Detroit Mercy Law Dean's Fellows

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Criminal Justice, Walsh University 

Caleb holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Walsh University. He was inspired by his experience working as a legal intern at a firm in Bay City, and plans to pursue opportunities in business law, personal injury, and property law.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Criminal Justice, Michigan State University 

Aya holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. She wants to use her law degree to become a prosecutor because of her experiences with the legal system and as a Youth Champion working with youth in foster care, helping them know and understand their rights.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Criminology, Villanova University 

Akintade holds a B.A. in Criminology from Villanova University. His experience witnessing the disparities in the criminal justice system inspired him to attend law school to protect the most vulnerable in society.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 

Naro holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Her experience working with her father in his small business, helping him understand complex legal paperwork as a non-native English speaker inspired her to pursue a law degree to help other immigrants who may be facing similar barriers. She has gained experience across various areas of law through her work as a legal assistant, law clerk, and billing clerk at multiple law firms.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 

Gavin holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. He was inspired by his time at the Oakland County Prosecutor's office to pursue the law not only as a career, but also as a way to help others regain stability in their own lives.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 

Maria holds a B.A. in Political Science and Latina/o Studies from the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor. Prior to law school, she worked as an intake coordinator for an immigrant rights organization in Detroit. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Maria hopes to use her law degree to advocate for and serve immigrant communities.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Sociology, Michigan State University  

Aubrey holds a B.A. in Sociology from  Michigan State University. Inspired by her great-grandfather, who was a founding member of the union that would later become the UAW, she is pursuing a law degree to help affect societal change that will improve the lives of people in our communities.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 

Ava holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Her professional goals were shaped by her experience working in the Domestic Violence Unit at the Washtenaw County Prosecutor's Office and she wants to use her law degree to advocate for others.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Psychology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 

Alexandra holds a B.A. in Psychology from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Her experiences working at a non-profit that supports women who were victims of domestic violence and human trafficking showed her how important systemic change is and how the law can transform lives.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Fine, Performing, & Communication Arts, Wayne State University  

Mellissa holds a B.A. in Fine, Performing, and Communication Arts from Wayne State University. Her personal experiences with the legal system showed her the power of transformation and inspired her to become a legal professional that serves others with compassion, determination, and a commitment to justice.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.S.N, Nursing, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor 

Timothy holds a Bachelors in Science of Nursing from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. His experience working as an ICU Nurse during the early days of the COVID-19 Pandemic inspired him to pursue a law degree to use his knowledge to make a difference in the healthcare system.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.S., Accounting, Central Michigan University 

Alyssa holds a B.S. in Accounting from Central Michigan University. She was inspired by her time working in a law firm specializing in estates and trusts and elder care and values the human connection inherent in practicing law.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., English, Central Michigan University  

Arthur holds a B.A. in English from Central Michigan University. He is inspired by his mother's experiences as an immigrant and wants to use his background in debate to be an effective advocate for others.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, Seton Hall University  
M.A., Public Administration, Seton Hall University 

Dominic holds a B.A. in Political Science and M.A. in Public Administration from Seton Hall University. Originally interested in government and non-profit work, his experience working to defend people in evictions proceedings and as a Civil Rights Investigator for the State of Michigan confirmed his interest in pursuing a law degree.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.S., Public Health, Eastern Michigan University  
Master of Public Health, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill 

Zaynab holds a B.S. in Public Health from Eastern Michigan University and Master of Public Health from University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She wants to use law degree to expand the impact she makes for her community in public health policy.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Pre-Law, Michigan State University  

Gage holds a B.A. in Pre-Law from Michigan State University. The son of an alumna, he has experience working in multiple law firms as a legal assistant and looks forward to exploring all the different avenues law has to offer.

Intellectual Property Law Fellow 
B.S.E., Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan Dearborn 

Jaafer holds a B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering from University of Michigan Dearborn and is a registered patent agent.  He wants to leverage his background in engineering to advance justice and innovation at the intersection of law and technology.  

Read Jaafer's feature in the Legal News.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, Nova Southeastern University 

Evi holds a B.A. in Political Science from Nova Southeastern University. She hopes to use her law degree to make an impact on the lives of others. Evi has experience working at a business aviation law firm and has presented her research on the intersection of religion and politics at a large conference in Florida.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Gender Women Studies, Western Michigan University 

Maggie holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Gender/Women Studies from Western Michigan University. She wants to use her law degree and background in literacy work to advance educational equity. 

Read Magdalene's feature in the Legal News.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, Wayne State University  

Ali holds a B.A. in Political Science from Wayne State University. He is inspired to pursue a law degree because of his experiences as an immigrant and working in a small law firm. 

Read Ali's feature in the Legal News.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., International Relations, Michigan State University  

Kyle holds a B.A. in International Relations from Michigan State University. His experience in his college courses and interning with an attorney inspired him to pursue a law degree to provide the best legal services for his future clients.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Psychology, University of Michigan Flint 

Timothy holds a B.A. in Psychology from University of Michigan Flint. He has over two decades of experience as a City of Detroit Firefighter. He wants to help people to feel safe and secure in the fact that the laws that govern this country, state, and city are fair and equitable.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan Ann Arbor 

Gigi holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of Michigan Ann Arbor. She is drawn to corporate law, where she can see the potential to apply her skills in critical analysis, advocacy, and global awareness to meaningful work. 

