By Julie Freer
Legal News
Holding down a full-time job while enrolled in an accelerated program of pre-law college study is not for the faint of heart, but for Yassmina Salloum the silver lining is developing a keen sense of focus and discipline.
"Many of us at such a young age like to believe that wealth is in material items. However, after pursuing a full-time career while attending school full-time, I learned the essence of true wealth — time," said Salloum. "When you do not have the luxury of time, it disciplines you in a way you could never imagine."
Honing that discipline and hard-work ethic are paying off for Salloum, who will begin law school this fall, during what would be her senior year of undergraduate studies at Wayne State University.
Thanks to the WSU LawStart program, the 20-year-old Salloum has already completed her bachelor's degree in English, and is getting a jump on her J.D. degree, allowing her to earn both a bachelor's and a law degree from Wayne State in just six years of study.
"I had come across LawStart during my second year of undergraduate studies," said Salloum, who commutes back and forth from her home in Windsor to Detroit every day. "Entering law school a year early is a huge advantage, it will allow me to get into the practice of law earlier and advances my experiences. Being in LawStart made me more motivated and excited while studying for the LSAT. With it being a highly competitive program, I was eager to make the committee proud."
Wayne State LawStart applicants can major in any subject in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and are eligible to apply for the program during their sophomore year, or upon the completion of two full-time semesters and 24 credits. Those students selected for the program take part in pre-law enrichment activities during their undergraduate studies to ensure their preparedness for law school. LawStart students also receive specialized advising to ensure they can finish their undergrad within three years.
Salloum became interested in immigration and the legal world as a result of her childhood.
"I was born in Michigan and raised in Windsor, Ontario. Much of what I remember from my childhood was spent moving homes as my family navigated the immigration process," said Salloum, who served as a role model for her two younger sisters, Celina, 18, and Hoda, 12. "Having very limited family in Canada, I was lucky enough to develop a close bond to my siblings. As a child, I remember watching and hearing stories about unfair situations societies are placed in due to the legal system not entirely being fair."
One particular story, she said, is her mother's childhood in Lebanon. Her mother, Ola Yatim, came to the U.S. around 2001 to flee from the civil war that engulfed the Mideast country. "At that time," Salloum says, "Lebanon was not a civil area to live in nor raise a family due to many political conflicts.
"It really fascinated me how multiple parts of the world can have such different ideas of justice," Salloum added. "This fascination contributed to my passion of wanting to dive deeper into the intricacies of law and justice. I believe studying the law is a noble profession that gives back to the community in an invaluable way, and I'm more than grateful that the faculty of Wayne Law believed in me by offering me admission."
Salloum has faced plenty of challenges while balancing work and school responsibilities, but she credits her mother with inspiring her and instilling a strong work ethic.
"After she and my father divorced, my mother promised my sisters and I that we wouldn’t feel the difference of a male figure in the household. And she did just that," said Salloum. "Even though she was highly dependent on my father during their marriage, she became the most
independent woman I have seen. My mother clocked into work six days a week, went to all of our school events, made sure there was a cooked meal every night, and most importantly provided the emotional support we needed after their divorce. I cherish viewing life through my mother."
Salloum recalls becoming emotional one night while she was studying for the LSAT.
"I came across an old photo of my parents," she remembers. "It brought back a rush of emotions, reminding me of the subconscious promise I made to myself, to become highly successful as a dedication to my mother's hardships and sacrifices. Resilience has been my best friend throughout this journey."
Salloum started her job at Honigman in March 2023 and serves as the “nerve center” of her team, where they oversee the business planning and operations of 25 different practice groups across eight Honigman offices. She has helped conduct more than 250 practice group meetings and contributed to in-depth business planning and organizing efforts.
Legal News
Holding down a full-time job while enrolled in an accelerated program of pre-law college study is not for the faint of heart, but for Yassmina Salloum the silver lining is developing a keen sense of focus and discipline.
"Many of us at such a young age like to believe that wealth is in material items. However, after pursuing a full-time career while attending school full-time, I learned the essence of true wealth — time," said Salloum. "When you do not have the luxury of time, it disciplines you in a way you could never imagine."
Honing that discipline and hard-work ethic are paying off for Salloum, who will begin law school this fall, during what would be her senior year of undergraduate studies at Wayne State University.
Thanks to the WSU LawStart program, the 20-year-old Salloum has already completed her bachelor's degree in English, and is getting a jump on her J.D. degree, allowing her to earn both a bachelor's and a law degree from Wayne State in just six years of study.
