GET TO KNOW LAUREN WICKMAN
A Childhood Dream Come True
Lauren Wickman grew up dreaming of becoming a Prosecutor. As early as 10 years old, her goal was to be in a courtroom, prosecuting criminals and ensuring victims got their day in court. This goal persisted through high school and into college.
​
Lauren graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2012 with a degree in Political Science and History. While in college, Lauren joined the University of Wisconsin Marching band and earned a leadership role on the field.
Following, her undergraduate studies, Lauren attended Michigan State University College of Law, graduating in 2015. While in Law School, Lauren participated in several hands on experiences. "I knew I wanted to be in the courtroom upon graduation, but wanted to make sure the job lived up to my expectations, so I sought out opportunities that would challenge me." In her first year, Lauren interned in the Ionia County Prosecutor's Office in Ionia, Michigan. "Ionia County sparked my desire to serve in a smaller community. The challenges and problems that arise in any Prosecutor's Office impact the community much more significantly in a small community. I wanted to help those communities the most."
​
During the 2013-2014 school year, Lauren participated in the Sentencing Clinic run through Michigan State University College of Law Clinical program, in conjunction with the State Appellate Defender's Office. The role of the clinic was to review police reports, transcripts, and sentencing investigation reports to ensure an offender was accurately sentenced. Lauren had the opportunity to review numerous cases, as well as arguing the merits of the sentences in several courts around lower Michigan. The pinnacle of the experience was drafting and submitting a brief to the Michigan State Court of Appeals. "This experience strengthened my desire to ensure individuals are appropriately sentenced. Everyone deserves a fair and accurate sentence."
​
In the summer of 2014, Lauren interned in the Delta County Prosecutor's Office. "This was the most immersive experience I could imagine as an intern. I had cases I was handling my very first week. The amount of responsibility and exposure to new experiences, cases, or courts was incredible." This experience not only solidified Lauren's love of being a prosecutor, but of Delta County. "I distinctly remember leaving for the Fall semester and desperately wanting to return."
​
In the fall of 2014, Lauren interned in Livingston County Prosecutor's Office. "My time in Livingston County was all about the Court and different judges. It was a much larger county, so it was interesting to see the dynamics of multiple judges and a lot more attorneys."
​
Lauren graduated in May 2015 and sat for the bar exam in July 2015. She was hired in September for a law firm specializing in insurance defense work out of Grand Rapids, Michigan. "My time with the law firm taught me a valuable lesson on how to approach clients, conduct depositions, and analyze issues that arise in cases."
​
However, Lauren's heart remained in Delta County. In December 2016, she accepted the position of Assistant Prosecutor in Delta County.
WHY PROSECUTION?
Lauren Wickman has always been drawn to the side of prosecution. The draw to help people in their worst moment is something that has grown throughout Lauren's experience.
​
"Prosecutor's are uniquely equipped to make an impact in the community. The victims of crime that pass through our doors are often in the worst moments of their lives and completely unfamiliar with what will occur next. Easing that burden, at least one of what happens next, is a simple way to help a person."
​
Lauren focused on victims even prior to graduating law school. In a seminar class her last semester, Lauren focused on addressing unique challenges faced by victims of domestic violence in rural areas. "After seeing the unique experience domestic violence victims faced during my time in Delta County as an intern, I realized this was an issue that transcended traditional approaches. I wanted to determine what those issues are and focus on how to alleviate that additional pressure of those victims."
​
Lauren has attended several training conferences to better assist victims of crime. Lauren attended the Domestic Violence and Strangulation clinics put on by the Michigan Prosecuting Attorney Association. In April 2018, Lauren attended the National Conference on Crimes Against Women in Dallas, Texas. "This conference brought in prosecutors, law enforcement, and victim advocates from across the country, in a fantastic exchange of ideas. I learned so much in a short time to better assist our community."
​
Prosecution is not an easy road. "As prosecutors we have to be multifaceted. We have to be ready for anything. I relish the phone calls from law enforcement, whether it is at 10 AM or 2 AM. Issues faced by law enforcement or victims do not watch a clock. We always have to be ready to address whatever might occur. I have to be ready to ensure the best service and best representation to the people of Delta County."
WHY DELTA COUNTY?
Lauren's ties to Delta County are longstanding. Both Lauren's paternal grandparents, Charles Wickman and Mary Larson, grew up in Delta County. Charles Wickman's father, Carl Wickman, was the head teller at Upper Peninsula State Bank. The Wickman family resided in Escanaba. Charles attended Escanaba High School. After graduating, he attended the University of Michigan. Following graduation, Charles married Mary Larson, and moved his family to southern California to work for Honeywell on early computers. Mary Larson grew up in Wells, Michigan, and attended Escanaba High School. Mary attended University of Michigan and graduated with a degree in speech therapy.
​
Both Mary and Charles' families remained in Delta County, so despite the distance between Escanaba and Southern California, they made it a priority to keep their young family connected to the area. Trips were made by the family on at least a yearly basis where the family would enjoy the lake, space, and most specifically train spotting. After Charles and Mary moved their family to the Twin Cities in Minnesota, the trips became more frequent.
​
In 2013, Charles passed away. His wish was to be buried beside Mary, who had passed away in 2009, in Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba. Lauren, along with her family attend the burial. "This was my first trip back to the area since I was in grade school. I recall distinctly driving into town along M-35 with the lake view and getting lost in watching the waves. I immediately felt a sense of home and calm. It seems hard to believe, but I just had the sense of this is where I need to be. When I left following the weekend's events, I knew I wanted to return as soon as possible and make =."
​
Lauren sought out an internship in the summer of 2014 in Delta County Prosecutor's Office to make that wish a reality. "The time that summer lived up to every expectation. The people I met at work and in the community, were all warm and welcoming. It seemed like the perfect fit." Lauren's cousin, Janet Gustafson, took her in and introduced her to the people and places of Delta County.
​
"I can't imagine working or being anywhere but Delta County. The beauty of the landscape, the warmth of the people, and community feeling is unmatched. Everyone I have met has been open and accepting. I want to ensure that the People of Delta County are well protected and well represented. These are my friends, family, and neighbors. What effects them, effects me. I am here for the people."
PERSONAL LIFE
Lauren currently resides in Escanaba with her 4 year old Golden Retriever, Jack McCoy. Lauren and Jack love spending time exploring all the natural places Delta County has to offer, especially Peninsula Point Lighthouse, Portage Point, Rapid River falls, and Days River area. Lauren enjoys nature photography, hiking, snowshoeing, and camping in her free time.
​
"Whenever I can get out outside, whether its a simple walk around Ludington Park with Jack, or camping on the Stonington or Garden Peninsulas, I love being outside. Delta County has so many unique locations to enjoy."
​
Lauren is very close to her family. Her parents, Carl and Dianne Wickman, live in Oconomowoc Wisconsin, where Lauren attended high school. Both are extremely hardworking and they have set a fantastic example for Lauren. Lauren's younger brother, Erik Wickman, resides in Milwaukee Wisconsin where he works in bar design and management.