Published October 05, 2026 in Blog

Leann Hadeed, a current student at Detroit Mercy School of Law, was one of two summer interns who worked alongside the team at Kotz Sangster this past summer to enhance her skills and gain a deeper understanding of the culture that defines our firm. Speaking to Leann, she discusses her path to studying law and what surprised her most about day-to-day operations.

The Start to a Legal Career

Leann was attracted to the legal industry in part due to the skills required for law and the expansive industry it contains, saying, “I was drawn to the idea of a career that would challenge me to think critically and continuously learn.” While the sector of law is expansive, Leann has her sights set on commercial litigation for its wide range of different legal aspects and perspectives. When asked why she elected to spend her summer at Kotz Sangster, Leann said, “I chose to spend my summer at Kotz Sangster because they were a full-service law firm with a variety of clients.”

Working at Kotz Sangster

As expected, Leann got hands-on experience early, working on projects across several practice areas, including M&A, banking, construction, labor and employment, and healthcare. These opportunities helped grow both her knowledge and her confidence, particularly through research assignments that deepened her understanding of the law. The day-to-day operations at Kotz Sangster vary greatly. “One week there may be a case that requires a ton of work, and then the next week, something may happen that prolongs the timeline for months,” Leann said. Having a wide range of days and material to work with, she highlighted her ability to shift through different assignments and tasks as needed, a skill she knows will come in handy for the future.

Looking Ahead

Joining a law firm for the summer can feel intimidating, but Leann’s experience shows how much a firm’s culture can matter. Looking back, she shares that the most valuable lesson she’s taking away is that things take time, whether it’s her education or her internship.

To future summer clerks, Leann encourages coming in with an open mind and a willingness to grow: ask questions, and take a chance on every opportunity that comes your way. When she wasn’t diving into cases, Leann spent her time dining at Whistle Stop or playing pickleball with friends.