"I had come across LawStart during my second year of undergraduate studies," said Salloum, who commutes back and forth from her home in Windsor to Detroit every day. "Entering law school a year early is a huge advantage, it will allow me to get into the practice of law earlier and advances my experiences. Being in LawStart made me more motivated and excited while studying for the LSAT. With it being a highly competitive program, I was eager to make the committee proud."
Wayne State LawStart applicants can major in any subject in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and are eligible to apply for the program during their sophomore year, or upon the completion of two full-time semesters and 24 credits. Those students selected for the program take part in pre-law enrichment activities during their undergraduate studies to ensure their preparedness for law school. LawStart students also receive specialized advising to ensure they can finish their undergrad within three years.
Salloum became interested in immigration and the legal world as a result of her childhood.
"I was born in Michigan and raised in Windsor, Ontario. Much of what I remember from my childhood was spent moving homes as my family navigated the immigration process," said Salloum, who served as a role model for her two younger sisters, Celina, 18, and Hoda, 12. "Having very limited family in Canada, I was lucky enough to develop a close bond to my siblings. As a child, I remember watching and hearing stories about unfair situations societies are placed in due to the legal system not entirely being fair."
One particular story, she said, is her mother's childhood in Lebanon. Her mother, Ola Yatim, came to the U.S. around 2001 to flee from the civil war that engulfed the Mideast country. "At that time," Salloum says, "Lebanon was not a civil area to live in nor raise a family due to many political conflicts.
"It really fascinated me how multiple parts of the world can have such different ideas of justice," Salloum added. "This fascination contributed to my passion of wanting to dive deeper into the intricacies of law and justice. I believe studying the law is a noble profession that gives back to the community in an invaluable way, and I'm more than grateful that the faculty of Wayne Law believed in me by offering me admission."
Salloum has faced plenty of challenges while balancing work and school responsibilities, but she credits her mother with inspiring her and instilling a strong work ethic.
"After she and my father divorced, my mother promised my sisters and I that we wouldn’t feel the difference of a male figure in the household. And she did just that," said Salloum. "Even though she was highly dependent on my father during their marriage, she became the most
independent woman I have seen. My mother clocked into work six days a week, went to all of our school events, made sure there was a cooked meal every night, and most importantly provided the emotional support we needed after their divorce. I cherish viewing life through my mother."
Salloum recalls becoming emotional one night while she was studying for the LSAT.
"I came across an old photo of my parents," she remembers. "It brought back a rush of emotions, reminding me of the subconscious promise I made to myself, to become highly successful as a dedication to my mother's hardships and sacrifices. Resilience has been my best friend throughout this journey."
Salloum started her job at Honigman in March 2023 and serves as the “nerve center” of her team, where they oversee the business planning and operations of 25 different practice groups across eight Honigman offices. She has helped conduct more than 250 practice group meetings and contributed to in-depth business planning and organizing efforts.
"Working at Honigman has provided me with a solid foundation of understanding the world of Big Law and what I envision working as an attorney," said Salloum.
Despite her busy schedule, Salloum finds time on the weekends to take horseback riding lessons in Michigan.
"It's the only time I feel like my mind can be blank and I'm present in the moment," she says. "Horses have always been my favorite animal."
During her time as an undergrad, Salloum founded the Wayne State Philanthropy Organization, which hosts fund-raisers for charities in the Detroit area. The organization's most recent contribution went to the Children's Center of Detroit, which provides support to children struggling with mental and behaviorial health challenges or who have experienced trauma.
Salloum aspires to continue her philanthropic efforts when she becomes an attorney.
"I hope to represent corporations in philanthropy and charitable planning, encouraging corporations to benefit charitable communities," said Salloum. "I view education as one of the most important pillars of society and one day I'd like to volunteer my time and teach the law in communities that do not have much access to this type of education, particularly women who are not afforded the opportunity."
Just as her mother served as inspiration for Salloum, she, in turn, is proving to be an excellent role model for her younger sisters. Celina has enrolled in the University of Windsor's Concurrent Education program to pursue a career in teaching. Hoda says she might want to grow up to be a lawyer one day, too, just like her sister.
Salloum’s advice to anyone who faces a challenging journey on the way to earning a law degree?
"Look in the mirror and imagine how many lives you could change with a J.D. degree, starting with yours," said Salloum. "If you feel just an ounce of excitement or fire, then that is more than enough to be the strength that guides you through the obstacles. There were so many days and nights where I doubted myself but I had a fire in me and I trusted it. No one will be there for you more than yourself. Throughout the process, you must learn to trust yourself and build resilience against the doubts that may arise in your own mind."
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