Farrah Ramdayal-Howard is sworn-in as MCBA president by Judge Sandra Harrison during the installation ceremony on September 10.
The Macomb County Bar Association’s 2025-26 Board of Directors is pictured at the September 10 installation ceremony.
By Julie Freer
Legal News
On July 1, the Macomb County Bar Association kicked off its new year with the “Toast at Host” event in Utica, where Macomb County Circuit Judge Julie Gatti swore in the incoming board.
Farrah Ramdayal-Howard, attorney and partner at Schock Solaiman Ramdayal (SSR Law), is MCBA’s new president for the 2025-26 term, leading the third-largest bar association in Michigan with approximately 1,300 members.
“My term as president lasts just one year, which makes every moment meaningful,” said Ramdayal-Howard, who specializes in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Wealth Preservation. “I’ve been a proud member of the Macomb County Bar Association for eight years, and it’s truly been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional journey.”
Goals for the MCBA
n September 10, the MCBA held its formal Installation Ceremony, officiated by Macomb County Circuit Judge Sandra Harrrison, and officially welcomed Ramdayal-Howard as its 97th president.
“It was a wonderful evening — well attended, warmly received, and full of the pride and camaraderie that make our Association so special,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “Being part of the MCBA has given me a community of colleagues who understand the challenges and rewards of practicing law in Macomb County. I’ve built lifelong friendships, found mentors, and had the chance to mentor others in return. The continuing education, networking, and collaborative spirit of our members have strengthened not just my practice, but also my connection to the broader legal community.”
Ramdayal-Howard said her goals for the MCBA are to build on the sense of unity and purpose members celebrated at the Installation Ceremony.
“I want to ensure that every member feels connected, valued, and empowered to contribute to our community,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “This year, I’m focused on fostering mentorship, encouraging collaboration between members at all stages of their careers, and strengthening the relationship between the bench and the bar.”
The MCBA was established in 1906 and is led by a 16-member board of directors.
“Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, there’s a place for you here,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “The Bar Association offers education, mentorship, and opportunities to give back—not just to the legal profession, but to our community as a whole. Being part of the MCBA isn’t just about professional development; it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.”
One recurring event that provides members with an opportunity to network and socialize is the 5:01 Happy Hours held every second Thursday at Madison’s Pub in Mount Clemens.
“Members are invited to come together, relax, and connect in a casual, welcoming setting,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “This is a tradition we resurrected to re-engage our members and foster camaraderie. People are ready for in-person events, and this gives us a consistent opportunity to see each other, share ideas, and strengthen the sense of community that makes the MCBA so special.”
The road to becoming an attorney
Ramdayal-Howard grew up in Toronto, Canada, in a family where hard work and dedication were central values.
“My parents have always been incredible role models for me—they taught me the importance of perseverance, integrity, and giving your best in everything you do,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “I became interested in the law because I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and helping people navigate complex situations.”
Ramdayal-Howard attended the University of Toronto, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Sociology and Bioethics. She went on to receive her Law Clerks of Ontario Certificate from Humber College Institute, then attended law school at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
“I wanted to earn an American law degree while staying close to my family in Toronto, and Detroit Mercy’s location in downtown Detroit — just across the border — made that possible,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “Being able to visit home easily while pursuing my studies meant a lot to me. But beyond the convenience, what really drew me to Detroit Mercy was its deep commitment to justice and service. The school’s Jesuit and Mercy traditions emphasize ethics, community involvement, and learning through real-world experience. I loved that focus — it aligned perfectly with the kind of lawyer I wanted to become.”
Early in Ramdayal-Howard’s career she had the opportunity to work in elder law and estate planning and quickly realized how meaningful it is.
“I enjoy helping clients navigate complex legal and financial issues at a time when these decisions are deeply personal and often impactful for multiple generations,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “What I find most rewarding is being able to provide clarity and peace of mind to families during difficult times. Protecting a person’s legacy is important. Ensuring their wishes are honored and the family is supported when they need it most is a privilege.”
