Sherrie Farrell and Rochelle Lento Named 2026 “Notable Women in Law” by Crain’s Detroit Business

Dykema, a leading national law firm, is proud to announce that Sherrie Farrell and Rochelle Lento have been recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business as 2026 “Notable Women in Law.” Each honoree is profiled in a special section published by the publication. The full listing and profiles can be found here. 

According to Crain’s, the honorees are experienced women attorneys in Southeast Michigan who are among the best in their profession—setting precedents in landmark cases, guiding million-dollar transactions, shaping policy, mentoring the next generation of lawyers, and strengthening their communities. Honorees are selected following a review by Crain’s editors based on nominations submitted and accepted, and must serve in senior leadership roles, have at least five years of experience in the profession, and demonstrate significant impact within their organizations and communities.

Farrell serves as Dykema’s Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and advises corporations on complex commercial litigation and bankruptcy matters. She represents auto manufacturers, financial institutions, nonprofits, and government entities in high-stakes disputes across industries. Over the course of her career, Farrell has served as national coordinating and discovery counsel in large-scale litigation, counseled clients on cybersecurity and data breach response, and represented creditors and other stakeholders in significant restructuring matters.

A nationally recognized leader in advancing diversity in the legal profession, Farrell became the firm’s first Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer and served for many years as Managing Member of the firm’s Detroit office. Her longstanding commitment to inclusion builds on decades of leadership within bar associations and community organizations. She has also served on the boards of Gift of Life Michigan, the Minority Organ Tissue Transplant Education Program, Develop Detroit, and the Wolverine Bar Foundation.

Lento is a Member in Dykema’s Real Estate Practice Group and is widely regarded as a leading authority on affordable housing and community development law. She structures and closes complex public and private financing transactions, guiding developers, investors, and lenders through regulatory and funding frameworks that include Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, historic tax credits, HUD financing tools, and other federal and state programs. Her recent projects include the Residences at St. Matthew, Higginbotham Arts Residences, and the Henry Street Redevelopment, each contributing to the expansion of affordable housing opportunities in Detroit.

Nationally known for her thought leadership, Lento has played a significant role in the American Bar Association’s Forum on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law, serving in multiple leadership capacities and co-editing The Legal Guide to Affordable Housing & Community Development Law, now in its third edition. Within the firm, she was instrumental in launching Dykema’s Women’s Business Initiative, an award-winning program dedicated to advancing women’s professional growth. Lento also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy and is active with organizations including Alternatives for Girls and the Detroit Parks Coalition.