Detroit Mercy Law Awards Voice for Justice Fellowships

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law awarded Voice for Justice Fellowships to Tijani Mohamed, a rising third-year student in the US JD program, and Gabriela Gardner, a rising second-year student in the Canadian and American Dual JD program. The fellowships support their service as legal interns this summer at nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing access to justice.  

Mohamed is serving at Southeastern Dispute Resolution Services. He contributes to the Peace Pod initiative supporting a multi-tiered community dispute resolution educational system in both traditional and community-centered spaces, helping to reestablish accessible, grassroots mediation and problem-solving resources for all. “The legal system, while necessary in many cases, does not always provide closure or healing,” commented Mohamed. “The gap between doing nothing and going to court is exactly where the Peace Pod lives.” 

Gardner is serving at Freedom House Detroit. As a legal intern, she supports immigration services. “My interest in public service developed as I volunteered in my church and local community,” explained Gardner. “Immigration work has been my passion. I believe everyone should be valued as the person that they are and receive the support they need to live the life they want.” 

Detroit Mercy Law teaches students to be both skilled practitioners and compassionate professionals who succeed through service to others. The Voice for Justice Fellowship, a testament to Detroit Mercy Law’s mission of educating the complete lawyer in the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, has supported over 100 fellows locally and around the world since launching in 2003. 

To learn more, visit https://law.udmercy.edu/career-services/current-students/public-interest-fellowship.