Reverend Dr. Dortheá Enriqúe Thomas, Law & Public Policy

06/26/2026

Today marks a new era.

Honored to be initiated into Phi Delta Phi, the world’s oldest legal honor society.

This is more than membership.

It’s a commitment to scholarship, integrity, service, and justice.

Love. Law. Legacy. ⚖️🙏🏾

06/20/2026

Grateful for my mentor Attorney Robyn Brooks and the example she continues to set for aspiring Black women in law. 🤎⚖️

Black women make up less than 3% of lawyers in the United States, which makes mentorship, representation, and leadership even more important.

Thank you for showing me what is possible, for your guidance, and for helping pave the way for the next generation.

My daughter is watching me, and I pray to build a legacy that honors the path you've helped create. ✨🙏🏾⚖️

05/19/2026

I’m truly honored and grateful to be recognized by the City of Detroit Government during Public Service Recognition Week.

To be acknowledged for my work with both the Detroit Police Department and the Detroit Law Department is more than an accomplishment… it’s confirmation that I’m walking in purpose.

Everything I do is intentional.

From supporting public safety, to promoting transparency through legal work, to preparing myself to become Detroit's Lawyer and finishing law school and beyond… I am building a life rooted in public service, faith, justice, and impact.

This is bigger than a title. Bigger than recognition.
This is legacy work.

I’m committed to growing into the leader God has called me to be… continuing to serve this city with excellence, and preparing for the next level in law, policy, and ultimately the bench.

Detroit poured into me… and I will continue to pour back into it. 🖤✨

05/06/2026

Officially a Cleary University Grad,
Summa Cum Laude 2025-2026 🎓👩🏾‍🎓

During my time with the Detroit Police Department, I had the distinct honor of working full-time as an Office Management Assistant while completing my 2nd Bachelor’s degree (BBA) at Cleary University, followed by an accelerated Master’s degree (MBA) in another capacity.

Cleary University provided the critical foundation; allowing me to reestablish academic excellence, earn legal education scholarships, and ultimately position myself for admission to Trinity Law School.

As a civil servant for the City of Detroit Government, I remain committed to demonstrating that public service and academic advancement should and will always coexist with me. I look forward to continuing this trajectory as I pursue my path toward becoming an attorney, legislative and public policy expert serving the City of Detroit.

Grateful for both the opportunity and the academic accomplishment Cleary University and the Detroit Police Department has afforded me.

Congratulations to my fellow sworn and non-sworn members of the Detroit Police Department, and to the entire “Cleary Cougar” Class of 2025–2026. 🚔🎓

05/06/2026

03/12/2026

My grades have officially posted; and I’m grateful to share that I earned a 4.0 GPA my 1st semester of Law School!

I remain committed to the discipline and focus required for my goal to graduate at the top of my class, Summa Cum Laude.

My experience at Trinity Law School has been both intellectually challenging and deeply rewarding, and I am thankful to have found a place where my legal studies, faith and purpose align.

Upward and onward. ⚖️📚

03/11/2026

For Women’s History Month, I want to express my gratitude to the Detroit Bar Association for creating spaces where aspiring legal professionals & law students can connect with inspiring established lawyers and judges.

I’m especially grateful for the opportunity to meet and learn from the Honorable Judge Susan Dabaja for Dearborn City Council of the Michigan Third Circuit Court.

Before joining the bench, Judge Dabaja practiced law for more than 17 years as a private attorney and also served the City of Dearborn, eight years becoming City Council President. She earned her Juris Doctor (magna cm laude) from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, graduating first in her class and participating in multiple honor societies.

Her leadership, discipline, and commitment to public service are truly inspiring.

I look forward to leaning into her mentorship and guidance as I continue my journey in the legal field as a Legal Secretary, Law Student, Aspiring Attorney and Future Judicial Officer.

03/10/2026

Completed my first week as a Legal Secretary with the City of Detroit Government Law Department after transferring from the Detroit Police Department, and I can feel the alignment.

Every step of my public service journey has been preparation. What I learned at DPD built my discipline and perspective. This new chapter places me closer to the legal work I am called to pursue.

As a Trinity Law School student, this role strengthens my path toward becoming an attorney and serving with integrity.

Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”

Grateful. Focused. Walking in purpose. ⚖️🙏🏿

03/05/2026

Enjoying every moment of learning and growth as a law student member of the Detroit Bar Association, serving as a Law Clerk with Inns of Court.

I had the opportunity to research the elements of negligence and product liability in an auto accident case involving autonomous vehicles in Detroit. It was fascinating to explore how emerging technology intersects with civil liability, while also learning more about jury deliberation and what it takes to build a strong civil case.

Grateful for the experience and the chance to keep growing in the legal field. ⚖️📚

Congratulations to Team 1 of Inn of Court for kicking off a four-part case study exploring a driverless car crash scenario.

DBA’s 2026 Inn of Court series continues Tuesday, March 10 at Miller Canfield.

Join us at 5:30 p.m. for an evening of practical insight and discussion with Detroit’s legal community.

Details: detroitlawyer.org/calendar