Detroit Mercy Law 3L student Andrea Maroof is a member of the Chaldean American Law Student Association.
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Andrea Maroof felt a strong calling toward a legal career from a young age. Now, a 3L at Detroit Mercy Law, she feels fulfilled in that decision. “Stepping into the legal world, I truly believe there is no path more fitting for me, it feels like exactly where I’m meant to be,” she says. “No one in my family was a lawyer, and as a first-generation college student, the path to law school wasn’t exactly paved for me.
Still, I was always fascinated by the idea of advocating for others. I’ve always believed in helping those who can’t help themselves, and the law struck me as a powerful tool to do that. It allows me to use my strengths to make real change in people’s lives. I’m passionate about helping others and being an attorney allows me to do that.”
As the first in her family to attend law school, navigating without initial connections or a clear plan was challenging, but taught her resilience, resourcefulness, and self-advocacy.
“Over time, I found mentors who supported and guided me, and their influence has been valuable,” she says. “In the future, I hope to serve as a mentor for aspiring lawyers who are on their own, helping them feel seen, supported, and capable.”
Exploring different areas of the law, from criminal to civil, transactional to litigation, each experience has helped her better understand what drives her.
“I’m passionate about the law because I believe it’s the foundation for a just and functioning society,” she says. “It provides an opportunity where people can seek fairness, resolve disputes, and protect their rights. For me, the law represents hope. It’s a way to give people a voice when they feel unheard, and a path to a remedy when someone feels wronged. There’s nothing more powerful than being able to stand up for someone and know how to help them. That’s the kind of advocate I am passionate about and I aspire to be.
“My ultimate career goal is simple but deeply meaningful, I want to help people,” she adds. “Whether I’m representing individuals, families, municipalities, or businesses, I want to be the kind of lawyer who makes a real difference in others’ lives. I’m dedicated to continuous growth to be the best advocate I can be.”
Her undergraduate degree in business has interested Maroof in the corporate side of law.
“I’ve always been drawn to the connection of law and business,” she says. “I’m particularly interested in helping clients protect and grow their businesses, whether through transactional or litigation work. I hope to build lasting relationships with clients based on trust.”
Last summer’s work at the Michigan Court of Appeals exposed her to complex criminal matters and appellate writing.
This summer, she expanded on that foundation at O’Reilly Rancilio P.C., drafting memoranda, conducting legal research, attending court hearings, collaborating on client matters, and engaging with a wide variety of legal topics, with a special focus in municipal law.
A highlight of law school has been Law Review. “It’s challenged me, taught me, and pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated—from mastering the Bluebook rules to sharpening my writing and editing skills, every part of the experience has been invaluable,” she says.
Maroof received the 2024-2025 Jason Long Award for Excellence in Source Checking as Best Editor and the 2025-2026 Sengstock Award for Best Note.
“These recognitions meant so much to me, not just as accomplishments but as affirmations of the countless hours of hard work and dedication I put into the process,” she says.
Writing her note, where she explored the evolving tension between employee privacy and employer monitoring in the new age of remote work, was a meaningful milestone.
“It’s a topic that felt both relevant and timely. Learning that my note will be published felt surreal, it’s an incredible feeling to know that something I wrote can contribute to a larger legal conversation,” she says.
Now, as a Senior Editor, Maroof has the privilege of mentoring fellow students. “Supporting them through their own writing and editing processes is something I look forward to,” she says. “Most of all, Law Review has given me confidence in my voice as a future lawyer. It has taught me how to think critically, write clearly, and use writing as a powerful tool for legal advocacy.”
Maroof was honored to receive the Hon. Lawrence Paul Zatkoff Memorial Scholarship earlier this year. “Judge Zatkoff’s life and work stands as an inspiration for what it means to serve the public with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice,” she says. “His dedication to the legal field and mentoring the next generation of lawyers during his time is a source of encouragement. To be nominated for a scholarship in his memory is both a great honor and serves as a reminder of the great responsibility that comes with pursuing a career in law.”
