By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
As the son of a personal injury attorney, law was somewhat ingrained in Drew Ruby’s upbringing—“For better or worse,” Ruby says with a smile.
“I think the practice of law to be a noble profession,” he says. “People like to be cynical about lawyers, until they need one.”
Ruby, who holds an undergrad degree in communication and media studies from Western Michigan University, is in his final year at University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and has set his sights on becoming a litigator.
“Before I started law school I thought I only wanted to practice in civil litigation. Now, I want to get trial experience right out of the gates,” he says. “If that means seeking a job in an assistant prosecutor’s office, I would relish that opportunity. I want to become an established litigator in the Detroit Metro area. Further down the line I could envision a career in the judiciary or even political office.”
Ruby is enjoying his law school experience.
“Detroit Mercy Law gave me the opportunity to pursue my goal of becoming a practicing attorney—for that I’m eternally grateful,” he says. “The school’s strategic location in downtown Detroit is its best asset, in my opinion.”
A junior member of Moot Court in his 1L year, when he passed the G. Mennen Williams Moot Court Competition with distinction, last year Ruby and his team partner won the Patrick A. Keenan Appellate Advocacy Competition.
“I thrive off the adrenaline of oral argument—a ‘hot bench’ is my happy place,” he says. “Moot Court is the embodiment of what I hope to achieve as an attorney. I want to be in court, advocating for my client, while at the same time helping the judge understand my case and the law that supports my position.”
Ruby also is one of a trio of executive directors on the Moot Court Board of Advocates, and enjoys the teaching aspect of this role.
“Yes, I like competing—however, the ability to help others get better at public speaking or take on leadership positions is extremely gratifying,” he says.
Last year, Ruby interned with Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Rae Lee Chabot in Pontiac. “Working for Her Honor was such an amazing experience—that’s what solidified my desire to become a trial attorney,” Ruby says. “I enjoyed Judge Chabot’s staff, specifically (Judicial Staff Attorney) Scot Garrison. He allowed me to write summary disposition recommendations and sit-in on settlement
conferences.”
This past summer, Ruby clerked at Michael B. Serling PC in Birmingham, a firm devoted to representing the rights of victims of asbestos exposure.
“Michael not only allowed me to clerk for him, he really mentored me,” Ruby says. “I’ve always been told: find a great attorney who will mentor you, it will serve you forever.”
A Birmingham native, Ruby now calls Royal Oak home, and is involved in American Inns of Court, Meals on Wheels, and the Birmingham Community House. He is looking forward to the winter season and hitting the ski slopes.
“I’m a skier through and through,” he says. “If I’m not skiing powder, I’m dreaming about it.”
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