Ali K. Hammoud (Coleman Class, 2009) was an intern and community representative for U.S. Rep. John Dingell, D-Detroit. Congressman Dingell suggested that the best way to enter politics was to attend law school. Ali wanted to help his community; especially the Muslims and Arab-Americans who are under-represented in the legal and the political professions. He quickly changed his major from teaching to political science and took the Law School Admission Test.

Ali chose Cooley because it was close to home and offered him the best avenue for success. He knew three lawyers who graduated from Cooley and were well-prepared for the legal profession.

In his last year of law school, Ali interned at the Wayne County Prosecutors Office. During a preliminary exam, an assistant to the partner in the firm where Ali currently works suggested that he call the firm after taking the July 2009 Bar Exam. Ali called, set up an appointment, and was hired on the same day.

Ali works for Barnett Law Group, P.C. He specializes in criminal defense, including murder, armed robbery, major drug cases, and criminal misdemeanors. He handles the cases from the preliminary exam forward, including research, writing motions, and trials.

Ali is active in his community. He is a member of the Lebanese International Business Council, vice president of the American Arab Political Action Committee, advisory board member of the American Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, and a member of the Lebanese American Heritage Club, organizing scholarship and community events.

Ali K. Hammoud

January 2009 graduate
Ali was a moot court competition semi-finalist and won Cooley's Top Ten Litigator's Award. "Cooley prepared me to become a trial attorney. Through moot court and mock trial, I felt that I was ready for the courtroom immediately."

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