Getting to know: Maureen Rouse-Ayoub

Maureen Rouse-Ayoub is a labor and employment lawyer with Varnum LLP, based in the Novi office.

She has experience representing employers in all matters related to the workplace, including collective bargaining, grievance arbitration, contract administration and enforcement, defending employers in federal and state court and before administrative agencies.

An alumna of Madonna University and the Detroit College of Lawm Rouse-Ayoub regularly writes and speaks on a variety of labor and employment matters and is a frequent presenter for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

Rouse-Ayoub and her husbasnd, Abe, are active in the South Lyon community. She is also a volunteer with Northern Michigan Adaptive Sports and Recreation.

By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

What would surprise people about your job? The most rewarding aspect is working with clients to navigate the many laws that impact the workplace and to improve the work environment.

Why did you become a lawyer? Problem solving is an opportunity to be creative.

What’s your favorite law-related TV show, movie, and/or book? TV show: I try to avoid law related entertainment. However, it's easy to get caught up in reruns of the original “Law and Order.”

What advice do you have for someone considering law school? Take advantage of every opportunity to experience different specialty areas. Don't limit yourself, because the opportunities for personal satisfaction and challenging work are endless.

What do you do to relax? Water and snow sports.

What other career path might you have chosen? I love to entertain. Alternative career path, Event Organizer.

What is your happiest childhood memory? A family trip to Niagara Falls, the same weekend as Woodstock. My parents failed to anticipate traffic backups and the number of hitchhikers lining the roadside trying to get to the concert. Imagine the questions emanating from a station wagon with five kids under the age of 10 getting their first look at the decade of peace, love and understanding. My siblings and I still laugh about the questions that we peppered my parents with on the way.

What is your most treasured material possession? A 40-year-old Corvette that my husband surprised me with on Christmas morning so I could relive my glory days—it’s a bit of a bumpy ride but it’s the thought that counts.

If you could have one super power, what would it be? The ability to teleport—so many places to see and experience.

What’s one thing you would like to learn to do? Kite-Board. It looks amazing.

Favorite place to spend money: I don't have a favorite place, but I'm an easy mark when it comes to my children.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? My children are my greatest achievement. 

What is the most unusual thing you have done? Curling (the Olympic sport). We’ve got a Detroit Curling Club, and I’ve done this twice. It’s a lot of fun. It requires a certain level of skill, but anyone can enjoy the sport.