By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Diana Lazar’s decision to study law was deeply influenced by her background as an immigrant from Romania who came to the United States with her family at the age of 5, and is the first in her family to attend college.
“I witnessed firsthand the challenges my family faced due to language barriers and a lack of understanding of the legal and regulatory systems in the U.S.,” Lazar said. “These difficulties ignited a passion within me to learn how to navigate these systems not only to aid my own family but also to assist others in similar situations who are often underserved and overlooked.”
Now a rising 2L at Detroit Mercy Law, Lazar has a particular interest in business law, and employment law, an interest is strongly influenced by her previous work experience in various business fields, including HR, data analytics and compliance.
She also is interested in immigration law, with a desire to give back to the immigrant community just as her family was assisted.
Lazar launched her academic trajectory by earning two bachelor of science degrees, cum laude, from Oakland University — one in management information systems and a second one in human resources management.
After graduation, she worked in fields of data analytics, business intelligence and compliance.
“This experience was incredibly rewarding as it allowed me to hone my analytical skills and gain a deep understanding of data-driven decision making,” she said. “I particularly enjoyed the challenge of extracting meaningful insights from complex data sets and translating these into actionable strategies that could drive business growth and decisions.
“My most recent role was in compliance as part of an in-house legal team at an automotive supplier where I was able to leverage my business and analytics background to navigate and understand various legal and regulatory frameworks, which not only satisfied my interest in law but also underscored the importance of ethics and responsibility in business practices.”
Lazar is thoroughly enjoying her law school experience at UDM.
“What I most appreciate about Detroit Mercy Law is its exceptionally inclusive environment and the genuine commitment to student success,” she says.“
She also takes note of the ample opportunities for development through various programs and initiatives, ensuring students can explore their interests deeply and gain practical experience.
“The inclusivity and attention to individual student growth truly enhance the educational journey, making it a nurturing ground for aspiring lawyers,” Lazar said.
After serving as 1L Class treasurer, she will continue to serve in her 2L year.
“I enjoy the responsibility of managing finances, which is crucial for supporting the various student activities and initiatives,” she said. “It allows me to apply my background in business and analytics in a meaningful way, ensuring resources are used efficiently.”
Lazar is the recipient of both a Dean's Scholarship and a Future Spirit of Detroit Mercy Law Award, calling these “an honor and a profound motivation.”
The scholarlship, she said, “has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my legal studies, enabling me to fully focus on my academic and extracurricular engagements. The recognition reinforces my commitment to maintaining high standards in my legal education.”
Lazar is excited about her work as a first-year summer associate at Ogletree Deakins.
“I look forward to immersing myself in the world of employment law, a field that aligns closely with my interests in business and legal practices affecting the workplace,” she said.
Lazar also was selected to participate in this summer’s Women's Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) Leadership class.
“I’m excited to gain valuable skills and insights into effective leadership, specifically within the legal profession,” she said.
As for the future, Lazar said her primary career goal was to work at a law firm where she can immerse herself in the field of business law, gaining the practical experience and mentorship necessary to understand the diverse legal needs of businesses.
A resident of Rochester Hills, Lazar enjoys the rich history and culture of Detroit.
“The sense of community and resilience among Detroiters is palpable, making it a city that not only embraces its past but is also enthusiastically building towards its future,” she said.
In her leisure time, Lazar enjoys working out, traveling, and trying new restaurants; and also makes time to give back to the community. She has volunteered for Life Remodeled, Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Michigan Urban Farming Initiative, and was a mentor of part of the SBA Mentorship program at Oakland University.
She is deeply appreciative of all that her family has done for her. Her family's journey to the United States, arriving with very little, has been a fundamental part of her narrative and motivation.
“They made significant sacrifices, leaving behind everything familiar to start anew in a foreign land, all to give me opportunities they never had,” Lazar said. “Witnessing their struggles and resilience profoundly shaped my values and aspirations. It instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to not only make the most of the opportunities provided but also to give back to them and the community.”
