Lawyer relies on his feet to clear his head

By Jeanine Matlow Legal News Michael Clawson, attorney with Hardy, Lewis and Page, P.C., has played an active role in the community for some time. As an avid runner, the University of Toledo Law School graduate, who lives and works in Birmingham, stays physically active, too. When Clawson first moved to Birmingham, he walked to work. "Then I'd have to run home to get something for court and it would be raining. So I drive now," says Clawson, who appreciates the convenience his location has to offer. "I can walk everywhere," he says. "I love walking downtown." Though he works out pretty religiously, Clawson says, "I can't run on a treadmill for whatever reason." The beautiful scenery at Cranbrook and other nearby sites certainly doesn't hurt. "There are great venues around here," he says. "The town is just physically beautiful. It has a great atmosphere." Since Clawson tends to run after work, sometimes he needs a little motivation to get started. But, he reasons, "You know that it's going to feel good by the time you're done." Back at work, his focus is general practice with an emphasis on business-related cases, real estate and some probate and estate planning. Though he says his father suggested he become a doctor or lawyer for job security, it was a teacher at Albion, where he earned his undergraduate degree, who sealed the deal. "I had this really terrific history professor who steered me toward being an attorney," says Clawson, 51. Over the years, Clawson has been involved with a number of causes. He was one of the founding members and former board member for Steppin' Out which is now AIDS Walk Detroit. He also served as a board member and president for the Midwest AIDS Prevention Project. One of its fund-raisers, organized by Clawson and a handful of others, has seen a steady rise in attendance. Artworks for Life, an art auction that raises money, began five years ago with 50 people present. Now, the event that is held at The Ritz-Carlton, Dearborn, attracts 500. Clawson was on the local board of City of Hope for a number of years, an organization that does research for fatal diseases, particularly cancer-related, he says. He participated in Workout for Hope, an aerobics-related event. Come spring, Clawson can be found tending to his extensive flower gardens. "My grandmother was a huge gardener," he says. "She would take me out to the garden and we would spend a great deal of time together. I got the bug from her." Clawson compares gardening to running in that both are relaxing, can be accomplished throughout the day, and allow for some quiet time. "I'm with people every day and I'm on the phone eight hours a day," he explains. "I really enjoy getting away from that." Gardening may serve as a stress reliever for spring and summer, but running provides relaxation year-round. Clawson has completed two Detroit Free Press Marathons and one triathlon in Lansing. "It's very difficult to run a marathon because you're running with so many people. The noise alone is very distracting," he explains. "I made my mind up I was going to do it and I did it." His partner, John April, who is a pharmacist, is also an avid runner. "Exercise is really important to Mike from a work/life balance perspective," April says. "It really helps keep him focused on his work and his home life, not just from a physical standpoint but mental as well." April admires Clawson's dedication, too. "He is very dedicated and probably one of the most conscientious people I know," April says. "When he makes a commitment, he sticks to it." Published: Fri, Jan 8, 2010

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