Recognizing Middle Eastern, Arab, and Chaldean Heritages: ODEIB Student Features
Claudia Hammoud, 3L, grew up in a Lebanese household and watched her mother raise a family while attending law school. Though she initially thought she would pursue a career in the medical field, she decided to pursue law after much consideration.
“Growing up, I felt that there weren't as many opportunities for Arab Americans as there are now. Today, seeing so many other Arab Americans pursue the legal field gives me the inspiration to join, be involved and get active,” she explained.
Hammoud is currently the President of the Arab American Law Student Association (AALSA) and the Treasurer of the Student Bar Association. She is working to strengthen the relationship between Detroit Mercy Law’s AALSA and the National Arab American Bar Association Michigan Chapter. Each year, AALSA awards two scholarships to their Detroit Mercy Law members.
During law school, Hammoud worked for the Third Circuit Court as a Law Clerk and is currently working as a law clerk at a law firm.
Khloe Hamama, 2L, came to the US as a refugee from Iraq in the 7th grade. During her undergraduate studies at Detroit Mercy, she worked full time at a criminal defense and immigration law firm and knew she wanted to attend law school.
Hamama is one of the founding members of the Chaldean American Law Student Association (CALSA). “One of our goals is to create an atmosphere of support for Chaldean students. We are hoping to help connect the student body with the wider Chaldean American legal community.”
“I take pride in being Chaldean and I think that it has helped me stay dedicated while pursuing this degree because I want to make my family and people proud. I want to be a good representative for our community.”
CALSA is currently in the process of planning a Chaldean Mass, where the services will be in both Chaldean and English.
During the summer after her first year, Hamama was a judicial intern at the Oakland County Circuit Court.