Alumna Hosts Private Fundraiser in Support of Power of One Bar Success Program

Rita Samir Soka '22 hosted a private fundraiser at her home in support of the Detroit Mercy Law Power of One program on September 14. The program helps graduates pass the bar exam on their first attempt by providing key preparation benchmarks and financial support. With over 100 graduates sitting for a U.S. bar exam each year, the program requires significant annual funding.

As part of the first class to experience the program, Soka credits her success in passing the Michigan Bar Exam to the Power of One. “It’s a checklist of what you need to do to be successful on the bar exam, and that was so helpful for me,” Soka explained. “I believe this is a great program that is benefiting all students.”

Since the launch of Power of One, 100% of the graduates who completed the program’s key benchmarks passed the bar on their first attempt. The benchmarks include taking the Bar Exam Strategies course, completing 85% of an approved commercial bar prep course, completing 1,200 AdaptiBar questions, and participating in the faculty mentoring program. Graduates that complete these benchmarks and pass their first bar exam received a financial incentive from Detroit Mercy Law to help reimburse their bar preparation expenses.

Many generous alumni and friends contributed to the private fundraiser event at Soka’s home. The funds raised will help reimburse graduates who complete the program and pass their first bar exam. It will also help provide the AdaptiBar program free of charge to students and graduates. The private fundraiser was sponsored by Citizen’s State Bank. Dash Diamonds donated a diamond necklace for the 52-card raffle. Abu K’nafa and Rollow Bar Detroit donated desserts.

Soka serves on the Detroit Mercy Law Alumni Board of Directors. She is a Managing Partner at Taylor Soka, a firm she opened in partnership with alumna, Alexandria Taylor '11, focused on criminal defense, family law, personal injury, and health care law.

Alumni and friends interested in hosting fundraisers to support Power of One or other Detroit Mercy Law programs or scholarships are encouraged to contact Kimberly Batchelor Davis, Assistant Director of Alumni Relations, at batchekn@udmercy.edu or 313-596-0229.