Legal News
A first-generation law student, Nabil Hamka did not know many attorneys in his youth—but when he set his sights on a legal career, his father introduced him to a few metro-Detroit area lawyers.
“From a young age, I wanted to set myself up for a career in which I could assist others as well as be a member of my community that looks to support others,” says Hamka, now a 2L student at Detroit Mercy Law. “Law was the easy decision after considering my skills and this desire. My father is always looking to connect me with established legal professionals, with my development as an attorney in mind.”
But the path wasn’t easy. Hamka’s first application to Detroit Mercy Law School disappointingly resulted in a waitlist decision that didn’t come to fruition. Reapplying in the admission cycle a year later, and after taking a pilgrimage in the interim, Hamka met with success the second time around.
A graduate of Dearborn High School, Hamka originally laid the foundation for his legal career by earning his undergrad degree in philosophy from Wayne State University.
“When I made the decision to pursue law, I learned you could apply with any major of your choosing,” he says. “I chose philosophy not only because of my fascination with the ‘big questions’ that circle morality, reality, and more, but also because it sharpens logical reasoning and critical thinking, two skills essential to the LSAT.”
During undergrad, he gained experience in the legal world by working as a legal assistant at the Law Offices of Berry & Berri, personal injury attorneys in his hometown of Dearborn, supporting multiple attorneys with various tasks such as conducting legal research, drafting legal documentation, and communicating with clients and with other law offices. After graduation, he worked as a legal assistant for AK Law, also in Dearborn.
“I was drawn to legal assistant jobs because of the hands-on experience they bring, as well as the opportunity to foster a connection with multiple practicing attorneys,” he says.
Hamka is enjoying his law school experience, where he is particularly appreciative of the inclusion community of faculty and students.
“I’ve always felt a sense of family during my time at Detroit Mercy,” he says.
Last summer, he served in the preliminary exams division of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
“This experience was rewarding,” he says. “I had the opportunity to support prosecutors in case preparation, draft motions, analyze evidence, and conduct my own preliminary exams.”
A member of the Arab American Law Students Association, Hamka also currently serves as president of the Muslim Law Student Association (MLSA), that hosts a “Muslim Women in the Law” event, and an Iftar dinner (a meal eaten by Muslims at sundown to break their fast during Ramadan) for all law school students.
“I believe hosting these events for the whole school is important,” Hamka says. “Having different stories, different perspectives that people bring to the table, that’s how you get things done. Some of the goals I have as president—as well as what I enjoy the most about the MLSA—is fostering an inclusive space for members to connect, assist, and promote one another.”
Throughout his time as a law student, Hamka has worked in numerous fields, getting a feel of what each area has to offer; family law and criminal law have both piqued his interest the most.
His long-term goal is to serve on the bench.
“After serving multiple years as an attorney, building connections as well as gaining legal experience, I’d like to serve as a judge in my community,” he says.
The second of four siblings, with an older brother and two younger sisters, Hamka enjoys playing trivia; traveling; playing and watching sports, including football, tennis, basketball, and especially volleyball—”And spending time with the newest addition of our family, my nephew Mohamad.”
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