Monday Profile: Suzanne Sukkar

Suzanne Sukkar is a principal with Sukkar Legal in Plymouth. Her focus is employment and family-based immigration law. Sukkar earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan in 2000 where she dual-majored in Political Science and Spanish. She earned her law degree from Wayne State University Law School in 2004. Sukkar is active in the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, American Immigration Lawyers Association - Michigan Chapter, and American Arab Chamber of Commerce. She is also the host of a weekly television program called "Immigration Today" on MEA TV & Radio. Residence: Pittsfield Township. What is your idea of perfect happiness? Making sure my entire family is healthy, happy, and taken care of. What is your greatest fear? Something bad happening to my loved ones. Which living person do you most admire? I most admire my father. He truly epitomizes the "immigrant story." He immigrated to the United States in 1970 and worked hard to build a life for his family. His hard work and determination is what paved the path for me and my siblings. What is the trait you hate most in yourself? I wouldn't say this is a trait that I hate about myself, but sometimes I feel I am too nice. What is the trait you hate most in others? It's hard to summarize it to one trait, but I would have to say selfishness, greed, and egotism. Necessary extravagance? Travelling each year. It relieves stress. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? I know the motto is "patience is a virtue" and I have tons of patience, but sometimes you need to take care of business immediately! If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? Stop volunteering to do everything! There are only so many hours in a day . . . Greatest achievement: My greatest achievement would be my three daughters. They bring me so much joy. Favorite movie: The Disney movie "Mulan" is actually my favorite because it teaches girls and women alike that they can break out of the mold and be true to themselves. I also enjoy the fact that it ties in culture and history. Favorite place to spend money: It's not one particular place, but places for children. I love spending money on my daughters. Some may call it spoiling them, but I love seeing their eyes light up whenever I get them something or take them somewhere special. I think I may have gotten myself in a little trouble following this philosophy! What is your motto? Growing up, my mom hammered into my head "be the best". To this date, I remember her words and now I tell my own daughters to "be the best." Remembering my mom's words encouraged me to work hard and give 100% at all times. Where would you like to be when you're 90? I would like to be living somewhere warm with my family around me. What advice would you give law school students? You have to follow your passion and find a career that you truly enjoy, even if it means making sacrifices. And if you find you don't want a traditional career at a law firm, than don't do it! What would be your ideal job? I actually enjoy my job because I feel like I am helping people and making a positive difference in their lives. I like being around people. Favorite joke: My favorite joke is one that my husband actually tells everyone. So I practice Immigration Law and I assist foreign nationals to immigrate or secure visas to visit or work in the United States. When my husband talks about my job, he always tells people - "My wife has never lost a case, except my mom's." What is something most people don't know about you? I was born in Ann Arbor and never left! Published: Mon, Feb 6, 2012