In the Greater Lansing area, public policy and local commerce are intrinsically linked. For area businesses trying to navigate this complex landscape, Monique C. Field- Foster serves as an invaluable guide.
As the executive partner of Warner Norcross + Judd LLP’s Lansing office and co-chair of the firm’s government affairs practice, Field-Foster operates fluidly at the intersection of law, policy and business.
Her deep understanding of the capital region stems from an impressive career built inside state government. Her background includes roles in the Michigan House of Representatives, serving as deputy director for legislative affairs under Gov. Jennifer Granholm; supporting Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s transition; and working in higher education at Michigan State University.
“Those experiences really shaped how I understand not just what is happening in state government, but how and why decisions get made — and how to engage in that process effectively,” Field-Foster said.
Her legal acumen and strategic advocacy have earned her widespread recognition within the state’s legal and business communities. Michigan Lawyers Weekly and Crain’s Detroit Business have both honored her for her exceptional work, alongside accolades from Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers and the Michigan Chronicle’s Women of Excellence award.
Despite her legal pedigree, Field-Foster views her role through a broader lens.
“I think of myself as a strategist first,” she explained. “Lawyer, advocate and strategist are really one in the same: it’s just a matter of how you put them into practice.”
She utilizes this multifaceted approach to serve as a “translator, a connector and a strategist” across diverse industries, from transportation and economic development to higher education.
For Lansing business owners, Field- Foster’s primary piece of advice is simple: engage early. She noted that many businesses wait until a regulatory or legislative issue escalates before seeking help, missing critical opportunities to shape policy from the outset.
“I’m fond of telling clients, ‘You’re either at the table or you’re on the table,’” she said. “While you don’t have to get deeply involved in the day-to-day shaping of public policy, if you don’t engage at some point, you may not like the outcome or impact it has on your business.”
Operating in Lansing offers local enterprises a distinct advantage, primarily due to proximity to state leadership. Field- Foster urged business owners to lean into this regional ecosystem, build relationships before an immediate need arises and delegate advocacy to professionals.
“Business owners are better served by spending their time doing what they know and do best, and then hiring someone like me who has the relationships and the background to advocate for them,” she said.
Ultimately, Field-Foster’s goal is to bring clarity to the complicated world of government affairs, keeping clients steady in a rapidly changing environment.
“At the end of the day, I see my role as helping people move forward with clarity in a way that strengthens both their business and the community where we all live,” she said.
Stacy Bogard
Stacy Bogard is a senior content and PR strategist at M3 Group and is a writing and editing contributor for 517 Business. A native of East Lansing, she’s active with the Junior League of Lansing and Central Michigan chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. She also loves watching sports and traveling.
