Middle Eastern Law Students Association

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Leadership, 2024-25

Executive Board

  • President: Salma Barhoumeh
  • Vice President: Yasmeen Dohan
  • Treasurer: Babak Salimitari
  • Secretary: Jazmin Mikhael

In this section:

The Middle Eastern Law Students Association (MELSA) is an affinity group at Notre Dame Law School established to foster a sense of community among those of Middle Eastern heritage and promote cultural awareness, understanding, and appreciation across the law school.

Upcoming Events

  • Government v. Big Law v. In-House Career Panel: MELSA will host a career panel featuring attorneys from government, big law, and in-house roles to provide students with insight into different legal career paths, professional trajectories, and day-to-day practice considerations.

  • Ramadan Sweets: MELSA will host a community gathering in the Commons, and offer baklava, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert, providing members with an opportunity to celebrate, connect, and learn about Ramadan.

  • Alumni Weekend Panel: This will be MELSA's first year participating in Affinity Alumni Weekend! MELSA Alumni will be welcomed back to campus for a panel discussion focusing on mentorship and navigating the legal profession as Middle Eastern law students and attorneys.

  • 3L Send-off Celebration: MELSA will host a celebratory send-off honoring graduating 3L members, recognizing their accomplishments and contributions.

Past Events

  • Second Annual Retreat: MELSA’s second annual retreat brought together members for a weekend focused on community building, reflection, and strengthening connections among Middle Eastern law students.

  • AI Ethics & In-House Practice: MELSA hosted a discussion with IBM legal counsel, exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and in-house legal practice, providing students with insight into emerging ethical issues and evolving corporate legal roles.

  • Truces, Ceasefires, and Peace Plans: MELSA hosted a discussion examining proposed peace plans for Gaza and other conflicted regions, co-hosted by the International Law Society and the International Human Rights Society. The event was led by two prominent professors, offering space for thoughtful dialogue on international law, policy considerations, and humanitarian implications.

  • What Judges Look For in an Application: MELSA, co-sponsored by ACS, welcomed judges for a panel discussion on navigating clerkships and similar opportunities. One of the panelists, Justice Karl Procaccini, is the first Muslim on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

  • National Muslim Lawyers Association Conference: One MELSA member attended the National Muslim Lawyers Association Conference, engaging with legal professionals from across the country and participating in programming centered on professional development and community building.

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