Detroit Mercy Law Dean's Fellows

Admitted students who have demonstrated excellence prior to law school through academics, leadership, professionalism, and service are invited to interview for fellowship consideration. Dean’s Fellows receive full-tuition scholarship support and alumni mentors, as well as leadership, networking, and service opportunities throughout law school. 

Incoming Fellows 2025

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    Jaafer Alemara

    Jaafer AlemaraIntellectual 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.  

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    Evi Aliaj

    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.  

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    Magdalene Asamoah

    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. 

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    Ali Assi

    Coming soon
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    Kyle Bessonen

    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.  

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    Timothy Carter II

    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.

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    Giselle DeJong

    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

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    Bradley Eldridge

    Dean’s Fellow 
    B.S., Business Leadership, Kuyper College 

    Bradley holds a B.S. in Business Leadership from Kuyper College. His experience in his undergraduate student government, including as student body president, has shown him the transformative power of advocacy for his community.

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    Arthur Fickling

    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.  

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    Jess Fisher

    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.  

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    Kadin Fox

    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. 

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    Grant Gabriel

    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.  

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    James Graham

    Coming soon
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    Leann Hadeed

    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. 

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    Lilly Hermiz

    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. 

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    Fatima Idrees

    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.

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    Anastasiya Ilkiv

    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.  

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    Nicholas Lachajewski

    Coming soon
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    Devin Lewis-Green

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    Connor Levitt

    Coming soon
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    Gabriel Lueck

    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. 

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    Mackenzie Lyons

    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. 

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    Jack Mack

    Coming soon
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    Analesa Mason-Ligon

    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. 

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    Russell McIntosh

    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, 

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    Camielle Misra

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

    Camielle 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.  

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    Jacob Obendorfer

    Jacob ObendorferIntellectual Property Law Fellow  
    B.S., Electrical & Computer Engineering, Wayne State University  

    Jacob holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Wayne State University. He became interested in patent law while working at a D.C. based patent prosecution firm and decided to pursue his bachelor's in engineering to advance in his career.  He plans to use his law degree to assist domestic and multinational companies in global IP portfolio procurement and enforcement. 

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    Grace Petrach

    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.  

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    Zvyhneph Ponce De Leon

    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.

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    Alexis Rillema

    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.  

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    Garrett Schreck

    Coming soon
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    Khalidah Shaheed

    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.  

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    Violet Sinishtaj

    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. 

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    Devynn Stepowski

    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

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    Taylor Trenta

    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.

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    Margaret Vindischman

    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. 

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    Aiden Woelmer

    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. 

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    Angelo Yono

    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.

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    De’Metri Zobro-Taft

    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.

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    Sarina Zomay

    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. 

Incoming Fellows 2024

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    Alexandra Biederman

    alexandra biedermanIntellectual 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. 

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    Matthew Clayton

    Matthew ClaytonTransnational 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.

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    Monique Christopher

    monique christopherDean’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.

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    Rita Dunne

    Rita DunneDean'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.

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    Tijani Mohamed

    tijani mohamedDean'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.

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    Jack VanLue

    jack vanlueDean'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. 

Incoming Fellows 2023

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    Alexis Farmer

    alexis farmerDean's Fellow
    B.A., Public Policy, University of Michigan
    Master in Public Policy, Harvard University John F. Kennedy School of Government

    She hopes to use her law degree to help those who have been affected by the criminal justice system. Her master's thesis focused on making the case for a government initiated expungement process in Louisiana.

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    Isabella Filary

    isabella filaryTransnational 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.

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    Bianca Ivezaj

    bianca ivezajDean's Fellow
    B.A., International Studies, University of Michigan

    She also studied the Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian languages. She was inspired by her family's immigration experience to pursue a law degree and help people who are going through the immigration process.

    Read Bianca's feature in the Legal News. 

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    Heather Keery

    heather keeryDean's Fellow
    B.S., Criminal Justice & Philosophy, University of Detroit Mercy

    She was a member of the Division I women’s lacrosse team during her undergraduate studies. She is interested in laws and policies that impact border crossing and international business transactions.

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    Andrew Majchrzak

    andrew majchrzakIntellectual Property Law Fellow
    B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Kettering University

    He worked for several years as an engineer before deciding to pursue law school. He plans to use his background to become a patent attorney and to serve others by protecting their intellectual property.

    Read Andrew's feature in the Legal News.

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    Sarah Wilson Meyrer

    sarah wilson meyrerIntellectual Property Law Fellow
    B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan

    She is a registered patent agent and worked at a law firm specializing in IP law. She plans to use her law degree to help support local businesses and serve clients seeking protection of their intellectual property rights.

    Read Sarah's feature in the Legal News.

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    Abigail Schaefer

    abigail schaeferDean's Fellow
    B.A., Social Relations and Policy, Michigan State University James Madison College

    She plans to use her law degree to serve the public and utilize her privilege to ensure justice for others. She has experience working as a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate and Mental Health Court Intern.

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    Sabrina Soka

    sabrina sokaDean's Fellow
    B.S., Global Supply Chain, Wayne State University

    She has been interested in pursuing a law degree since elementary school. She inspired her mother, a former alumna fellow, to attend law school. She is interested in civil disputes and commercial litigation.

    Read Sabrina's feature in the Legal News.

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    Christopher Storms

    christopher stomsIntellectual 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

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    Nigel Wright

    nigel wrightDean's Fellow
    B.A., Political Science & Administration of Justice, Texas Southern University

    He hopes to use his law degree to help those who have been wrongfully convicted and prevent false convictions from happening in the first place. Through his work as a legal assistant, he discovered a passion for litigation. He also hopes to provide more Black representation in the legal community and to inspire others.