By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Fatme Jouni’s earliest memories of the law date back to her father’s journey in the service-industry—from low-waged jobs to owning multiple restaurants.
“It seemed lawyers were often the ‘officiators’ and managers of our major life milestones, from helping my father incorporate his business and secure his legal rights, to helping many of our relatives find refuge in America, just as my family once had,” says Jouni, a rising 2L at Detroit Mercy Law with a particular interest in immigration law.
“It was this distinctive skillset of operating within the law, while exercising its far-reaching powers, that drew me to the field as an adolescent. And as a first-generation graduate student who was always encouraged by my parents to make this dream a reality, I never looked back.”
Jouni started on her career path with an undergrad degree in criminology from the University of Michigan-Dearborn.
“I was struck by the interdisciplinary nature of my major, which borrowed from psychology, sociology, philosophy, and business, among other fields,” she says. “Whether it was delving into the psyche of criminals and why they commit crimes, to combining criminal law with matters of immigration, I was exposed to a wide variety of case studies, theories, and concepts that resonated with my experiences and aspirations.”
Undergrad internships provided the opportunity to attend a wide range of legal proceedings, including trials, motions, and personal protection order hearings.
“I also had the privilege to observe hearings on personal injury and malpractice claims, allowing me to gain valuable insights of the legal field,” she says. “The exposure to both civil and criminal court proceedings provided me with a well-rounded perspective.”
Jouni greatly appreciates the abundant opportunities provided by Detroit Mercy Law, that she notes have enabled her to grow both personally and professionally.
“The professors and staff at the institution consistently go above and beyond to ensure my success, offering unwavering support, guidance, and a genuine commitment to my education,” she says.
She adds that this summer’s experience clerking for the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor Department of Homeland Security—where her goal is to work after graduation—has been transformative for her professional growth.
“Being able to appear on the record multiple times and witness firsthand the hearings on asylum applications has deepened my passion for the field of immigration,” she says. “Through these experiences, I’ve developed a profound appreciation for the complexities involved in immigration law and have grown to love this field even more than I did before.”
Jouni also made time to volunteer at a local mosque to make food for the homeless; and volunteered during the pandemic at the Wayne County, Michigan Health Department's COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Dearborn, where she helped non-English speakers get their vaccine.
She also has been involved in political campaigns, reaching out to potential voters and inspiring them to exercise their right to vote; and enjoyed directly connecting with individuals and engaging in meaningful conversations.
In her leisure time, Jouni practices yoga and takes long walks, to help maintain her physical and mental wellbeing. With a particular interest in law and crime-related TV shows her watch-list includes “How to Get Away With Murder,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” and “The Blacklist.”
Close to her family, she enjoys spending time with her father Hussein, mother Samah, older brother Ali, younger sister Zeinab and brother Hassan, and her fiancé Labib; and traveling with friends and family to explore new destinations.
A lifelong resident of Dearborn, Jouni appreciates the vibrancy and diversity of Detroit.
“It offers a plethora of activities for people of all interests,” she says. “From the Detroit Institute of Arts, which showcases an impressive collection of artworks from around the world, to its thriving theater scene, sports culture, and presence of major corporations—whether you're a fan of art, culture, sports, or business, Detroit has something to offer everyone.”
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