By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Andrea Maroof felt a strong calling toward a legal career from a young age, even before fully understanding what that meant.
She stayed focused, worked hard, and did everything necessary to turn that dream into a reality.
Now, as a rising 3L at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, she feels confident and 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 said “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.”
Choosing UDM Law was an easy decision.
“I kept hearing incredible things about how UDM invests in its students, not only academically, but professionally and personally. Everyone I spoke with who had attended UDM described it as a place where professors genuinely care, where practical, hands-on learning is emphasized, and where career preparation is prioritized,” Maroof said. “The strong bar passage rate and post-grad employment outcomes gave me additional confidence I’d be supported throughout my journey at UDM.
“What I love most is the incredible sense of community and support from day one,” she added. “Law school can be intensely challenging, but the environment makes it not only manageable, but also deeply rewarding. As a first-generation law student, I came in with a lot of uncertainty. But those fears quickly eased once I experienced the level of support the school offers.“
As the first in her family to attend law school, Maroof said navigating law school and the legal profession without initial connections or a clear roadmap or 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 said. “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.”
Maroof is proud of her academic success. After earning her high school diploma in 2020, she completed her bachelor’s degree at Oakland University in less than three years, graduating in 2023 at age 20. That same year, she started at Detroit Mercy Law, and is on track to graduate next May at age 23.
“I’ve faced a lot of challenges along the way, but my passion for becoming a lawyer kept me going,” she said. “I’m grateful to be reaching these goals at a young age, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Exploring different areas of the law, from criminal to civil, transactional to litigation, Maroof said 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 said. “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.”
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 said. “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 PC 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.
One of the most rewarding aspects has been working on matters involving the City of Sterling Heights.
“Being able to contribute to the legal work of a community I grew up in means so much to me. It makes me so happy to be able to give back to the community,” she said.
Maroof has enjoyed every aspect of her summer position.
“The attorneys at O’Reilly Rancilio have taken the time to guide me, challenge me, and help me become more confident in my abilities,” she said “What stood out most to me was the supportive culture,
“I always felt encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and reflect on my work. I not only felt like a stronger legal thinker, but also more confident as a future attorney. My time at O’Reilly Rancilio helped me realize my legal interests and understand my purpose and goals as a future attorney more clearly.”
A highlight of law school has been Law Review, Maroof said
“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 2024-25 Jason Long Award for Excellence in Source Checking as Best Editor and the 2025-26 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 said.
Writing her note, where Maroof 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 said.
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 said. “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.”
Involvement in CALSA — the Chaldean American Law Student Association — keeps Maroof connected to her roots and engaged in professional development, while also building a community with students and legal professionals who share similar cultural experiences.
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 said of the late U.S. District Court judge.
“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.”
A lifelong resident of Macomb County, Maroof was raised in Sterling Heights, moved to Shelby Township during high school, and now lives in Washington Township.
She looks for ways to give back to her community, especially through her church.
“Whether it’s helping with events, supporting youth programs, or just being of service, it’s a great reminder of why I wanted to become a lawyer in the first place, which was to serve others,” she said.
Legal News
Andrea Maroof felt a strong calling toward a legal career from a young age, even before fully understanding what that meant.
She stayed focused, worked hard, and did everything necessary to turn that dream into a reality.
Now, as a rising 3L at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, she feels confident and 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 said “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.”
Choosing UDM Law was an easy decision.
“I kept hearing incredible things about how UDM invests in its students, not only academically, but professionally and personally. Everyone I spoke with who had attended UDM described it as a place where professors genuinely care, where practical, hands-on learning is emphasized, and where career preparation is prioritized,” Maroof said. “The strong bar passage rate and post-grad employment outcomes gave me additional confidence I’d be supported throughout my journey at UDM.
“What I love most is the incredible sense of community and support from day one,” she added. “Law school can be intensely challenging, but the environment makes it not only manageable, but also deeply rewarding. As a first-generation law student, I came in with a lot of uncertainty. But those fears quickly eased once I experienced the level of support the school offers.“
As the first in her family to attend law school, Maroof said navigating law school and the legal profession without initial connections or a clear roadmap or 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 said. “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.”
Maroof is proud of her academic success. After earning her high school diploma in 2020, she completed her bachelor’s degree at Oakland University in less than three years, graduating in 2023 at age 20. That same year, she started at Detroit Mercy Law, and is on track to graduate next May at age 23.
“I’ve faced a lot of challenges along the way, but my passion for becoming a lawyer kept me going,” she said. “I’m grateful to be reaching these goals at a young age, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”
Exploring different areas of the law, from criminal to civil, transactional to litigation, Maroof said 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 said. “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.”
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 said. “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 PC 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.
One of the most rewarding aspects has been working on matters involving the City of Sterling Heights.
“Being able to contribute to the legal work of a community I grew up in means so much to me. It makes me so happy to be able to give back to the community,” she said.
Maroof has enjoyed every aspect of her summer position.
“The attorneys at O’Reilly Rancilio have taken the time to guide me, challenge me, and help me become more confident in my abilities,” she said “What stood out most to me was the supportive culture,
“I always felt encouraged to ask questions, take initiative, and reflect on my work. I not only felt like a stronger legal thinker, but also more confident as a future attorney. My time at O’Reilly Rancilio helped me realize my legal interests and understand my purpose and goals as a future attorney more clearly.”
A highlight of law school has been Law Review, Maroof said
“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 2024-25 Jason Long Award for Excellence in Source Checking as Best Editor and the 2025-26 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 said.
Writing her note, where Maroof 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 said.
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 said. “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.”
Involvement in CALSA — the Chaldean American Law Student Association — keeps Maroof connected to her roots and engaged in professional development, while also building a community with students and legal professionals who share similar cultural experiences.
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 said of the late U.S. District Court judge.
“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.”
A lifelong resident of Macomb County, Maroof was raised in Sterling Heights, moved to Shelby Township during high school, and now lives in Washington Township.
She looks for ways to give back to her community, especially through her church.
“Whether it’s helping with events, supporting youth programs, or just being of service, it’s a great reminder of why I wanted to become a lawyer in the first place, which was to serve others,” she said.
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