By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Growing up, Joseph Gjekaj witnessed first-hand people who were failed by the system.
“Quite a few people who lost their homes, lost their families, lost their livelihood, who for some reason could not get justice or getting justice was just too late,” he says. “I always knew whatever I chose to do in life, my focus would be on helping people.”
This son of Albanian immigrants was torn between a career in medicine or law.
“I enjoy both fields and learning in general,” says Gjekaj, who earned his undergrad degree in biology at the University of Detroit Mercy. “I’m fluid in where my interests lie, so I wanted to pick a career where I felt I can not only improve myself the most but those around me in my community. I felt with a career in law, I could make more of a difference.”
Now a 2L student at Detroit Mercy Law School, Gjekaj is merging his interests in science and law to focus on intellectual property law.
“IP law is where I can enjoy both those passions and apply what I know in both fields,” he says. “And I’m a nerd when it comes to inventors—I’m a big fan of Da Vinci and Nikola Tesla and their works.
“I want to focus on real estate law as well so I can use my legal knowledge to help those in need in my community and the Detroit Metropolitan area in general,” he adds. “I plan to practice patent law as my main legal focus while also offering my time pro bono to assist those who may have troubles in real estate, such as veterans, the homeless, and immigrants.”
Gjekaj is thoroughly enjoying his experiences at Detroit Mercy Law.
“The atmosphere, being in the city that I love, has been wonderful,” he says. “It feels like home to me. You are so close to everything and the faculty is so helpful in guiding students towards a positive career path and a deep understanding of the law.”
Gjekaj serves as vice president of the 10Core Law Society student organization, a group that educates the public about real estate and real property law.
“I enjoy the opportunity to help people and the experience and lessons I gain being part of the organization,” he says. “I believe the efforts of 10Core will help get the ball rolling more in getting people to be more active in their community—to not just brush those in need aside but help lift up their fellow man and woman.”
He is a member of the Student Bar Association, Macomb Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, and American Bar Association.
“I’ve enjoyed the people I’ve been able to network with, specifically the attorneys I have come into contact with during my time with 10Core,” he says. “I believe being part of any bar association allows you to not only expand your profile but help your transition into the legal community for when you start practicing as an attorney.”
A Sterling Heights native who now makes his home in Macomb Township, Gjekaj enjoys playing hockey, basketball and soccer, and is a “die-hard” Red Wings fan.
“I grew up ritually watching the Wings with my father,” he says. “I particularly enjoyed watching The Russian Five—the five Russian players on the Red Wings during the ‘90s.”
Gjekaj also likes to cook.
“I’m quite the foodie, so in my free time I’m always working on my culinary skills and working with different recipes,” he says.
Other leisure pursuits include reading and watching movies.
“My favorite book is the Count of Monte Cristo and my favorite movie is Gangs of New York,” he says. “I always enjoy the story of someone who looks like they have all the cards against them but through sheer will and self belief they push through and rise above in the end. It’s what I strive to be like, to always know that no matter how hard things may seem, if you push through eventually you will succeed.”
Gjekaj, who previously has done community work with St Paul’s Albanian Catholic Church in Rochester Hills, avidly participates in canned food drives, blood donations, and any other way he can find to help others, in addition to his work with 10Core.
“My parents, wife, and family are constant reminders to me to always know that whatever God has blessed you with in life you should extend those blessings on to those who are not as lucky as you are,” he says. “I’ve been blessed with an amazing life and I hope to give back to the world as much as I’ve been given.”
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