Entrepreneur thinks ‘strategically’ in developing plans for legal career

By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

Hannah Bloomfield took her first entrepreneurial leap at the age of 11, opening “Hannah’s Dreams LLC.” Her passion for creating handmade quality jewelry quickly grew into a business venture where she gained invaluable experience managing and operating a small company. 

From countless craft shows to running an Etsy shop, her jewelry business exposed her firsthand to the various aspects of entrepreneurship—pricing, marketing, and customer relations—while also encountering the legal obligations that come with owning a business.

In high school, her jewelry was featured in StyleLine Magazine and showcased on the Dream Runway Fashion Show, both Detroit-based platforms—opportunities that not only expanded her business, but also deepened her connection to the city. Running and growing her business also made her cognizant of the extensive laws that influence and facilitate companies.  

“From tax laws to business laws, I became fascinated with the intricate legal frameworks that allow businesses to operate smoothly and grow effectively,” she says.  

Those early experiences led Bloomfield to earn her B.S. in Business Administration and Marketing, summa cum laude, from Southern New Hampshire University, sharpening her understanding of corporate structures, financial strategies, and the market dynamics that drive business success.

“It also enhanced my ability to think strategically—skills that will be invaluable in my future legal career,” she says.

During college, she helped manage a start-up business in Atlanta, overseeing daily business operations, including inventory management, strategic product placement, and client relations. The experience reinforced her passion to help businesses grow. In her youth, the only profession Bloomfield could visualize herself truly enjoying was law—but it wasn’t until college she realized this dream could become a reality.

Since moving home to Michigan in January 2022, she has worked as a legal assistant at Helmkamp, Ellis, Abraham, and Engerer in Livonia, enjoying the extensive roles and responsibilities of working in a law firm.  

The work has exposed her to a diverse array of cases, including those involving contract and real estate disputes as well as criminal matters.  A highlight was working alongside one of the criminal defense attorneys on a domestic assault case, and researching statutes, drafting motions, and reviewing discovery documents.  

“Our client was the defendant, which compelled me to demonstrate a compassionate heart and maintain a lens of empathy for their circumstances,” she says. “During the preliminary court hearing, I had the opportunity to speak with the judge directly and assist in presenting our client’s case. Although brief, the hearing was a powerful experience that refined my understanding of the legal field and deepened my appreciation for the impact of thoughtful legal strategy.  This experience further confirmed to me that the legal field is where I belong.”

Her time as a business owner, coupled with her academic background and legal work experience, laid the foundation of her interest in transactional law—and to her studies at Detroit Mercy Law, where she is a Dean’s Scholar, on the Dean’s List, and recipient of a Spirit of Detroit Mercy Law Award.  Bloomfield says she was drawn to the school by its close-knit community, renowned professors, and strong commitment to public service.  

“When I attended the incoming student day, I was welcomed by name and felt instantly at home,” she says. “Throughout my 1L year, I built close, lifelong friendships and thrived in the collaborative and supportive atmosphere Detroit Mercy fosters through experiential learning and professor guidance, whose expertise and mentorship have been invaluable to my development as a future lawyer.

“I’m driven to assist companies, whether large or small, in navigating complex business deals, minimizing financial risks, and securing strategic growth opportunities,” she adds. “I want to help businesses thrive just as mine did. My journey from entrepreneurship to law reflects a passion for both business strategy and legal solutions, and I look forward to merging these interests in transactional law.”

Bloomfield spent this past summer as a judicial intern for Judge Linda Parker at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Delving into federal litigation procedures, Bloomfield researched complex legal issues and wrote bench memoranda and court opinions on a wide range of cases, including constitutional challenges, employment disputes, and discrimination cases.  

“One of the most rewarding aspects was observing courtroom proceedings—witnessing powerful advocacy in action and attending hearings where strategies unfolded in real time,” she says. “These experiences provided invaluable insights into the nuances of legal argumentation and judicial decision-making. A particular highlight was contributing to a pro se civil rights action, where I conducted research on sovereign immunity as well as substantive and procedural due process rights.”  

Bloomfield is especially grateful for the mentorship and guidance she received from the law clerks.  

“Their feedback and support provided me with valuable insights into legal writing and complex case analysis,” she says. “This experience not only sharpened my legal research and writing skills, but also enriched my understanding of federal litigation and judicial process.”   

A junior member of Law Review, she has enjoyed engaging deeply with legal scholarship and contributing to the advancement of legal knowledge.  

“Being part of the editorial process is not only a privilege but also a rewarding challenge that sharpens my analytical and writing skills,” she says.

Her involvement in Moot Court also has further enriched her legal education.  

“These activities have allowed me to hone my oral advocacy skills, engage in mock trials, and collaborate with peers who share my passion for law,” she says. “The competitive yet supportive environment fosters personal growth and confidence in my legal abilities, preparing me for my future career as an attorney.”

Bloomfield is looking forward to next year’s position as a summer associate at Foley & Lardner LLP in Detroit, an opportunity that aligns with her long-term goal of pursuing a career in transactional law.  

“I look forward to gaining invaluable experience where I can further develop the skills necessary to help businesses grow and thrive through strategic transactions,” she says. “The drive and dedication I demonstrated when running my own business will carry over as I work to facilitate deals that contribute to business success.  I’m passionate about the role transactional law plays in shaping and supporting growth, and I’m eager to bring the same
entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic to my legal career.”

In her free time, Bloomfield enjoys yoga, making smoothies, trying new restaurants, traveling, and spending time with friends and her parents and three brothers.

“Growing up, my parents always supported me in pursuing my dreams. They encouraged me to explore my interests and invested time and resources to help me follow my passions,” she says.  “In addition to fostering my creativity, they prioritized my education and spent countless hours helping me develop strong writing skills, which have become essential to my academic and professional success.  My family’s encouragement has played a crucial role in shaping who I am today, and I am incredibly grateful for their influence.”  

Bloomfield, who has been involved with Oak Pointe Canton Student Ministry at Oak Pointe Church in Canton, also fondly recalls volunteering at FriendSpeak, an English as a Second Language (ESL) program in Knoxville. She worked each week with a student from South Korea to develop conversational fluency, vocabulary, and reading skills.

“This experience was eye-opening as I had a front row seat to their struggles as an immigrant, and the way they faced each challenge with courage and perseverance made an indelible impression on me,” she says. “Truthfully their tenacity left a lasting impact on me—far beyond any grammar rule or vocabulary I could offer them.”

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