Read Giselle's feature in the Legal News. 

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Criminal Justice, Michigan State University  

A.J. holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. He has experience working in personal injury law firms on both the plaintiff and defense sides and is committed to ethical service to all clients.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., History & Spanish, University of Michigan Ann Arbor 

Jess holds a B.A. in History and Spanish from University of Michigan Ann Arbor. She wants to use her law degree to help those who are under-protected, under-represented, and marginalized within the legal system.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.S., History, Northern Michigan University  

Kadin holds a B.S. in History from Northern Michigan University. As someone who grew up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he was inspired to pursue a law degree to help others who don’t have access to legal representation. 

Read Kadin's feature in the Legal News.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, Oakwood University 

Grant holds a B.A. in Political Science from Oakwood University. He has experience working as a community organizer in Detroit as well as a case manager and legal assistant at multiple law firms.  

Read Grant's feature in the Legal News.

Transnational Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan Ann Arbor 

James holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of Michigan Ann Arbor. A native of Canada, he pursued his undergraduate degree in the United States and is looking forward to furthering his education learning the legal system of both countries he has lived in.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, Oakland University 

Leann holds a B.A. in Political Science from Oakland University. Her passion for law comes from her family’s struggles during the Syrian Civil War and wanting to make the world a safer and justice place. 

Read Leann's feature in the Legal News. 

Dean’s Fellow 
B.S., Finance, Wayne State University 

Lilly holds a B.S. in Finance from Wayne State University. She decided to pursue a law degree in high school and after seeing how it can impact families and children while working at a summer camp. She has experience working as an intern, law clerk, and billing clerk at law firms. 

Read Lilly's feature in the Legal News

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Economics & Film, Television, and Media, University of Michigan Ann Arbor 

Fatima holds a B.A. in Economics and Film, Television, and Media from University of Michigan Ann Arbor. She is inspired to pursue a law degree based on her love for the justice system and desire to improve it for all.  

Read Fatima's feature in the Legal News.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science & Economics, University of Michigan Ann Arbor 

Anastasiya holds a B.A. in Political Science and Economics from University of Michigan Ann Arbor. Inspired by her Ukrainian origins, she wants to use her law degree to support and fight for her communities in the U.S. and abroad.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan Ann Arbor 

Nick holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of Michigan Ann Arbor. He is interested in Veterans Law because of his experiences working at a disability law firm.  

Read Nick's feature in the Legal News.

Dean’s Fellow  
B.A., Political Science & Creative Writing, Wayne State University 

Devin holds a B.A. in Political Science and Creative Writing from Wayne State University.  He aspires to uphold justice and humanity through storytelling, drawing upon the similarities between law and literature. His path to becoming a future change-maker in our legal system was borne of a spiritual and generational calling to heal ancestral wounds and give a voice to those who have been silenced for far too long. 

Read Devin's feature in the Legal News.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Criminal Justice, Michigan State University 

Connor holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. He wants to use his law degree to help those in need within the realm of criminal defense.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Economics, University of Michigan Ann Arbor 

Gabriel holds a B.A. in Economics from University of Michigan Ann Arbor. The son of a Detroit Mercy Law alum, his desire to pursue a career in law is driven by a desire to engage in a dynamic and intellectually stimulating profession that will enable me to make a positive impact on the lives of others. 

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan Dearborn 

Mackenzie holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of Michigan Dearborn. Her experience working at two different law firms showed her simple ways legal representation can help people, based on knowledge and expertise, and she hopes to be that guide for others. 

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Philosophy & Literature, University of Michigan Ann Arbor 

Jack holds a B.A. in Philosophy and Literature from University of Michigan Ann Arbor. His experience with mock trial in high school and the joy of crafting arguments is what inspired him to attend law school.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Sociology & Criminology, Gonzaga University  

Analesa holds a B.A. in Sociology and Criminology from Gonzaga University. She has experience as a legal intern and assistant with a non-profit law firm focused on post-conviction relief and is dedicated to bringing justice to her community. 

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Political Science, University of Michigan Ann Arbor 

Russell holds a B.A. in Political Science from University of Michigan Ann Arbor. He wants to become a lawyer to serve the interests of low-income and marginalized people.

Read Russell's feature in the Legal News.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Economics & French, Kalamazoo College 

Camille holds a B.A. in Economics and French from Kalamazoo College. She is inspired by Detroit Mercy Law’s Jesuit and Mercy traditions and commitment to compassionate service to those in need.  

Read Camille's feature in the Legal News.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Biology, Oakland University  

Grace holds a B.A. in Biology from Oakland University. Her experience working in the Oakland County Juvenile Drug Court Program solidified her desire to pursue a law degree to be used in the service of others.  

