As a solo practitioner at Hayley E. Rohn PLLC, Hayley Rohn practices estate planning for Michigan individuals and families.
Prior to starting her own firm, Rohn worked at Comerica Bank in its Charitable Advisory Group in downtown Ann Arbor. She was also an associate attorney at Barris, Sott, Denn, & Driker PLLC in Detroit, and Couzens, Lansky, Fealk, Ellis, Roeder, & Lazar PC in Farmington Hills.
A graduate of the University of Michigan, Rohn earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School. Rohn, who was born profoundly deaf, received a cochlear implant in 2005 when she was in law school, and only wishes she’d gotten it earlier in life.
The East Grand Rapids native and her husband, Nilay Dave, an attorney for Toyota, have two sons, ages 4 and 13 months.
Rohn and her husband lived in Ann Arbor before recently relocating to Dallas for his job, but she works remotely for clients all over Michigan.
By Jo Mathis
Legal News
What has been your favorite year so far?
2011—the first year my husband and I lived in Ann Arbor together right before we had kids was amazing. My next most favorite year was 2012 when we became parents for the first time.
When you look back into the past, what do you miss most?
My college years at the University of Michigan. You can’t ask for a more quintessential college experience than the one U-M offers.
What advice would you have for a college student considering law school?
Spend some time “shadowing” an attorney for a day to really see what a day as a litigation attorney or transactional or public interest attorney is like. Reach out to local law firms that practice in different areas – many attorneys would be more than happy to talk about it with you.
Favorite websites?
Npr.org, People.com, Forbes.com and CupofJo.com.
What is your most treasured material possession?
My iPhone. I mean, it has all of my photos and videos on it!
What was always written on your grade school report card?
Something along the lines of “she is always pleasant and eager to please.” That still rings true today, unless—with two young boys—I haven’t gotten enough sleep the night before!
What is your happiest childhood memory?
Our summer vacations at our family cottage near Traverse City. And I had a few years of horseback riding lessons and shows that I loved.
What is your proudest moment as a lawyer?
The moment I received a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS for a client.
What’s the best compliment you’ve ever received?
One time my husband called me a “Supermom” after we spent a long, exhausting and fun day at Legoland in San Diego. And my parents tell me I’m a good mother. That’s all I really need to hear these days.
What would surprise people about your job?
It is surprising how much estate planning is about educating people. So many people think they don’t need estate planning or don’t understand what it involves. Also, it’s also surprising but understandable how many married couples put off their estate planning to avoid having difficult conversations with each other.
What do you wish someone would invent?
Lex Luthor’s “shrink-ray machine” to keep my sons small, cute, and innocent forever!
If you could have witnessed any event in history, what would it be?
Amelia Earhart’s plane crash. Then we would all finally know what happened.
Who is on your guest list for the ideal dinner party?
The Obamas, Melissa McCarthy, Jim and Sarah Harbaugh, Justin Trudeau, and Kate Middleton and Prince William. And all their kids. It would be a fabulous backyard party with kids’ activities and an open bar for the adults. I’ve fantasized about this for a while, actually.
What question do you most often ask yourself?
Am I doing enough for my kids? Am I doing enough for my clients?
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would that be?
My 4-1/2 year-old. He sees things in the most delightful and funny ways.
What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve ever been?
Santorini, Greece.
What’s something you changed your mind about recently?
I’ve been a full time working mom, a part-time working mom, and a stay-at-home mom. I never realized that it would all be hard, no matter what. The guilt, fatigue, euphoria, and gratification will always be there no matter what you do as a parent.
What word do you overuse?
“Definitely.”
What is one thing you would like to learn to do?
I secretly wish I could have learned ballet, but that isn’t realistic. I would love to learn a new language and be fluent in it.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I gave up coffee last year and never looked back. It’s been life-changing.
What is the best advice you ever received?
“Expect the unexpected.” My dad used to say that during my volleyball games in high school, but it always carried over into my subconscious when it comes to parenting and work. That’s why I always try to plan ahead for every possible scenario. It’s exhausting sometimes!
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