Legal News
Diana Lazar’s decision to study law was deeply influenced by her background as an immigrant from Romania who came to the United States with her family at the age of 5, and is the first in her family to attend college.
“I witnessed firsthand the challenges my family faced due to language barriers and a lack of understanding of the legal and regulatory systems in the U.S.,” Lazar said. “These difficulties ignited a passion within me to learn how to navigate these systems not only to aid my own family but also to assist others in similar situations who are often underserved and overlooked.”
Now a rising 2L at Detroit Mercy Law, Lazar has a particular interest in business law, and employment law, an interest is strongly influenced by her previous work experience in various business fields, including HR, data analytics and compliance.
She also is interested in immigration law, with a desire to give back to the immigrant community just as her family was assisted.
Lazar launched her academic trajectory by earning two bachelor of science degrees, cum laude, from Oakland University — one in management information systems and a second one in human resources management.
After graduation, she worked in fields of data analytics, business intelligence and compliance.
“This experience was incredibly rewarding as it allowed me to hone my analytical skills and gain a deep understanding of data-driven decision making,” she said. “I particularly enjoyed the challenge of extracting meaningful insights from complex data sets and translating these into actionable strategies that could drive business growth and decisions.
“My most recent role was in compliance as part of an in-house legal team at an automotive supplier where I was able to leverage my business and analytics background to navigate and understand various legal and regulatory frameworks, which not only satisfied my interest in law but also underscored the importance of ethics and responsibility in business practices.”
Lazar is thoroughly enjoying her law school experience at UDM.
“What I most appreciate about Detroit Mercy Law is its exceptionally inclusive environment and the genuine commitment to student success,” she says.“
She also takes note of the ample opportunities for development through various programs and initiatives, ensuring students can explore their interests deeply and gain practical experience.
“The inclusivity and attention to individual student growth truly enhance the educational journey, making it a nurturing ground for aspiring lawyers,” Lazar said.
After serving as 1L Class treasurer, she will continue to serve in her 2L year.
“I enjoy the responsibility of managing finances, which is crucial for supporting the various student activities and initiatives,” she said. “It allows me to apply my background in business and analytics in a meaningful way, ensuring resources are used efficiently.”
Lazar is the recipient of both a Dean's Scholarship and a Future Spirit of Detroit Mercy Law Award, calling these “an honor and a profound motivation.”
The scholarlship, she said, “has been instrumental in allowing me to pursue my legal studies, enabling me to fully focus on my academic and extracurricular engagements. The recognition reinforces my commitment to maintaining high standards in my legal education.”
Lazar is excited about her work as a first-year summer associate at Ogletree Deakins.
“I look forward to immersing myself in the world of employment law, a field that aligns closely with my interests in business and legal practices affecting the workplace,” she said.
Lazar also was selected to participate in this summer’s Women's Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) Leadership class.
“I’m excited to gain valuable skills and insights into effective leadership, specifically within the legal profession,” she said.
As for the future, Lazar said her primary career goal was to work at a law firm where she can immerse herself in the field of business law, gaining the practical experience and mentorship necessary to understand the diverse legal needs of businesses.
A resident of Rochester Hills, Lazar enjoys the rich history and culture of Detroit.
“The sense of community and resilience among Detroiters is palpable, making it a city that not only embraces its past but is also enthusiastically building towards its future,” she said.
In her leisure time, Lazar enjoys working out, traveling, and trying new restaurants; and also makes time to give back to the community. She has volunteered for Life Remodeled, Forgotten Harvest, Gleaners Community Food Bank, and Michigan Urban Farming Initiative, and was a mentor of part of the SBA Mentorship program at Oakland University.
She is deeply appreciative of all that her family has done for her. Her family's journey to the United States, arriving with very little, has been a fundamental part of her narrative and motivation.
“They made significant sacrifices, leaving behind everything familiar to start anew in a foreign land, all to give me opportunities they never had,” Lazar said. “Witnessing their struggles and resilience profoundly shaped my values and aspirations. It instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility to not only make the most of the opportunities provided but also to give back to them and the community.”
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
