By Jo Mathis
Legal News
Dewnya Bazzi is a founding Partner with At Law Group in Dearborn. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan before going on to Western Michigan University Cooley Law School to earn her law degree in 2011.
In 2012, Bazzi's 19-year-old brother was seriously hurt in a motor vehicle accident. She had just passed the bar exam and wasn't sure which career path to take, so Bazzi spent the next month in the hospital with her brother. From setting up a claim with the auto carrier to changing bed sheets, she was on call for whatever he needed, and realized her calling was to be a personal injury attorney.
Since becoming an attorney, Dewnya quickly made a name for herself in the legal community. She has been nationally recognized as one of the top 10 personal injury attorneys under 40 by the National Academy of Personal Injury Attorneys.
Residence:
Dearborn Heights.
What would surprise people about your job?
50 percent of your time is spent waiting around in court rooms or for opposing counsels.
What is your most treasured material possession?
My 3 foot Bo Schembechler Bobble Head.
What is your proudest moment as a lawyer?
I have a client who passed away after being in a coma for years after a single car accident. His insurance carrier refused to pay a single dime on his file. His family was left with hundreds of thousands in medical bills. We beat the insurance company at trial on this one. Seeing the relief on the family's case was priceless. That was a good day.
However, even the little moments where you know you made a difference in your client's life - you put a smile on their face after being in pain all day - those moments - those are the best.
Favorite local hangouts:
I really just love being with family the place doesn't matter.
Favorite websites:
Atlawgroup.com (hahaha) ESPN.com.
What are you better at than everyone else you know?
Shooting three pointers.
Must-see TV:
College Game Day.
What do you wish someone would invent?
A machine that automatically reads documents and calendars them for you!
Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
Friends and family.
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be?
My 7 month old. He doesn't have a care in the world.
What's the most awe-inspiring place you've ever been?
Mecca.
Three things you can't live without:
My family, my work, and my basketball.
What's your favorite charity, and why?
Michigan Muslim Bar Association. I founded it and am still the active president, so I am very passionate about it.
If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? Why?
Lay out on the beach and not worry about anything! Life is so fast paced it would be nice to just have a second to take in the beautiful ocean.
What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
Golf. I try, but I need work.
What is something most people don't know about you?
I was the first girl to wear a scarf and play college ball.
What is the best advice you ever received?
Before he passed a year ago, my grandfather used to give me advice daily. His words still ring in my ears: Don't let anyone tell you that you can't make it. Keep thirsting for knowledge, never stop learning, you will be great.
Words of advice for aspiring attorneys:
Don't ever lose sight of why you wanted to become a lawyer. Whether you knew when you were 6 years old (like I did) or realized your passion for law in your later years don't ever lose sight of why.
If you can help it, where will you never return?
36th District Court. Haha.
What is your motto?
Find a reason to smile. It makes all the difference.
Published: Fri, Nov 18, 2016
