Mona Fadlallah
By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — The City Council unanimously confirmed the appointment of Attorney Mona Fadlallah as a part-time magistrate in the 20th District Court during a meeting on June 11.
“I’m extremely, extremely honored,” Fadlallah said. “I’ve been practicing for 17 years. I’ve been going to the Dearborn Heights courthouse for many years and handling court appointed cases. I don’t really have to but I feel like it’s my duty to help those that need the assistance.”
Chief Judge David Turfe and Judge Mark Plawecki made the joint decision after going through a list of possible people to appoint.
“We both agreed that Mona was the best person for the position because she’s engaging, her demeanor, personality and her ability to work well with the community,” he said. “She is familiar with the 20th District Court because she has handled cases here which helped streamline the hiring process. Mona understands the dynamics and operations of the court so, we’re grateful and excited to have her here.”
Fadlallah will begin her new role on July 1 superseding 20th District Court Magistrate Donald Rivard who is retiring after 27 years. Turfe said Rivard did amazing work during his time with the court and was well liked and respected.
“We’re going to miss Donald,” Turfe said. “His dedicated services to the 20th District Court is much appreciated by everyone here.”
Fadlallah brings her years of experience in criminal defense and family law practice from the Canton Vida Law Group to the magistrate position.
She also is president of the Arab American Political Action Committee and secretary of the Arab American Civil Rights League.
Fadlallah graduated from Cooley Law School in 2002 and earned her undergraduate degree from University of Michigan-Dearborn in philosophy and hispanic studies with a minor in political science. She also speaks Spanish.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])