By Julie Freer
Legal News
Zenell Brown has been president of the Detroit Bar Association since June. She grew up in Detroit and Highland Park and attended public schools there and private school in Bloomfield Hills. At 16, she went to Alma College, later transferring and graduating cum laude from University of Detroit before the merger with Mercy. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Wayne State University Law School as well as a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration from Central Michigan University and a Judicial Administration Certificate from Michigan State University.
Brown has worked solely in public sector positions: Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office as a paralegal in the family division; State of Michigan as a departmental analyst; and the Third Circuit Court in Wayne County as a domestic relations specialist, attorney, mediator, and executive. Her current role is a Regional Administrator with the State Court Administrative Office. She serves as liaison to Wayne County’s 26 trial courts, including the 3rd Circuit, Wayne Probate, and 36th District – all of the state’s largest. She believes court systems are a critical part of society and enjoys public service and judicial administration.
In 2020, she published a book titled “Coffee and Conversations: Inclusion and Belonging,” encouraging honest conversations about racial and economic differences as a catalyst for genuine change.
Residence? Metro-Detroit! I have been a metro Detroiter all my life.
Why did you become a lawyer? I wanted to influence change and knew early in life lawyers and teachers were change makers.
What’s your favorite law-related TV show, movie, and/or book? I love so many for different reasons: “The Burial” is top on my list currently. I laughed and learned about living legal legend Willie E. Gary. Ava Marie DuVernay’s “13” is the one that has had the most impact as a Black woman lawyer. I could not watch “When They See Us” beyond the first 15 minutes. These are affirmations of the work that needs to done in our systems and institution. I am personally committed to being a part of that work. “The RBG” documentary was an opportunity for me to cheer and celebrate an icon with sister counsels from diverse races and other identities. That one inspired hope and solidarity!
Who are your law role models — real and/or fictional? Again, I have a long list going back to my first Black law professor, Florise Neville Ewell. I’ll highlight those on my coffee mug today. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson of the U.S. Supreme Court and Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. And Judges Cynthia D. Stephens, Denise Page Hood, Denise Langford Morris, Kristina Garrett, and Karen Fort Hood. I have had an opportunity to speak and dine with each of the judges. On my bucket list is to meet Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and I’d like to share that experience with my mother-in-law, Mildred Brown, who gave me updates on the confirmation hearings when I came home from work each day.
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be? No one.
What advice do you have for someone considering law school? Talk to lawyers, judges, and professors to help you understand what’s entailed and to help you envision how this venture will help you live out your dreams. You will need that to help you keep moving forward when you face challenges and you will need a network of supporters and advisors to succeed.
What’s your proudest moment as a lawyer? Training, mentoring and sponsoring other lawyers, law students, and other legal professionals. I invested over $100,000 in education, my return comes in sharing knowledge and resources with others.
What do you do to relax? Paint and mixed media.
What other career path might you have chosen? U.S. Ambassador.
What would you say to your 16-year-old self? I had graduated high school and was off to Alma College. I had a great roommate and was fine academically, but it was a lonely experience. I’d tell her it’s all going to work out all right.
Favorite local hangout? Traffic Jam until it burnt down. I don’t have a current go-to place.
Favorite websites? LinkedIn.
Favorite music? Motown and jazz.
What is your most treasured material possession? I have a gold bracelet and charm from my Mom.
What do you wish someone would invent? Good tasting nutritious food without calories.
What’s the most awe-inspiring place you have ever been? Paris, New York, and Chicago.
If you could have one super power, what would it be? Proofing and editing!
What’s one thing you would like to learn to do? I don’t have a new area of interest at the moment. I’ll continue to keep developing in my current areas.
What is something most people don’t know about you? I did not use my first name Zenell until I enrolled in college. I was known until then by my middle name Bridgette.
If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be? Justice Brown Jackson, and I prefer coffee/tea rather than a full meal.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? You have zero chance of winning, if you never play. Go for it!
Favorite place to spend money? Book stores and art supply stores.
What is your motto? I don’t have a particular motto but I know we have to pay homage to those who paved the way and lay a foundation for those who come after us.
Which living person do you most admire? I admire people who lead with wisdom and courage. And I admire those who do not fit our stereotypical images of leaders. One name, I haven’t shared previously is Mama Adjua. She publishes a quarterly pamphlet with Black history and current inspiration. She began this during her 70s.
What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Helping others and creating positive change. I can experience that day after day! I think that is the value in every position, achievement, or award I have received.
With the Detroit Bar, I get to serve the profession, the legal community, and the community at large.
With my book “Coffee and Conversations: Inclusion and Belonging,” I get to help us talk about creating a more inclusive legal profession and justice system.
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