Get to Know Samir A. Mouawad

by Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

Samir A. Mouawad was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, with three older siblings.  His father owned numerous businesses, and Mouawad always found himself involved in them—and where his passion for business and the law began. 

Mouawad attended the University of Windsor where he was a student-athlete and a captain of the football team. He graduated with honors, receiving a major in sociology and a minor in political science. After graduation, Mouawad worked as a material handling supervisor for Fiat Chrysler’s Windsor manufacturing facility.

A 2017 magna cum laude graduate of Michigan State College of Law, the Windsor resident now works for Dawda, Mann, Mulcahy & Sadler, PLC, in Bloomfield Hills, practicing primarily in corporate law, real estate transactions and estate planning.

What would surprise people about your job?
It’s nothing like the TV series Suits. A lot more paperwork, and much less adventure.

Why did you become a lawyer? I’ve always found pleasure in finding the best solution for problems.

What advice do you have for someone considering law school? It’s well worth it. It provides you with a different perspective on everything in life.

What’s your proudest moment as a lawyer?
After I was sworn in to the Bar, I wrote my parents a letter with my name on the firm letterhead. Ed Dawda suggested it and I’m glad I did it. I just took the time to thank them for everything they have ever provided me to get me to this point.

What’s your favorite law-related TV show, movie, and/or book? The People vs. O.J. Simpson. I reminisced back to when I was very young and watched the actual trial with my father.

Who are your law role models?
Two of the greatest professors I’ve ever had, Dr. Clark C. Johnson and Professor Bruce W. Bean.

If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be?
The graffiti artist Banksy. Just so I’d know who he/she was.

What do you do to relax?
Workout every morning at 6 a.m. It keeps me balanced, structured and sane.

What other career path might you have chosen? Woodworker. There’s something relaxing and rewarding in turning a tree into a piece of furniture.

What would you say to your 16-year-old self?
Stop causing trouble and go read.

Favorite local hangouts? Standby in Detroit and Sugarhouse in Corktown.

Your favorite website? Bloomberg Finance.

Favorite app? BBC News.

Favorite music? Blues and anything Rat Pack.

What is your happiest childhood memory? Family Christmas at home, surrounded by family. There’s nothing better.

What do you wish someone would invent? Teleportation device. I’m sick of driving.

What has been your favorite year so far and why? 2017. I was finally able to propose to my amazing fiancée, I graduated law school, passed the Michigan bar, and spent a month in Europe celebrating everything that has happened.

What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve been? Tough call. Ancient ruins in Baalbek, Lebanon, and Formentor, Majorca.

If you could have one super power, what would it be? Immortality.

What’s one thing you would like to learn to do? Sing like Sinatra. That way I wouldn’t sound so awful in my car trying to hit the high notes.

What is something most people don’t know about you? Despite my 6’4” frame, I’m a fantastic dancer. Very light on my feet.

If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would they be?
My grandfather Chehade and uncle Samir on my father’s side. They passed away before I was born, and I would love to just share a meal with them and get to know them. And my fiancée, Monika. We rarely get the time between my work schedule and her school schedule to enjoy a dinner together. She’s working on her second masters program to be a school psychologist.

What’s the best advice you ever received? “There’s nothing in this world that is difficult if you’re willing to work for it. Don’t believe people who say, ‘it’s difficult,’ they just want to feel good about themselves instead of helping you succeed.”

Favorite place to spend money? Apparently, my student loans because that’s where it all goes.

What is your motto? “Embrace the Grind.” It’s a quote that stuck with me since football. People don’t realize the pleasure in the process and work itself rather than the goal at the end.

Which living person do you most admire? My mother. She’s the most insightful person I’ve ever met. She can guide anyone through any problem.  She’s been through a lot in her lifetime and has never complained.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? Never being satisfied. Doesn’t sound like an achievement, but it’s the motivating factor that allows me to keep chasing goals.

 

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