Law student is interested in insurance coverage and defense
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Jenna Hajhassan attended middle school in her native country of Lebanon, a developing country that lacks infrastructure, especially availability of education.
“Those who are not top earners often lack the funds to send their children to quality schools. I was lucky enough to attend a private school—a privilege my parents and grandparents did not have,” she says.“It was my experiences there that led me to develop a genuine appreciation for learning.”
While her father and grandmother were unable to attain their dreams of becoming attorneys, Hajhassan has picked up that torch and carried it high, the first in her family to attend law school.
“My time overseas made me realize being an American is a privilege, and the educational resources available to us are a gift,” she says. “I chose law because the field is so expansive—the law is all around us. It’s in the contracts we enter into daily, our interactions with each other, and so much more.
“Studying the law has empowered me to understand things as simple as a cell phone carrier contract, to things as complex as helping family comprehend immigration forms. I believe the law is one of the most rewarding subjects to study.”
Hajhassan earned her undergrad degree in psychology, magna cum laude, from Wayne State University.
“I wanted to study something that would help me better understand myself and others. I found psych was the perfect avenue—I was able to spend three years learning about behavior and mental processes,” she says. “My studies taught me empathy and the complex range of human emotions, which has in turn helped me interact with my peers in the legal community.”
She continued as a “Wayne Warrior” for law school where she is approaching the end of her 2L year.
“When applying to law school, I put community, diversity, and quality of education at the top of my list. Wayne Law was the perfect fit,” she says. “I attended Wayne State for undergrad and fell in love with Detroit. I watched the city grow and develop. The Detroit legal community was very appealing to me.
“I’m proud to be a part of the Wayne Law family. Wayne Law offers an incredible network of alumni, which I’ve found look out for each other. I’ve learned from several brilliant professors who made me feel valued and respected. Wayne Law has given me the opportunity to go beyond my comfort zone and experience new things. The advocacy, critical thinking, and practical skills I’ve developed as a student are invaluable.”
Particularly interested in insurance coverage and defense, especially Michigan’s unique no-fault system, Hajhassan is always learning and exploring new areas of law through her classes that are currently online due to the pandemic crisis.
“Although this pandemic has been a very stressful experience, I’m reminding myself to remain grateful and optimistic,” she says. “I’ve found the key to good study habits is sticking to a schedule and remaining consistent. Creating a daily, weekly, and monthly agenda with goals and deadlines keeps me on track. Exercise, a balanced diet, and daily meditation have helped me remain focused.”
One of her most rewarding experiences has been participation in the Wayne Law Review, where she currently serves as associate editor.
“I love the research and writing aspect—my work on the Wayne Law Review has sharpened my research, writing, and analytical skills and given me the requisite attention to detail I need to master any assignment given to me,” she says.
During her 3L year she will transition to technology editor, responsible for updating and maintaining the Law Review website, in addition to any other tech-related issues.
“I’m excited to take on this new role,” she says.
Hajhassan relished gaining practical experience in the Jaffe Transactional Law Competition.
“I learned to use legal research tools to develop and negotiate a transactional deal with little to no guidance,” she says.
Last fall’s internship with Judge Charlene Elder of the Wayne County Circuit Court was a wonderful experience, she says.
“I was able to observe my placement judge demonstrate the utmost patience, integrity, and respect for every person who entered her courtroom,” she says. “Beyond the judge’s persona, I enjoyed the quality of work the externship provided.”
She is now on track to extern this summer at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, an opportunity afforded by the Wolverine Bar Association.
“The WBA is a fantastic organization that promotes equality and supports minorities in the legal field,” she says. “Their organization has given me an opportunity I otherwise may not get, and for that I’m appreciative.”
Hajhassan’s career goal is “to become an attorney who positively contributes to society and adds value to the firm I’m a part of,” she says.
“I strive to become a seasoned professional that clients trust and respect. I’ve observed my mentors display integrity, diligence, and dedication to their work. My goal is to implement those same values in my career. Although I don’t know what the future holds, I’m confident that if I remain true to those standards, I will feel successful in my work.
“My mentors, including many female attorneys in my community, have inspired me to reach my goals and made them more obtainable,” she adds. “I’m grateful for their inspiration and wisdom. I hope I can have the same impact on future female attorneys like myself.”
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