Overview
Michelle Socha provides essential and trusted financial guidance that informs firm-wide operations at Butzel. She interprets the firm’s strategic plan with a keen financial lens and is responsible for all financial reporting, budget forecasting, and tracking of profitability. She prepares regular profitability analyses for individual attorneys and pertinent staff, individual office locations, all firm practice departments and clients, and all other analyses required by Butzel leadership.
Ms. Socha regularly collaborates with Butzel’s President and Chief Executive Officer to develop monthly and annual budgets for revenue, capital and operating expenditures, personnel, productivity, and cash flow. She is the liaison to the firm’s accountants and bankers and responsible for signing off on the firm’s annual financial statements and tax returns.
The depth of her financial expertise is crucial to providing accurate, timely recommendations that will ensure the firm’s continuous financial stability and ongoing efficient and profitable operations. Michelle analyzes revenue opportunities for acquisitions and expansion prospects and arranges for the capital necessary to fund various expansion endeavors, ultimately resulting in overall improvements for the firm. Her work in this regard has been vital to the success of multiple large expansion initiatives for Butzel.
Michelle directs the entire operations within Butzel’s Accounting Department, including oversight of a sizeable team of professionals responsible for processes such as billing, collections, payroll, accounts payable, general ledger, and other miscellaneous financial reporting and accounting functions. Under her direction, the Accounting team supports the firm in achieving optimal market share and continued growth. As effective leadership and mentorship are among her strengths, Michelle takes personal pride in guiding the professional development and career advancement of each member of her team.
Ms. Socha‘s experience includes accounting and audit oversight, profit and loss management, and finance operations. She has led the firm in vetting and implementing technology infrastructure that provides solutions to streamline processes for the firm and it’s clients alike.
For more than 25 years, Ms. Socha has been immersed in the world of finance and accounting. She has continually elevated her financial prowess during the course of her career. Michelle served as Butzel’s Director of Finance prior to being elevated to her current position as CFO. Prior to joining Butzel, she served as the regional controller for a leading multinational company in the restaurant industry and as an accounting manager at a major international airport.
Michelle serves as Treasurer of the firm and is Chair of the Finance Committee at Butzel. Additionally, she is a member of the firm’s Compensation Committee, Women’s Leadership Committee, and AI Task Force. Ms. Socha is a member of the Association of Legal Administrators (ALA), National and Detroit Chapters. She received her Master of Business Administration, magna cum laude, from Walsh College and her Bachelor of Science and Arts in Accounting from the University of Michigan Dearborn.
Credentials
Education
Walsh College – Master of Business Administration (MBA), magna cum laude
University of Michigan Dearborn – Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA), Accounting
Memberships
- Association of Legal Administrators (ALA) – National and Detroit Chapters