Legal News
Andrea Maroof felt a strong calling toward a legal career from a young age. Now, a 3L at Detroit Mercy Law, she feels fulfilled in that decision. “Stepping into the legal world, I truly believe there is no path more fitting for me, it feels like exactly where I’m meant to be,” she says. “No one in my family was a lawyer, and as a first-generation college student, the path to law school wasn’t exactly paved for me.
Still, I was always fascinated by the idea of advocating for others. I’ve always believed in helping those who can’t help themselves, and the law struck me as a powerful tool to do that. It allows me to use my strengths to make real change in people’s lives. I’m passionate about helping others and being an attorney allows me to do that.”
As the first in her family to attend law school, navigating without initial connections or a clear plan was challenging, but taught her resilience, resourcefulness, and self-advocacy.
“Over time, I found mentors who supported and guided me, and their influence has been valuable,” she says. “In the future, I hope to serve as a mentor for aspiring lawyers who are on their own, helping them feel seen, supported, and capable.”
Exploring different areas of the law, from criminal to civil, transactional to litigation, each experience has helped her better understand what drives her.
“I’m passionate about the law because I believe it’s the foundation for a just and functioning society,” she says. “It provides an opportunity where people can seek fairness, resolve disputes, and protect their rights. For me, the law represents hope. It’s a way to give people a voice when they feel unheard, and a path to a remedy when someone feels wronged. There’s nothing more powerful than being able to stand up for someone and know how to help them. That’s the kind of advocate I am passionate about and I aspire to be.
“My ultimate career goal is simple but deeply meaningful, I want to help people,” she adds. “Whether I’m representing individuals, families, municipalities, or businesses, I want to be the kind of lawyer who makes a real difference in others’ lives. I’m dedicated to continuous growth to be the best advocate I can be.”
Her undergraduate degree in business has interested Maroof in the corporate side of law.
“I’ve always been drawn to the connection of law and business,” she says. “I’m particularly interested in helping clients protect and grow their businesses, whether through transactional or litigation work. I hope to build lasting relationships with clients based on trust.”
Last summer’s work at the Michigan Court of Appeals exposed her to complex criminal matters and appellate writing.
This summer, she expanded on that foundation at O’Reilly Rancilio P.C., drafting memoranda, conducting legal research, attending court hearings, collaborating on client matters, and engaging with a wide variety of legal topics, with a special focus in municipal law.
A highlight of law school has been Law Review. “It’s challenged me, taught me, and pushed me to grow in ways I never anticipated—from mastering the Bluebook rules to sharpening my writing and editing skills, every part of the experience has been invaluable,” she says.
Maroof received the 2024-2025 Jason Long Award for Excellence in Source Checking as Best Editor and the 2025-2026 Sengstock Award for Best Note.
“These recognitions meant so much to me, not just as accomplishments but as affirmations of the countless hours of hard work and dedication I put into the process,” she says.
Writing her note, where she explored the evolving tension between employee privacy and employer monitoring in the new age of remote work, was a meaningful milestone.
“It’s a topic that felt both relevant and timely. Learning that my note will be published felt surreal, it’s an incredible feeling to know that something I wrote can contribute to a larger legal conversation,” she says.
Now, as a Senior Editor, Maroof has the privilege of mentoring fellow students. “Supporting them through their own writing and editing processes is something I look forward to,” she says. “Most of all, Law Review has given me confidence in my voice as a future lawyer. It has taught me how to think critically, write clearly, and use writing as a powerful tool for legal advocacy.”
Maroof was honored to receive the Hon. Lawrence Paul Zatkoff Memorial Scholarship earlier this year. “Judge Zatkoff’s life and work stands as an inspiration for what it means to serve the public with integrity, compassion, and a deep commitment to justice,” she says. “His dedication to the legal field and mentoring the next generation of lawyers during his time is a source of encouragement. To be nominated for a scholarship in his memory is both a great honor and serves as a reminder of the great responsibility that comes with pursuing a career in law.”
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