Michele B. Grimes

Celebrating Michele B. Grimes During Women’s History Month

We are honored to celebrate Michele B. Grimes during Women’s History Month for the significant contributions she has made throughout her career. 

When Michele joined Williams Parker as an associate in 1979, she was the first woman to be hired as an attorney. She worked among 16 lawyers and remained the firm’s sole female attorney for the next 5 years. In 1985, she became the firm’s first female shareholder. Today, in 2025, 40 percent of Williams Parker attorneys are women. 

Michele made history by becoming the first female president of the Sarasota County Bar Association (SCBA) in 1995. Her leadership in this role set a precedent and opened doors for future generations of women in the legal profession. Michele’s tenure as president was marked by her dedication to enhancing the association’s programs and initiatives. She worked tirelessly to promote professional development, ethical standards, and community service among the members.

As a strong advocate for mentorship within the legal community, Michele has personally mentored numerous young attorneys. 

Michele has been actively involved in numerous community organizations, including the Sarasota Family YMCA and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. Her commitment to community service has had a lasting impact on the Sarasota community.