Achieving U.S. citizenship was more than a legal milestone for Maeva Hassani—it was the realization of a lifelong dream and the foundation for her future in law. In May, she will graduate from North Carolina Central University (NCCU) School of Law, bringing her one step closer to a career dedicated to justice and advocacy.
Hassani’s path to this moment has been anything but conventional. At 12, she moved from Paris, France, to Forest City, North Carolina — a stark contrast from the cosmopolitan city she once called home. The transition was overwhelming, marked by cultural differences and language barriers. Yet, with the support of her family and new friends, she adjusted, laying the groundwork for what would become a passion for law and community service.
That passion took root in high school, where early college courses and mentorship from Professor Elizabeth Adams opened her eyes to the imperfections in the legal system — particularly the challenges faced by underserved communities — and deepened her desire to make a difference.
At the School of Law, Hassani found not only a legal education but also hands-on experience through the Civil Litigation Clinic, where she worked on cases involving housing disputes and prisoner rights. Her legal acumen was further recognized when she and teammate Cortnei Cooks won the American Bar Association Client Counseling Competition at the University of Missouri School of Law, earning a spot in the international round in Scotland.
Returning to Rutherford County for an internship during law school allowed Hassani to address needs in her hometown. The experience was deeply personal, reinforcing her commitment to making legal services more accessible.
“After graduation, I plan to join Vega Law Firm,” Hassani shared. “This opportunity excites me because it will allow me to gain practical experience while serving the community I call home. I want to serve my clients with the same dedication I’ve applied throughout law school and continue learning from Attorney Alicia G. Vega as a mentor. I plan to focus on general practice work, but I’m also eager to get on the court-appointed list to ensure individuals who cannot afford legal representation still have access to justice."