Miriam Saffo, an attorney with Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon, P.C. in Ann Arbor, grew up in West Bloomfield as a proud first-generation Chaldean American.
She graduated from Loyola University Chicago with a double major in Political Science and International Relations and a minor in Arabic Language and Culture.
Mindful of her ultimate goal of attending law school, she worked as an undergraduate intern for a family law attorney in Bingham Farms and later at the Illinois State’s Attorney Juvenile Justice Bureau in Chicago.
In the summer of 2015, before starting her first semester at Michigan State University College of Law, Saffo interned for the Judge Diane D’Agostini at the 48th District Court.
As a law student, Saffo continued dedicating herself to gaining real world experience and furthering her passion for family law.
During this time, she worked for the Ingham County Friend of the Court, Judge Victoria Valentine in Oakland County, and the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office in their family and appellate divisions.
Following graduation in 2018, Saffo worked as an associate at a small Troy-based firm practicing family, criminal, and civil law. In August 2019, she found her new home as an associate at Nichols, Sacks, Slank, Sendelbach, Buiteweg & Solomon, P.C.
Saffo is a member of the Washtenaw and Oakland County Bar Associations, the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, the Chaldean American Bar Association, and the State Bar of Michigan’s Young Lawyers Section.
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Residence? West Bloomfield but I am looking forward to moving to Ann Arbor in the near future, fingers crossed!
Why did you become a lawyer? I can’t remember ever not wanting to become a lawyer. As I got older, I saw the positive value lawyers can contribute to clients’ lives which only reinforced my desire to pursue law.
Who are your legal role models? Of course, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t say the incredible attorneys I get to work with and learn from at NSSS&B- Monika, Eileen, Karen, Lori, Liz, Mara, and Erin!
What advice do you have for someone considering law school? Don’t feel boxed into traditional pre-law majors in college but instead follow your interests. Also, go to law school in the state where you plan to practice.
What’s your proudest moment as a lawyer? As a new lawyer my proudest moment is the day I got sworn in as an attorney. Judge Valentine officiated in a private ceremony with my family. Seeing the smiles and happy tears from my parents and grandmother filled me with pride that I was able to honor their sacrifices.
What other career path might you have chosen? FBI Agent/Analyst — did I mention I am a true crime junkie!?
What’s your favorite law-related TV show, movie, etc.? Mindhunter (Netflix) and Sword & Scale (Podcast). I am a bit of a true crime junkie and its interaction with the law.
Favorite local hangouts? Rock Paper Scissors, Aventura, Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea.
Favorite app? Waze and Google Podcasts– I can’t imagine commuting without them.
What do you wish someone would invent? A cure for cancer.
What’s the most awe-inspiring place you’ve been? Greece—the clear blue waters, stunningly quaint architecture and relaxed atmosphere was like a little piece of heaven.
If you could have one super power, what would it be? Teleportation — not needing more than a couple seconds to commute anywhere would be a dream!
What are things you’d like to learn to do? I’d love to learn how to play golf and learn to play the piano.
What is something most people don't know about you? Arabic is the first language I learned to speak. I did not learn to speak English until I started preschool.
Favorite place to spend money? Etsy — it’s a never ending treasure trove!
What is your motto? “The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts.” — Marcus Aurelius. I always try my best to keep a positive mindset as it does make the world of difference.
What is the most unusual thing you have done? This one is a bit embarrassing, but I’ll own up to it… I very briefly was on a quidditch team in college. Yes, quidditch, from Harry Potter with the broomsticks and everything.
Which living person do you most admire? My maternal grandmother. Living through wars, raising three kids as a single mother, maintaining a career, and managing to flee the oppression in Iraq with her family, she has led a remarkably courageous life. I wouldn’t be where I am today had it not been for her determination to ensure her grandchildren grew up in the land of opportunities.
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