Monday Profile: Elisha Fink

Dexter native Elisha Fink is a fourth generation attorney.  She runs a general practice with her sister Mariah in Dexter, where she focuses primarily on family law. Fink is also a part-time magistrate in the 14A District Court.

Fink has a degree in social work from Eastern Michigan University and worked in foster care and adoption agencies for nearly eight years before starting Thomas M. Cooley Law School, from which she graduated in 1999. 

Fink has four children ages 22 to 14.  For relaxation, she likes to read, cook, swim, and do yoga.  

 

 By Jo Mathis

Legal News
 
Residence:  Dexter.
 
Currently reading …  “Sunnyside” by Glen David Gold, and the newest Amy Tan.
 
What is your most treasured material possession?  If treasured means what I can’t live without, I would say my Kitchenaid mixer.  
 
What advice do you have for someone considering law school?  If it were my child, I would say that he or she is too smart to be a lawyer. Anyone else, I say do it!
 
If you weren’t a lawyer, what would you be? Librarian or bookstore owner.
 
Favorite local hangouts:  Red Brick or Aubree’s in Dexter.
 
Your proudest moment as a lawyer?  I was very honored to be appointed magistrate in 2012.  It is a very important position and I am pleased and proud to hold it.
 
Your worst moment as a lawyer?  My first solo trial, when my client left the building while the jury was out and wasn’t even there for the guilty verdict.
 
What is your happiest childhood memory?  Sledding in Colorado with my cousins and siblings at my grandparents’ house.
 
Which things do you not like to do? Laundry, dishes, driving my kids around, anything I am not good at.
 
What would surprise people about your job?  I really believe that the American justice system works and I am proud to be a part of it.
 
What do you wish someone would invent?  Robot butlers.
 
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be?  My father. He is a cheerful, calm, disciplined, well respected person and I think that would be a nice way to be for a day.
 
What’s the most awe-inspiring place you have visited?  I am always impressed and soothed by Lake Michigan.
 
What’s your greatest achievement?  I am blessed with excellent relationships with my four children, five siblings, and six best friends from middle school.  I think that maintaining and nurturing all of these relationships—despite my flaws—is a great success.
 
If you could have one super power, what would it be?  Mind reading, but selectively.
 
What would you say to your 16-year-old self?  Slow down—you will get where you are supposed to be.
 
What one thing do you wish people knew about your work?  It is mentally exhausting.
 
Favorite joke:  My favorites are all off color and not suitable for print.
Must-see TV:  “Elementary” and “Dads.”
 
What’s your biggest regret?  Not properly maintaining my vehicles.
 
 
What word do you overuse?  “Righteous.”
 
What’s one thing you would like to learn to do?  Grill a steak.
 
What is something most people don't know about you?  Jim Fink is my uncle—not my brother.
 
If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be?  My grandmother, Barbara Green; my grandmother Ruth Voorhies; and my friend Naomi Woloshin.  That would be a great party!
 
Favorite CD:   Right now, Steve Martin and Edie Brickell: “Love has come for you.”
 
Favorite law-related movie:   “Anatomy of a Murder.”
 
What’s the best advice you ever received?   Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
 
What place won’t you return if you can help it?  Wayne County Circuit Court.
 
Favorite place to spend money:   DSW and Sephora.
 
What is your motto?  We are not our bodies or our jobs; we are our souls and our relationships.
 
Where would you like to be when you're 90?  Muskie fishing in Canada.
 

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