In 2013, Ramdayal-Howard along with her two partners – Benjamin Schock and Erin Solaiman - opened SSR Law located in Shelby Township, a boutique-style elder law and estate planning firm focused on quality and efficiency.
In addition to her involvement with the MCBA, Ramdayal-Howard is also a member of the Macomb County Probate Bar Association and a trustee of the Macomb County Bar Foundation. She is a member of the Financial and Estate Planning Council of Macomb, and a past-president of the Women Lawyers Association (Macomb Region).
“I’m active in several bar associations — and honestly, I find it fun,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “I enjoy being involved in my community, and I truly love both what I do and the organizations that support the growth and integrity of our profession. Too often, I think people overlook the value of bar involvement and end up missing out more than they realize. The mentorship, camaraderie, and genuine friendships that develop through these associations can be incredibly rewarding. For me, it’s about connecting with others who share the same passion for the law — and it’s also my way of giving back.”
Ramdayal-Howard is an ICLE (Institute of Continuing Legal Education) speaker and has conducted several seminars throughout the state of Michigan.
“I’ve primarily spoken about Elder Law and Medicaid Planning, which is really at
the heart of my practice,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “It’s a niche area of law that’s constantly evolving. Continuing education is extremely important to me — not just to stay up to date on changes in the legal landscape, but also because it keeps your mind sharp and ensures you remain relevant. Technology changes, laws change, and no matter how experienced you are, there’s always more to learn. That mindset is one of the pillars of how I approach each day. I have a genuine love for learning and as attorneys, we spend many years in school; I don’t think you can just turn that off.”
In her downtime, Ramdayal-Howard enjoys golfing, travel, and is a self-described “foodie.”
“When I get away, you’ll either find me on the golf course with my husband or exploring new places with the family and always chasing the best restaurants,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “If we’re lucky, we even get to watch some hockey. We all share similar interests in my family, so it’s always fun. The key is to make time for it.”
Legal News
On July 1, the Macomb County Bar Association kicked off its new year with the “Toast at Host” event in Utica, where Macomb County Circuit Judge Julie Gatti swore in the incoming board.
Farrah Ramdayal-Howard, attorney and partner at Schock Solaiman Ramdayal (SSR Law), is MCBA’s new president for the 2025-26 term, leading the third-largest bar association in Michigan with approximately 1,300 members.
“My term as president lasts just one year, which makes every moment meaningful,” said Ramdayal-Howard, who specializes in Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Wealth Preservation. “I’ve been a proud member of the Macomb County Bar Association for eight years, and it’s truly been one of the most rewarding parts of my professional journey.”
Goals for the MCBA
n September 10, the MCBA held its formal Installation Ceremony, officiated by Macomb County Circuit Judge Sandra Harrrison, and officially welcomed Ramdayal-Howard as its 97th president.
“It was a wonderful evening — well attended, warmly received, and full of the pride and camaraderie that make our Association so special,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “Being part of the MCBA has given me a community of colleagues who understand the challenges and rewards of practicing law in Macomb County. I’ve built lifelong friendships, found mentors, and had the chance to mentor others in return. The continuing education, networking, and collaborative spirit of our members have strengthened not just my practice, but also my connection to the broader legal community.”
Ramdayal-Howard said her goals for the MCBA are to build on the sense of unity and purpose members celebrated at the Installation Ceremony.
“I want to ensure that every member feels connected, valued, and empowered to contribute to our community,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “This year, I’m focused on fostering mentorship, encouraging collaboration between members at all stages of their careers, and strengthening the relationship between the bench and the bar.”
The MCBA was established in 1906 and is led by a 16-member board of directors.
“Whether you’re just starting out or have decades of experience, there’s a place for you here,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “The Bar Association offers education, mentorship, and opportunities to give back—not just to the legal profession, but to our community as a whole. Being part of the MCBA isn’t just about professional development; it’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.”
