Teeing up: Law student got his first look at legal world on golf course

Chase Yaber is a rising 2L student at the University Detroit Mercy School of Law.


By Sheila Pursglove

Legal News

In his teens, Chase Yarber’s job as a golf caddy at a country club brought him into contact with attorneys.

“The work they did appealed to me,” he says. “That, along with my interests in world politics, made law seem like a natural choice.”

Once Yarber recognized the call of Lady Justice, he sought opportunities at law firms every summer and winter break, including Lipton Law in Southfield; The Law Offices of Lee Steinberg, also in Southfield; and Stillman Law Office in Farmington Hills.

At each firm Yarber was exposed to different areas of the law and was able to work directly with clients to further their cases—and the more exposure he had, the more it solidified his interest in a legal career.

His first step was an undergrad degree in international relations from Michigan State University’s James Madison College.

“I’ve always been interested in world politics and relationships between the U.S. and other countries,” he says. “I’m intrigued by the connection between the economy and politics.”

A 2017 internship as a field examiner in the Detroit office of the National Labor Relations Board, introduced him to legal research.

“I enjoy being presented with a problem, finding the precedent and other relevant case law, and applying it to the case at hand,” he says. “Determining the appropriate course of action based on the research is like putting pieces to a puzzle together—it’s very fulfilling.”

He is now a rising 2L student at University Detroit Mercy School of Law, and particularly appreciates the relationships he has been able to form with his professors and colleagues.

“The professors are easily accessible and always willing to help,” he says. “The community is a focused and motivating environment.”

His current interests are business and corporate law, and also entertainment law.

“However, I certainly am leaving all options open because I’m constantly being exposed and becoming interested in new areas of law,” he says.

“At this point, I’m still learning about different paths I can take as an attorney. As of now, I have an interest in alternative dispute resolutions. I also have an interest in possibly becoming corporate counsel.”

Yarber is currently doing a summer internship with Michigan Supreme Court Justice Brian K. Zahra, working at the Detroit office twice a week and working remotely the remainder of the week.

“I enjoy researching the issues the Michigan Supreme Court receives in applications for leave to appeal,” he says. “I analyze the applicable Michigan law and write memos regarding the case.”

In his coming 2L year, Yarber will be a junior member of Law Review.

“I’m looking forward to enhancing my critical reading, writing, and thinking skills,” he says. “I want to improve and perfect my work product.”

To cope with online studies during the pandemic, Yarber is extremely focused and established a routine early on.

“It’s important to me to have a balance between work and my outside interests.

In between my studies and work, I enjoy playing basketball, working out outside and enjoying time with my family and friends,” he says.

“In May, I donated my bone marrow to my Mom to allow her to have a bone marrow transplant. It was a process for me, but a surreal experience to be able to help my mom.”

As a lifelong resident of West Bloomfield, Yarber, the youngest of four siblings, has always been a big fan of the Motor City. He enjoys the food, culture and events the city has to offer.   

“I love being part of the Detroit community and watching it flourish and grow over the years,” he says. “I look forward to contributing to Detroit’s ongoing revitalization during my career.”

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