Legal News
Detroit Mercy Law student Alana Black also serves as a paralegal in the Air Force National Guard 110th Wing at the Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, where she provides support to the state staff judge advocate and other Air National Guard attorneys on federal and state/territory laws, regulation, policies, and case law.
In her role with the National Guard, Black provides estate planning legal services to eligible members and retirees and conducts legal research in support of staff judge advocates; and prepares legal documents on topics such as military justice, claims, equal opportunity, and ethics.
“I’m a third-generation military member and grew up seeing the sacrifice and honor of military members, and my whole life was encompassed by the military,” Black says. “When I was a sophomore in college, I’d been considering joining the military but had a very specific plan for my life that involved finishing my undergraduate degree and then going to law school.
“An opportunity opened for a paralegal at the Air National Guard base, and I was able to connect with the judge advocate general for an interview. The Guard ended up being a blessing that would allow me to step more into the legal world, serve my country, and continue my education on the path I was on.”
Black, who earned her undergrade degree from Oakland University in political science with a specialization in courts, justice, and politics, has dreamed of becoming an attorney since fourth grade when the class learned about the branches of government.
“I’ve always been pulled to law school knowing there was not anything else I wanted to do,” she says. “UDM Law was an unexpected blessing in disguise. I was hoping to move closer to home but applied to UDM because of the values of the school and its location in relation to Oakland as I had already planted some roots in the metro Detroit area.”
She enjoys the tight-knit community of both students and faculty.
“It has become a blessing I did not know I needed,” she says. “Detroit Mercy’s motto of educating the complete lawyer is true and has helped me feel supported as a future attorney in all aspects of my life. You’re not just a number at UDM Law. I’m surrounded by friends and faculty that want me to succeed.”
Still finding her way through the many student organizations offered at the law school, Black has already enjoyed attending Criminal Law Society meetings and is starting to get involved in the Veterans Law Society. Although she is not set in a legal focus yet, Black currently is very interested in criminal law, or estate planning.
“I’m passionate about the law because I believe that when practiced with integrity, adherence to ethical standards, and alignment with its intended purpose it has the power to serve as a powerful tool for the interest of justice and the betterment of society,” she says.
“I would love to somehow work on the federal side of the legal profession to hopefully connect my military experience with my legal career, and I intend to commission and work as a Judge Advocate General.”
A native of the Kent County village of Caledonia, Black is the youngest of three girls and also has two older step-siblings. Her mother is a teacher and her father is a Marine Corps veteran.
“I’m very close with my entire family including all 19 of my cousins and their kids,” she says. “My family has been the center of my universe since I was very young, and I’m lucky enough to live near my oldest sister and my only niece/goddaughter on this side of the state. I enjoy the experience of city life I never had growing up. I also enjoy going to sporting events with friends and trying new places to eat in the city.”
Black has always enjoyed being outdoors, whether running, skiing, or playing pickleball with friends.
“I love to read fiction in my free time and enjoy any time I can spend with loved ones,” she says.
“On the east side, I love spending time with the family I met through nannying—any chance I get. I call them my east side family.”
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