Crain’s Grand Rapids Business
Grand Rapids, Michigan, Sept. 21, 2026 – Emily S. Rucker, a partner at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, has been selected for the 2026 class of 40 Under 40 business leaders by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
Rucker and 39 other West Michigan leaders younger than 40 will be recognized for their business and community leadership in an online publication today and during an awards event on Oct. 22. Since 1991, Crain’s City Brands have gathered 40 of the community’s overachievers for a special salute. Past winners have started companies, climbed the corporate ranks and made nonprofits stronger while giving back to the community and mentoring others.
Rucker’s legal practice focuses on construction and supply chain litigation and dispute resolution. In the construction industry, she supports owners, contractors, subcontractors and material suppliers in resolving a variety of disputes, including defect and delay matters, construction lien and payment claims. She also represents manufacturers in a variety of supply chain matters, including pricing, breach of contract and contract termination matters. She is based in Warner’s Grand Rapids office.
Rucker was named to the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America. She also has been recognized on the Best Lawyers® Grand Rapids “Ones to Watch” lists for commercial litigation from 2023-25 and construction and real estate litigation from 2024-25. She was named a Michigan Rising Star by Super Lawyers from 2018-25 and received the Grand Rapids Bar Association’s 3 in 10 Award in 2022. Rucker serves as secretary for the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and School of Theatre Arts board and is a NextGen Committee Member. Rucker also is involved in Inforum’s Regional Council, CREW West Michigan and the West Michigan Chapter of the Turnaround Management Association.
About Warner
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn or Facebook.
