feature Albert Zerka (Johnson Class, 1990), Erica Vicari, and Amira Vicari (Witherell Class, 2010)
MEET THE
VICARI ZERKA
THEIR UNCLE ALBERT Erica and Amira Vicari (Witherell Class, 2010) always knew they wanted a career that was purposeful and challenging, but it wasn’t until they started working with their uncle, Albert Zerka (Johnson Class, 1990), in his law office during college that they realized a profession in law was the answer. Zerka, who has a private practice in Flint, Mich., holds admissions to the Michigan state and appellate courts as well as the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, and practices with Erica, primarily in family and criminal law. Amira, who works for Vonachen, Lawless, Trager & Slevin in Peoria, Ill., practices in the areas of creditors’ rights, as well as credit union and financial institution law. She holds admission to all Illinois state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. ALBERT ZERKA
Favorite memory from Cooley: Graduation day Motivation to pursue a career in law: “I have always held a desire to help others. I was also the first person in my family to pursue a degree in higher education as my father emigrated from Lebanon to the United States in 1956.” How Cooley influenced your career: “The skills and abilities I learned while at Cooley taught me how to be wellprepared and efficient.”
SISTERS &
ERICA VICARI
AMIRA VICARI
Favorite memory from Cooley: “Watching my sister, Amira, walk across the stage to receive her degree as I waited to receive mine. I have never felt more proud of my sister than at that moment. I thought to myself how we individually accomplished our goals but experienced the journey together. Receiving book awards for my very first and last law school exams was quite memorable as well.”
Favorite memory of Cooley: “Graduation day. It was such a surreal moment when I received my degree. But watching my sister, Erica, walk across the stage to receive hers made it a reality. I couldn’t have been more proud or blessed to have been able to go through the law school experience with her at my side and to succeed in achieving our dreams.”
Motivation to pursue a career in law: “My first summer job was working at my uncle’s law office. I was so inspired, not only by his abilities in the courtroom, but the generosity and kindness he gave to his clients. Observing someone who was able to balance a successful practice and family, while remaining true to himself, motivated me even at a young age.” How Cooley influenced your career: “The diligence and discipline I learned in the classroom while at Cooley has been transferable to the real world of practicing law. The excellent legal research and writing classes have helped me tremendously in practice. Because of my education, I am confident in my critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. Cooley taught me how to have confidence in my abilities and to be a lawyer people trust and respect.” Extracurricular: Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, Assistant Board of Editors (Scholarly Writing Editor) for the Law Review. Volunteered at the 7th Circuit Court in Genesee County (Mich.) for Judge Joseph J. Farah.
Motivation to pursue a career in law: “While working in my uncle’s law office throughout college, I quickly began to realize that practicing law was more than just helping people; it was having the ability to make a significant impact in someone’s life. I wanted to have a career with a sense of purpose where I would be able to make a positive contribution to society.” Extracurricular: Associate Editor, Thomas M. Cooley Journal of Practical and Clinical Law, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity How Cooley influenced your career: “My experience at Cooley significantly influenced my career because it gave me the skills and knowledge to think like a lawyer. It taught me the value of diligence and preparedness and gave me the confidence to succeed inside and outside of the courtroom; it also gave me the ability to handle the rigors of practicing law.”
BENCHMARK FALL 2012 COOLEY.EDU
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