Rachael J. Denhollander

Rachael J. Denhollander is an attorney, author, advocate, and educator recognized as one of the world’s leading voices on the topic of sexual abuse. Ms. Denhollander joined The Fierberg National Law Group to transition into trial practice, focusing on representing survivors of sexual abuse as part of the firm’s team in cases around the country.

Possessing a unique blend of professional skills, personal experience, and a dynamic communication style, Ms. Denhollander is a sought-after media commentator, speaker, and consultant. Her grasp of legal issues, corporate ethics, effective leadership, and investigative practices is coupled with a trauma-informed, deeply compassionate understanding of the realities facing survivors of sexual abuse and their path toward healing.

In 2016, Ms. Denhollander became known internationally as the first woman to pursue criminal charges and speak publicly against USA Gymnastics women’s national team doctor Larry Nassar, one of the most prolific sexual abusers in recorded history. As a result of her activism, more than 300 women — including numerous Olympic medalists — came forward as survivors of Nassar’s abuse, eventually leading to his life imprisonment. Her courageous tenacity and ongoing advocacy helped trigger a complete upheaval at USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University. In 2019, she published an autobiographical account of her experience, What Is a Girl Worth? My Story of Breaking the Silence and Exposing the Truth about Larry Nassar and USA Gymnastics.

Ms. Denhollander was named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World” and one of Glamour magazine’s “Women of the Year” in 2018. She received the “Inspiration of the Year” award from Sports Illustrated, was a joint recipient of ESPN’s Arthur Ashe Courage Award, and was named a “Michiganian of the Year” by the Detroit News, among numerous other honors. She is not licensed in the State of Michigan.