Dean’s Fellow  
B.S., Paralegal Studies, Eastern Michigan University 

Zvy holds a B.S. in Paralegal Studies from Eastern Michigan University. Inspired by her own family’s experiences, she is interested in immigration law and serving underprivileged families. Zvy hopes to use her education and legal training to empower those navigating complex legal systems.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Hospitality Business, Michigan State University 

Alexis holds a B.A. in Hospitality Business from Michigan State University. She is interested in becoming a litigator to help individuals against unethical large businesses.  

Transnational Dean’s Fellow 
B.S., Anthropology, University of Virginia 

Garrett holds a B.S. in Anthropology from University of Virginia. With his experience as an investigator for Child Protective Services, he hopes to use his skills and legal education to solve problems in this community.  

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Legal Studies, University of California Berkley  

Khalidah holds a B.A. in Legal Studies from University of California Berkley. As a first-generation college graduate, she wants to use her law degree to be an advocate for her community.  

Dean’s Fellow  
B.A., Political Science, Michigan State University  

Violet holds a B.A. in Political Science from Michigan State University. Her interest in how law shapes individuals and communities was inspired by her grandparents’ immigration to the United States. She looks forward to exploring paths in legal practice that promote justice and equity. 

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Human Resource Management & Philosophy, Wayne State University  

Devynn holds a B.A. in Human Resource Management and Philosophy from Wayne State University. She is a first-generation college graduate and is interested in pursuing civil rights law. 

Read Devynn's feature in the Legal News.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., History, Calvin University 

Taylor holds a B.A. in History from Calvin University. She is interested in multiple areas of the law, including real estate and estate planning, and knows she wants to pursue a legal career in Metro Detroit.

Dean’s Fellow  
B.A., Criminal Justice, Michigan State University  

Meg holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Michigan State University. She has experience working as an analyst for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and in program operations to support the tech industry across the globe to strengthen and scale their child safety programs. 

Dean’s Fellow  
B.S., Psychology, Michigan State University   

Aiden holds a B.S. in Psychology from Michigan State University. He is interested in working in criminal defense, labor, and employment law. 

Dean’s Fellow 
B.S., Accounting, Oakland University 

Angelo holds a B.S. in Accounting from Oakland University. His experience working in his family business led him to find a passion for problem-solving and helping others which inspired him to pursue a law degree.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., History, Western Michigan University  

De’Metri holds a B.A. in History from Western Michigan University. After graduating from high school, he joined the United States Army Reserves and graduated from university at the rank of Sergeant.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Social Relations and Policy & International Relations, Michigan State University 

Sarina holds a B.A. in Social Relations and Policy and International Relations from Michigan State University. She is interested in pursuing immigration law and has experience serving as a case worker at multiple non-profits supporting immigrants and refugees. 

Intellectual Property Law Fellow
B.S., Chemical Engineering, Kettering University

She has experience working as a regulatory affairs engineer, which has allowed her to use her engineering degree and has exposed her to the law. She first became interested in pursuing IP law during an internship for BASF at the GM Flint Assembly Paint Shop during her undergraduate studies. 

Transnational Fellow
B.A., Asian Cultures & Languages and Asian Studies, The University of Texas at Austin
M.S., National Security, The University of New Haven

He is pursuing a Canadian & American Dual JD to help future clients navigate the immigration systems of both countries. He previously worked as a paralegal and food pantry director at a Catholic nonprofit serving the immigrant community in New Haven, CT.

Dean’s Fellow 
B.A., Interdisciplinary Social Studies, York University

She is pursuing a law degree because of her desire to make an impact on the lives of others. She is interested in pursuing family law focusing on mediation due to her experience volunteering in a law firm. Prior to law school, she worked as a marketing coordinator of a non-profit for seniors and an instructor for a science program for children.

Dean's Fellow
B.A., Criminology, Western Ontario University

His decision to become a lawyer became clear after escaping the Sudanese civil war during a trip to see family in 2023. He hopes to use his law degree to help others with complex immigration matters, especially for those escaping high conflict zones.

Dean's Fellow
B.A., Political Science, Oakland University

He is a part of the JD 3+3 program with Oakland University. He is still deciding exactly what area of law he wishes to pursue but is interested in working in the auto industry and revitalizing the city. 

Dean's Fellow
Honors College graduate of Michigan State University's Residential College in Arts and Humanities

Rita worked as an English instructor in Tokyo, Japan. She was drawn to the social justice mission of Detroit Mercy Law.

Transnational Fellow
B.A., Political Science & Communications, University of Detroit Mercy

She is inspired by the Detroit Mercy mission and is looking forward to continuing her education in the Canadian & American Dual JD program to impact the greatest number of people in need.

Read Isabella's feature in the Legal News.

Intellectual Property Law Fellow
B.S., Physics, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
M.S., Electrical & Computer Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

He is a registered patent agent and worked as a patent engineer. He was inspired to pursue working with patents and intellectual property law after working on his own patents, of which he has two.

Read Christopher's feature in the Legal News.