Mecca Muhammad, a Hampton University alumna, is on track to graduate from Detroit Mercy Law next year.
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Mecca Muhammad started her academic trajectory with an undergrad degree in psychology and a master’s degree in medical science, with the aim of becoming a physician.
But life had other plans in store for her—and Muhammad is now a 3L student at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, aiming for graduation next year.
Muhammad earned her undergrad degree in psychology from Hampton University in Virginia. The topic had interested her since high school.
“The subject felt less like studying and more like gaining a deeper understanding of people through interesting conversations—this sparked a desire to learn more,” she says.
During undergrad, she took a logic class taught by an attorney, that opened her eyes to the possibility of law.
“The class offered the excitement of debate and critical thinking, and I felt drawn to the challenges it presented,” she says.
But still with a longtime goal of becoming a physician, she earned a master’s degree in medical science from the pre-med program at her alma mater.
“I felt it was the perfect opportunity to pursue this goal,” she says. “Little did I know my journey was only beginning.”
Her interest in law was re-ignited by a course examining the intersection of public policy and medicine—topics adjacent to law.
“I loved that the topics were thought provoking and current, and it made me feel passionate,” she says.
Her thoughts returned to the possibility of law school—then the pandemic hit, bringing her a period of reflection, during which she went through personal adversities and challenges, and also participated in several interesting experiences including working at the American Red Cross and teaching English in South Korea.
Through that period, she realized it was time to follow her passion for law—and in early 2022, she took the LSAT and applied to law school.
“I chose UDM Law because it’s close to my support network, and I knew it had a strong reputation,” she says. “UDM Law’s welcoming environment and accessibility of its professors are things I appreciate deeply. I’m grateful and happy to be at UDM Law, where I feel seen, supported, and part of a close-knit community.
“I love the flexibility and breadth of the legal field—law offers a unique ability to cross into various sectors, allowing for continual growth and exploration,” she adds. “This dynamic quality aligns with my personality as I can be a very spontaneous person, I like to grow and embrace different facets of myself, and law allows for that. I don’t think I’ll ever grow tired of being able to have so many possibilities to reach others and help advocate. The versatility of law makes it an endlessly fascinating field, and I’m deeply passionate about its impact.”
Immersed in the Detroit Mercy Law community, Muhammad is a member of the school’s Black Law Students Association; the Hispanic & Latino Law Student Association; the Intellectual Property Law Society; and Inn of Court.
“Each organization I’m part of contributes to my journey toward becoming—as UDM Law puts it—a ‘complete lawyer,’” she says. “BLSA fosters a cultural connection and sense of belonging, and I’m grateful for the connections and opportunities. Similarly, the Hispanic & Latino Law Student Association provides a community of camaraderie and support for minority law students. The IP Law Society offers insight into the varied paths within intellectual property law, and the Inn of Court allows me to connect with judges and attorneys in a collaborative environment.”
This past summer, she secured a part-time law clerk position at Kitch Attorneys & Counselors PC in Detroit.
“Kitch has a positive work environment with a diverse group of attorneys and staff,” she says. “My responsibilities include legal research, drafting memos, and completing various assigned tasks. The exposure to different legal issues and the supportive work culture makes the experience especially rewarding.”
Last summer’s judicial externship in Bay City for the Judge Thomas Ludington of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan was pivotal as her first hands-on legal experience, and her work included conducting research and crafting report recommendations.
“I immensely enjoyed my experience with Judge Ludington along with his law clerks at the time—Matt Preston and Tessa Haadsma were a treat to work under,” she says.
Open to exploring various areas within law, she is particularly interested in property law, especially estates and trusts, as well as real estate law.
“My goal is to become the best advocate I can be, positively impacting my community through my work,” she says.
Muhammad was thrilled to have been selected for the 2024 Leadership Class of the Women’s Leadership Association of Michigan.
“The program provided invaluable guidance on refining my leadership style and introduced me to an inspiring network of women in the legal field,” she says.
The oldest of three children, and the daughter of educators, the Detroit native is a proud alumna of Detroit Public Schools and a graduate of Renaissance High School. She currently makes her home in the metro-Detroit area, where her interests include traveling, singing, drawing, and cooking.
Despite a busy schedule, Muhammad also finds time to give back, and throughout law school, has volunteered at a food pantry and a clothing drive, and has spoken to high school and middle school students about the law school application process and experience.
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