impart some of the knowledge she has acquired throughout her career. In addition to her professional work, she also volunteers her time to various organizations, including her church.

Among the organizations that Greathouse cares most about is PEARLS for Teen Girls, a self-development, skill-development and self-esteem program for young girls in the inner city. Greathouse relates lessons her parents taught her growing up to encourage young women in the program.

To support those in need, she encourages others to give back to society, especially during holiday seasons, when some families need help the most.

“Although your surroundings may look a little dim, they don’t dictate who or what you will become,” she often tells groups. “You control your destiny, your journey is as big as you want it to be and there will always be resources to help you reach your goals.”