One recurring event that provides members with an opportunity to network and socialize is the 5:01 Happy Hours held every second Thursday at Madison’s Pub in Mount Clemens.
“Members are invited to come together, relax, and connect in a casual, welcoming setting,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “This is a tradition we resurrected to re-engage our members and foster camaraderie. People are ready for in-person events, and this gives us a consistent opportunity to see each other, share ideas, and strengthen the sense of community that makes the MCBA so special.”
The road to becoming an attorney
Ramdayal-Howard grew up in Toronto, Canada, in a family where hard work and dedication were central values.
“My parents have always been incredible role models for me—they taught me the importance of perseverance, integrity, and giving your best in everything you do,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “I became interested in the law because I’ve always been drawn to problem-solving and helping people navigate complex situations.”
Ramdayal-Howard attended the University of Toronto, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Sociology and Bioethics. She went on to receive her Law Clerks of Ontario Certificate from Humber College Institute, then attended law school at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
“I wanted to earn an American law degree while staying close to my family in Toronto, and Detroit Mercy’s location in downtown Detroit — just across the border — made that possible,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “Being able to visit home easily while pursuing my studies meant a lot to me. But beyond the convenience, what really drew me to Detroit Mercy was its deep commitment to justice and service. The school’s Jesuit and Mercy traditions emphasize ethics, community involvement, and learning through real-world experience. I loved that focus — it aligned perfectly with the kind of lawyer I wanted to become.”
Early in Ramdayal-Howard’s career she had the opportunity to work in elder law and estate planning and quickly realized how meaningful it is.
“I enjoy helping clients navigate complex legal and financial issues at a time when these decisions are deeply personal and often impactful for multiple generations,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “What I find most rewarding is being able to provide clarity and peace of mind to families during difficult times. Protecting a person’s legacy is important. Ensuring their wishes are honored and the family is supported when they need it most is a privilege.”
In 2013, Ramdayal-Howard along with her two partners – Benjamin Schock and Erin Solaiman - opened SSR Law located in Shelby Township, a boutique-style elder law and estate planning firm focused on quality and efficiency.
In addition to her involvement with the MCBA, Ramdayal-Howard is also a member of the Macomb County Probate Bar Association and a trustee of the Macomb County Bar Foundation. She is a member of the Financial and Estate Planning Council of Macomb, and a past-president of the Women Lawyers Association (Macomb Region).
“I’m active in several bar associations — and honestly, I find it fun,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “I enjoy being involved in my community, and I truly love both what I do and the organizations that support the growth and integrity of our profession. Too often, I think people overlook the value of bar involvement and end up missing out more than they realize. The mentorship, camaraderie, and genuine friendships that develop through these associations can be incredibly rewarding. For me, it’s about connecting with others who share the same passion for the law — and it’s also my way of giving back.”
Ramdayal-Howard is an ICLE (Institute of Continuing Legal Education) speaker and has conducted several seminars throughout the state of Michigan.
“I’ve primarily spoken about Elder Law and Medicaid Planning, which is really at
the heart of my practice,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “It’s a niche area of law that’s constantly evolving. Continuing education is extremely important to me — not just to stay up to date on changes in the legal landscape, but also because it keeps your mind sharp and ensures you remain relevant. Technology changes, laws change, and no matter how experienced you are, there’s always more to learn. That mindset is one of the pillars of how I approach each day. I have a genuine love for learning and as attorneys, we spend many years in school; I don’t think you can just turn that off.”
In her downtime, Ramdayal-Howard enjoys golfing, travel, and is a self-described “foodie.”
“When I get away, you’ll either find me on the golf course with my husband or exploring new places with the family and always chasing the best restaurants,” said Ramdayal-Howard. “If we’re lucky, we even get to watch some hockey. We all share similar interests in my family, so it’s always fun. The key is to make time for it.”
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