GETTING TO KNOW: Veronica Stachurski

Born and raised in southeast Michigan, Veronica Stachurski earned bachelors' degrees in political science and history from Michigan State University, graduating in 2016. From there, she spent a year as a law clerk for firms in the Metro-Detroit area, to save money to take the LSAT. In 2017, she enrolled at Michigan State University College of Law, and graduated in 2020. During law school, Stachurski was a legal Intern for the Domonic Ongwen Defence Team at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands (funded by the Lori E. Talsky Center for Human Rights of Women and Children); and was a student clinician at the MSU Law Immigration Clinic. Stachurski joined the Law Offices of Lisa C. Ward PLLC in Okemos on October 5, 2020, and was sworn-in as a new attorney in Michigan on May 21, 2021. She will be handling employment discrimination and civil rights cases, while expanding her practice to include expungement cases. A Brighton resident, Stachurski also works with local attorneys as a freelance brief writer, at both the trial and appellate level. She has written briefs on a number of topics, including governmental immunity, common law and statutory negligence, slip and fall, and a variety of other tort claims. By Sheila Pursglove Legal News What would surprise people about your job? It looks nothing like what they see on TV! Why did you become a lawyer? My goal has always been to help people. I have been very fortunate to have found many avenues in the law to do that, even at this early stage in my career. I also actively look for volunteer and pro bono opportunities anywhere I have the knowledge and skills to assist. In fact, I'm excited to be volunteering with the Mid-Michigan Virtual Expungement Clinic on June 19. What advice do you have for someone considering law school? Law school isn't "one size fits all." I would really look at the schools you're considering and find at least one thing that you would want to be part of, or something that you feel sets the school apart from others before applying. What other career path might you have chosen? I didn't really have any alternate career plans. I announced to my parents proudly and without any understanding of what it really meant that I was going to be a lawyer when I was in kindergarten, and I never changed my mind. What's your favorite law-related TV show, movie, and/or book? It's actually a running joke in my family, but I'm the worst at keeping up with/finishing TV shows. I almost never make it through. My favorite law-related movie is probably "12 Angry Men." But, since I find it very hard to pick favorites, I'll also say that I loved the recent film "On the Basis of Sex," and my favorite law-related book is "To Kill a Mockingbird." What's the most awe-inspiring place you've been? Blarney Castle, Ireland. It is the most beautiful place I've ever been, and I wish there was a way to describe it that would do it justice! What's one thing you would like to learn to do? I think it would be really fun to learn how to sail. Favorite place to spend money? Anywhere I can get coffee. What is your motto? "Few things in life are as urgent as they feel" It might be more of a reminder to myself than a motto. But especially today, when we have near-instant access to so many things, and so many "alerts" from so many sources, I think it's really important to remember which things are actually urgent, and which things might feel urgent, but really are not. Which living person do you most admire? My mother, and I tell her that often. Her strength is beyond measure, and I'm constantly in awe of her. She is the most loving, humble, kind, and resilient person I have ever met. I hope she knows what an inspiration she is. Published: Tue, Jan 04, 2022