Meet the Team
The increasingly complex legal environment is best served by bringing together lawyers and professionals with specialized practice knowledge to work as a unified team. This belief has enabled the Vlahakis Cole Law Firm to become the only woman-owned law firm dedicated to serving Michigan’s drain and water resources commissioners. Clients quickly find just how committed our team is to their needs.
Alexis Vlahakis Cole
Attorney at Law
Alexis Vlahakis Cole is the president of Vlahakis Cole Law Firm, which was established upon the retirement of Michael Woodworth of Woodworth Law Firm. Prior to working for Woodworth Law Firm, Alexis began her legal career as a law clerk for Abood Law Firm.
Alexis is dedicated to serving Michigan’s drain and water resources commissioners to achieve storm water management and other objectives, as well as serving corporate and real estate clients.
Alexis is a graduate of Michigan State University where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in social science and a juris doctor degree from Michigan State University College of Law. While attending law school Alexis became a licensed Realtor® with Vlahakis Homes, an Okemos based real estate company serving both buyers and sellers in the greater Lansing area.
Alexis serves on the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Liaison Committee and Education Committee for the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners. Alexis is a lifelong resident of East Lansing where she resides with her husband, Jake, and their sons, Boston and Brody.
Cheryl Nodarse
Advanced Certified Paralegal
Cheryl Nodarse, Advanced Certified Paralegal, is a graduate of Central Michigan University and has been a Certified Paralegal since 1990, gaining her Advanced Certification in Land Use and Municipal Law.
Cheryl has specialized training in grant writing and administration, and completed the program developed by the Michigan State University Institute of Watershed Training. Cheryl is also a licensed Realtor® with Vlahakis Homes.
She serves on several committees for the Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners, and is currently serving as present-elect for the National Association of Legal Assistants. Cheryl and her husband Ruben are empty-nesters residing in St. Johns.
Sherry Katz-Hedrington
Of Counsel
Sherry Katz-Hedrington joined the Vlahakis Cole Law Firm in November 2021 in an “Of Counsel” capacity. Sherry brings over 30 years of experience, particularly in the areas of civil litigation and drain and water resource law.
Sherry graduated magna cum laude from the University of Michigan and went on to receive her law degree, graduating cum laude from Notre Dame Law School.
Sherry began her legal career working with the law firm of Dickinson Wright in bond finance and then joined the office of Miller Canfield where she became a partner. She has focused her work on commercial and municipal litigation, including arbitration, trial, and appellate work. Sherry has represented clients in Michigan and Federal Courts. Sherry is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is admitted pro hac vice in Ohio. She is also admitted to both the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan and the Sixth Circuit.
Sherry resides in Lansing, Michigan with her hunting dog, Bud, along with her 3 other dogs and pet quail.