January 23, 2017

Winter graduate Mekhail Sarofiem, who attended Rutgers Law School in Newark, said he chose to be a lawyer because it combines his interest in the art of advocacy and his passion for helping people, especially those who are overlooked or otherwise left without a voice in society.

 He aspires to be a civil litigator and he is dedicated to public interest work with immigrant communities.

Sarofiem, the eldest of six children, was born in Egypt and immigrated to the United States with his parents at a young age. He was the first in his family to earn his college degree and said he has been drawn to the legal profession since childhood.

As an immigrant whose family settled in Jersey City, his passion is deeply personal, “Immigration is both the cornerstone and the foundational building block, which lies at the heart of our great nation. However, given its continuously changing nature and deep complexities, navigating the legal landscape of immigration law is difficult even for seasoned attorneys. Immigrating to the United States provides life, liberty, and happiness for countless people who otherwise have no such guarantees in their native countries. Having the opportunity to represent such individuals will be both humbling and rewarding.”

He speaks Arabic, English and Spanish, which will help him work with underrepresented communities.

At law school, Sarofiem participated in judicial externships with the Honorable Michael A. Shipp in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey and the Honorable Martha T. Royster in Hudson County Superior Court, Civil Division. He also mentored aspiring law students as part of a Summer Institute for Pre-Legal Studies program at Seton Hall.

Sarofiem credits his parents for instilling in him the values of hard work and perseverance. He also had high praise for the professors at Rutgers Law, “The professors go above and beyond to ensure the success of their students both academically and in the real world. I love the diverse curriculum, which allowed me to explore a wide range of legal areas, taught by outstanding professors with inspiring experiences and a passion for the law. Rutgers Law School’s holistic approach has put me in a position for success and I am forever thankful for the opportunity.”

 

Rutgers Law Media Contact:
Shanida Carter

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