Courtesy Photo-Ayanna D. Neal Attorney; Sexual Assault & Civil Rights Team Leader at Grewal Law PLLC.
Lansing native Ayanna D. Neal has spent over two decades using the law as a tool for justice, advocacy, and change. From the courtroom to the community, Neal’s legal career has been defined by her unwavering commitment to serving the people of Michigan and standing up for survivors of injustice.
Her journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of Michigan, followed by earning her Juris Doctor with a concentration in Business Transactions from Thomas M. Cooley Law School. After working in private practice for two years, she dedicated 15 years as an Assistant Prosecutor for Ingham County, handling high-stakes cases in family, district, and circuit courts. Neal prosecuted everything from major drug crimes to arson and criminal sexual conduct, working with specialized units to ensure justice for victims.
Ayanna's impact didn’t stop at the county level. As part of Grewal Law PLLC, Neal took on some of the most significant sexual abuse litigation cases in history, helping secure groundbreaking settlements for survivors:
$490 Million Settlement – University of Michigan (Dr. Robert Anderson case)
$144 Million Settlement – FBI’s failure to act in the Larry Nassar case
$425 Million Settlement – USA Gymnastics/USOPC sexual abuse case
Neal’s work in civil rights, employment law, sexual assault litigation, and criminal defense has not only helped survivors and other clients gain justice, but has also driven institutional change.
Beyond her legal career, Neal has been an advocate for education and diversity. She has mentored law students, served on the State Bar of Michigan’s Equal Access Initiative for Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and spoken at community programs to empower young people. Her professional affiliations include the Ingham County Bar Association, the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, and the Community Corrections Advisory Board.
With an impressive career spanning over twenty years, Ayanna Neal continues to break barriers, proving that justice is not just about the law—it’s about fighting for those who need it most. In her free time, Ayanna enjoys traveling, sports, working with the youth, fashion, helping people, and spending time with family.
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