By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
When not at her studies, law student Laura DeMarco grabs her golf clubs and heads to the links.
Dedicated to this sport since the age of 11, she continued throughout college and eventually played on a Symetra professional tour, the official developmental golf tour of the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association).
“The game of golf has been a blessing in my life that has given me numerous invaluable skills,” she said. “The preparation for high-level competition displays many parallels to preparing for law school exams. It takes countless hours of tedious, focused and detailed oriented work ethic to accomplish your goals.
“While competing, I was forced to be continually composed under immense pressure and be prepared for all potentially challenging situations — both proficiencies I know will be beneficial in the legal profession.”
Nowadays golf is a relaxing escape from the occasionally stressful endeavor of a earning a dual legal degree during a global pandemic, a tranquil pastime offering an appropriate work-life balance necessary to succeed in law school in a healthy manner, she says.
DeMarco is now a rising 2L in the Dual Degree program offered by the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and the University of Windsor.
Before law school, she earned her undergraduate degree in Earth & Environmental Science from Furman University in Greenville, S.C.
“I’ve always had a passion for the environment — as a child my parents would take us on vacations to national, provincial and state parks instead of beach resorts,” she said. “This upbringing fostered my heightened interest of global environmental challenges and the scientific foundation behind it.
“I attended a liberal arts university where I was able to study a wide range of subjects, an experience I truly enjoyed and am very grateful for. I see the study and practice of law as an opportunity to continue this experience.”
When she entered law school last year, DeMarco was interested in environmental law or sport law, but has since developed a deep curiosity for multiple unfamiliar facets of the law.
“I’m excited to dive into additional areas I didn’t have any original fixed interest in,” she said. “While I’m unsure exactly which avenue of law I’ll pursue, I hope I find a career path that offers an environment where I can learn and work with sophisticated professionals that continue to push me daily to enhance my legal growth.”
She appreciates the “perfectly balanced community” of Detroit Mercy Law.
“It offers a tremendous amount of support and a comprehensive legal education, primarily shown through the accessibility of the professors and their real-world experiences as practicing attorneys,” she said.
Immersion in two legal communities simultaneously during a three-year legal education is a unique experience, she noted.
“Having access to a multitude of experiential learning opportunities on both sides of the boarder is unmatched” she said.
DeMarco has found serving as SBA class treasurer, where she could better her classmates’ experience and assist the law school growth, was very rewarding. She looks forward to continuing to represent her class and work with other SBA representatives.
Over the summer, DeMarco worked for an Environmental Law clinic through Detroit Mercy Law, and found working remotely because of the pandemic was an unexpected experience with unforeseen benefits.
“The online communication, time management, and legal research skills I gained are talents I wouldn’t have been able to gain in the classroom alone,” she said.
The sudden move to remote learning because of the pandemic was a small shock, she added.
“There was definitely an initial adjustment,” DeMarco said.
The third of four children, and with several extended relatives in the legal profession, DeMarco is living with her family in Windsor, and considers herself fortunate to have her family home.
“They are very cognizant of my working hours and the home environment I need to effectively complete my studies,” she said. “There are no words to describe the appreciation I have for the support and understanding they’ve shown the past few months. I couldn’t imagine going through this experience without them.”
In past years, DeMarco has engaged in many group and individual volunteer efforts.
“I feel it’s important to give back to communities that have given so much to me,” she said. “Last year I organized a fundraiser alongside my competitive golf schedule to raise money for a Greenville children’s hospital. With the help of the community we were able to raise over $11,000 to benefit a new adolescent-young adult cancer treatment center.”
DeMarco admires the pride the Detroit community has for the city and its history.
“The passion that runs with every person you meet is inspiring,” she said. “To be immersed in a community that’s dedicated to helping the city grow and flourish is distinctive to Detroit and infectious to anyone who visits.”
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