A first-year student at Detroit Mercy Law, Devynn Stepowski holds a bachelor’s degree in Labor Relations.
(Photo courtesy of Devynn Stepowski)
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Devynn Stepowski set her sights on becoming an attorney as early as elementary school, having witnessed adversity and always wanting to do something to combat it.
“I’m passionate about the law because the law is a living construct that is forever changing, which gives citizens the opportunity to influence the future,” she says. “Law is reactive, so there’s a lot of work to do to promote equity and make an impact.”
Stepowski set out on that path by earning an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Macomb Community College, during which she was assigned to intake at Marko Law, speaking with potential clients and analyzing their issues. After graduation, she provided administrative and paralegal assistance to associate attorneys.
“I had great opportunities working for exemplary attorneys, including in-person federal trial support. Overall, the experience entailed tasks ranging from calendaring and filing to drafting discovery and pleadings,” she says.
“Hearing first-hand from clients about the prejudicial inequalities still relevant in our society today and how they can directly affect livelihoods was moving. Most of all, I enjoyed helping people at Marko Law. Knowing the attorney I was supporting was advocating for individuals who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to advocate for themselves against corporations meant a lot to me. It impacted my ideas for my future in law.”
Participating in the litigation process in employment discrimination cases at Marko Law motivated her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Labor Relations from Wayne State University, after which she started as a full-ride scholar at Detroit Mercy Law. She is certain her past study and work experiences will help with law school.
“Working for civil rights attorneys helped me gain a prior understanding of civil procedure,” she says.
“Being organized and paying attention to deadlines was required as a paralegal and is definitely required as a law student. UDM Law welcomes students from all backgrounds, and I specifically felt they encouraged students to work and participate in the community, which aligns with my experience.
“My end-goal was always to become an attorney,” Stepowski adds.
“As a first-generation college student, I wanted to ensure I had the ability to support myself along my educational path. Looking back, I’m extremely grateful to have been able to focus my work and education in the legal field.”
With an eventual goal of becoming a plaintiff civil rights attorney advocating for people’s rights, Stepowski enjoys the interactive educational experience at Detroit Mercy Law, where she also hopes to participate in Women’s Law Caucus and Law Review.
“The learning experience is hands-on and provides a collaborative approach to the material. There’s an attitude that allows students to personally engage with their peers and professors to succeed,” she says.
Originally from Clinton Township in Macomb County, Stepowski spent most her childhood in the Oakland County city of Clawson.
She now lives in Madison Heights and enjoys hiking, cooking, and running, and volunteering for Detroit Young Professionals for Good.
Legal News
Devynn Stepowski set her sights on becoming an attorney as early as elementary school, having witnessed adversity and always wanting to do something to combat it.
“I’m passionate about the law because the law is a living construct that is forever changing, which gives citizens the opportunity to influence the future,” she says. “Law is reactive, so there’s a lot of work to do to promote equity and make an impact.”
Stepowski set out on that path by earning an associate’s degree in paralegal studies from Macomb Community College, during which she was assigned to intake at Marko Law, speaking with potential clients and analyzing their issues. After graduation, she provided administrative and paralegal assistance to associate attorneys.
“I had great opportunities working for exemplary attorneys, including in-person federal trial support. Overall, the experience entailed tasks ranging from calendaring and filing to drafting discovery and pleadings,” she says.
“Hearing first-hand from clients about the prejudicial inequalities still relevant in our society today and how they can directly affect livelihoods was moving. Most of all, I enjoyed helping people at Marko Law. Knowing the attorney I was supporting was advocating for individuals who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to advocate for themselves against corporations meant a lot to me. It impacted my ideas for my future in law.”
Participating in the litigation process in employment discrimination cases at Marko Law motivated her to pursue an undergraduate degree in Labor Relations from Wayne State University, after which she started as a full-ride scholar at Detroit Mercy Law. She is certain her past study and work experiences will help with law school.
“Working for civil rights attorneys helped me gain a prior understanding of civil procedure,” she says.
“Being organized and paying attention to deadlines was required as a paralegal and is definitely required as a law student. UDM Law welcomes students from all backgrounds, and I specifically felt they encouraged students to work and participate in the community, which aligns with my experience.
“My end-goal was always to become an attorney,” Stepowski adds.
“As a first-generation college student, I wanted to ensure I had the ability to support myself along my educational path. Looking back, I’m extremely grateful to have been able to focus my work and education in the legal field.”
With an eventual goal of becoming a plaintiff civil rights attorney advocating for people’s rights, Stepowski enjoys the interactive educational experience at Detroit Mercy Law, where she also hopes to participate in Women’s Law Caucus and Law Review.
“The learning experience is hands-on and provides a collaborative approach to the material. There’s an attitude that allows students to personally engage with their peers and professors to succeed,” she says.
Originally from Clinton Township in Macomb County, Stepowski spent most her childhood in the Oakland County city of Clawson.
She now lives in Madison Heights and enjoys hiking, cooking, and running, and volunteering for Detroit Young Professionals for Good.
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