MiLW Announces its Class of 2020 Up & Coming Lawyers
Michigan Lawyers Weekly has announced the 25 lawyers selected as the “Up & Coming Lawyers” Class of 2020.
This program honors Michigan lawyers who have established a name for themselves by displaying the ambition, drive, and accomplishments that set them apart among their
peers — in their first 10 years in practice. One of these lawyers it's Rabih Hamawi, Law Offices of Rabih Hamawi, Southfield. A virtual ceremony will honor the Class of 2020 in December. The honorees will be profiled in a special section appearing in the December 14 issue of MiLW.
Rabih Hamawi
Managing Principal, Law Office of Rabih Hamawi, P.C., Southfield WMU Cooley Law School.
Rabih Hamawi started his own practice three years ago, focusing on representing business owners, homeowners, property owners and other insurance policyholders in fire, property damage and insurance coverage disputes with insurance companies, and in errors and omissions cases against insurance agents.
He is treasurer of the Insurance and Indemnity Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan, vice-chair of the Property
Insurance Law Committee of the American Bar Association, a board member of the ICLE New Lawyers Advisory Board, and a member of the Michigan Association of Justice, Oakland County Bar Association Inns of Court and Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association Inns of Court.
Growing up:
I was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, during the Lebanese civil war. Growing up in Beirut, I experienced first-hand the importance of the rule of law in leveling the playing field between everyone regardless of their socioeconomic status, and how a corrupt system can rob citizens of their basic fundamental rights to live in dignity and peace.
My first job:
I had my first job at the age of 10 selling toys so I could help my father during Lebanon’s civil war, where we constantly moved to escape the bombs and missiles that killed some family members, friends and neighbors. Selling toys taught me communication and negotiation skills at an early age. It also taught me how to be persistent and never giving up to achieve my goals. Life’s goals back then were simple — don’t get killed and sell all the toys you have before the day is over.
Biggest career challenge:
It is probably having cases against more senior attorneys, some of whom still incorrectly think that bullying younger attorneys and treating them in the most uncivil manner is the way to practice law.
Blue-sky goal:
Since I exclusively represent policyholders in insurance-coverage disputes and in errors-and-omissions cases, I would hope to be able to eventually recover $1 billion for my clients.
Guilty pleasure:
Snacking all day long.
Favorite getaway:
Cancun, Mexico.
You didn’t know:
I survived on bread and jelly for 20 days. When I immigrated to the United States in 2003, I only had $20 to survive on; I had started a new job but had to work for three weeks first to get paid for two weeks). I had to spend those $20 wisely. I bough bread and jelly with the money. Also, I love singing Christmas songs.
About the Author
Rabih Hamawi is a principal at the Law Office of Rabih Hamawi, P.C. and focuses his practice on representing policyholders in fire, property damage, and insurance-coverage disputes against insurance companies and in errors-and-omissions cases against insurance agents. He may be reached at (248) 905-1133.