Employee Spotlight: Bri Ringel
At Sommers Schwartz, our people make the firm special. Every member of our team, whether in the courtroom or behind the scenes, plays an essential role in serving our clients. This month, I’m delighted to introduce you to Bri Ringel, who manages our imaging center. Bri has been with us for over a decade, and her dedication and positive spirit make her a valued member of our firm.
What are your responsibilities in your current role at Sommers Schwartz?
I manage the imaging center and outside vendors. That means a lot of different things, like ordering supplies, coordinating vendors, making sure the office equipment is working, helping with onboarding, and keeping our filing system in order. A big part of my job is helping with pretrial work, so I handle things like medical records, transcripts, and trial exhibits. Most of my work is behind the scenes, but I like knowing I’m helping.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Honestly, the thing I enjoy the most about my job is the people. I’ve worked at places where the environment wasn’t great, and I would wake up not wanting to go in. That’s not the case here; I love my coworkers! They make the job fun. I also like knowing that even though I’m behind the scenes, what I’m doing is helping our clients.
Did you work anywhere before joining Sommers Schwartz? If so, how has that experience helped you here?
My very first job was at a gymnastics center in Illinois, where my mom coached and my sisters trained. I worked at the front desk, but wasn’t crazy about gymnastics. When I moved to Michigan, I worked in the restaurant industry for about nine years, but burnout is real, and it was tough, especially for a young mom. After that, I worked in the auto industry for a few years. I was unfortunately laid off, and while unemployed, my neighbor, Kim Kortes, suggested I apply at Sommers Schwartz, and the rest is history!
What is your proudest accomplishment at Sommers Schwartz?
I’d say moving from being a temp to my current role running the imaging center. When Kim stepped away from running the imaging center, the firm trusted me to take it over. It felt good to know that they had confidence in me and valued my work.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
Family is number one. We spend as much time together as possible. I like gaming, cooking, reading, and hunting for antiques and odd little knick-knacks. I’m into DIY projects, recently started crocheting, and I’m obsessed with true crime podcasts. Oh, and I LOVE Halloween. If it were up to me, it’d be a year-round thing!
What advice would you give to your younger self?
I’d probably tell myself not to stress so much when things don’t go as planned. It’s okay to make a change, and eventually you’ll find a place where you feel valued and supported.
