By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
After graduating from high school, Nicholas Jakymowych spent the summer working at the Law Office of James W. Bigelow in Clinton Township, where he conducted research, managed the calendar and case files for clients, completed court forms and called district and circuit courts for information on cases and hearings.
“My job was definitely testing the waters to see if I enjoyed law — thankfully, it didn’t scare me away!” he said.
An undergraduate internship in human resources at Thyssenkrupp Materials NA — a materials and supply chain services supplier to manufacturing companies throughout North America — provided experiences such as a union contract negotiation, solidifying Jakymowych’s belief that law school should be his next career step.
“I was drawn to study law because I believe it’s very important to learn how to advocate for oneself and others,” he said. “Additionally, the law has a tremendous impact on every person’s day-to-day life, and being an attorney provides the opportunity to promote positive change that can benefit a large number of people.”
Jakymowych is a graduate of Adlai E. Stevenson High School in Sterling Heights, where he was a valedictorian, a national AP scholar, received awards for outstanding academic excellence, captained the Social Studies Olympiad team and was an officer in the National Honor Society.
He earned his undergraduate degree in economics and business analytics, summa cum laude, from Oakland University, where he was a Presidential Award recipient, and a member of the Honors College, Golden Key International Honor Society, and Alpha Lambda Delta and Beta Gamma Sigma honors societies.
“I believe a lot of people think economics and business are all about dollar signs, debits, and credits — but I was drawn to these disciplines because of the decision making skills they teach,” he said.
At Wayne Law, Jakymowych enjoys meeting and mingling with fellow students.
“We all come from very different personal and professional backgrounds, so I appreciate getting to learn about everyone’s life experiences,” he said.
After completing his 1L year, Jakymowych has not yet honed in on a specific legal interest.
“I feel I’ve only scratched the surface of what the different legal sectors are like, so my legal focus is getting to learn about as many different fields as possible,” he said.
This summer he will gain experience as a law clerk at the Michigan Department of Attorney General’s Children & Youth Services Division, located in Detroit.
“I’m looking forward to having my first in-court experiences,” he said.
In his leisure time, he avidly follows politics, technology, and popular culture, and relaxes by reading novels and memoirs.
Jakymowych also previously volunteered for a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore and the nonprofit food rescue organization, Forgotten Harvest.
A Sterling Heights resident, Jakymowych enjoys spending time in the Motor City, where he particularly appreciates the art deco architecture of many buildings.
“Recently, I was in Cadillac Place, and was very impressed by the intricate designs throughout the building — the first floor ceiling is particularly nice,” he said. “I also like the Fisher Building and Fox Theatre.”
One of three brothers —including his twin — Jakymowych is deeply appreciative of the support he has received.
“I want to thank my family, my high school teachers who helped me qualify for two great jobs right out of high school, and everyone I’ve worked with thus far,” he said.
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