Charles E. McCallum is being remembered today as a visionary leader, exemplary business attorney and trusted advisor who was instrumental in shaping Warner Norcross + Judd LLP as part of the second generation of leaders following the firm’s founders. The former Managing Partner passed away in his Grand Rapids home on Monday, February 9, with his wife, Lois, and daughter, Sabra, by his side.
A native of Memphis, Mr. McCallum grew up in the city, attending Idlewild Presbyterian Church and graduating from Central High School. After high school, he earned his bachelor’s degree in pure math from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He spent a year reading the law as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Manchester (England). Upon his return, he earned his JD from Vanderbilt University Law School, where he was managing editor of the Vanderbilt Law Review and Order of the Coif.
Mr. McCallum joined Warner in 1964, recruited by a fellow Vandy alum. He concentrated his practice in corporate and international law, developing deep and lasting relationships with the leaders of many prominent West Michigan companies and organizations. Recognized as a brilliant lawyer with an impressive intellect, Mr. McCallum knew it was essential to really understand the business his clients were involved in, whether it was manufacturing or health care or banking. Clients valued his wise counsel and strategic thinking.
“Even before he became Managing Partner, Charles was a driving force behind the successful growth of the law firm,” noted Steve Waterbury, a longtime colleague who is now Of Counsel with Warner. “Central to his thinking was that Warner was engaged in the practice of law to serve others. Practicing law was not a means to wealth or prestige, but a means to helping others succeed, both inside and outside the law firm, whether in business or in their lives, measured by the values and hopes of our clients and employees. Charles rejoiced in the success of others and provided many opportunities to younger attorneys and others at the firm.”
Young attorneys also appreciated and benefited from Mr. McCallum’s guidance. Recognized as a tremendous mentor, he always took the time to sit down and review an agreement with associates and provide advice on both the technical drafting as well as developing long-range client skills. He was recognized as a good and faithful friend to many, both inside and outside of the firm.
Mr. McCallum became Warner’s third Managing Partner, serving from 1992 through 1998. Under his leadership, Warner embraced a modern approach to practicing law, encouraging business plans for both the firm and individual attorneys. He brought a strong focus to proactive business development, encouraging attorneys to actively seek new work at a time when few other law firms were doing so. Mr. McCallum, who spoke four languages, launched the firm’s International Business Practice Group, traveling to Europe and Asia to secure work from automotive and other manufacturers who wanted a Michigan presence.
“Charles very much thought Warner could compete with any other law firm or attorney, and he instilled that pride and confidence in all of us,” said Mark Wassink, Warner’s current Managing Partner. “Charles advocated for all our lawyers to develop deep client relationships that turned into a trusted advisor role. Our success as a firm would come through helping our clients succeed and providing better client service. Through his tireless efforts and connections, Charles grew the firm’s reputation and standing as a great law firm.”
Mr. McCallum secured the firm’s membership in TerraLex, a collaborative global legal network with law firms in each of the 50 states and more than 120 countries. Mr. McCallum served as CEO of TerraLex for six years.
Mr. McCallum made many significant contributions to the legal profession as well. He was active in the American Bar Association, rising to the role of Chair of the Business Law Section, one of the largest ABA sections. He wrote extensively on professionalism and ethics in the law, serving as the Chair of the ABA’s Committee on Professional Responsibility and Editor-in-Chief of The Business Lawyer. He also served as the Chair of the Business Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.
His influence extended into the community as well. Mr. McCallum held numerous leadership roles with business, civic and nonprofit organizations. These included chairing boards for Butterworth Hospital (now Corewell Health), Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, Grand Rapids Area Transit Authority, Grand Rapids Art Museum and Priority Health, among others. He also served on the executive board of The Right Place, Inc.
Mr. McCallum was recognized with many awards over the years, including Best Lawyers in America, Michigan Super Lawyers, Leading Lawyers Michigan and Chambers USA. He was a Fellow in the American College of Law Practice Management.
A lawyer’s lawyer, Mr. McCallum was a key person in Warner’s history and success and will be deeply missed by all of us.