Joumana Kayrouz stands as a prominent figure in the Michigan legal landscape, renowned not only for her legal prowess but also for her innovative approach to legal marketing and unwavering commitment to her clients and community. As the founder and owner of both the Michigan Center for Personal Injury and the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz PLLC, she has cultivated one of the largest personal injury law firms in the state and notably, the largest woman-owned law firm in Michigan. Her journey is one of remarkable achievement, marked by legal expertise, strategic business acumen, and a deep-seated empathy for those she serves.
From Beirut to Michigan: The Inspiring Journey of Lawyer Joumana Kayrouz
Born in the vibrant city of Beirut, Lebanon, Joumana Kayrouz’s path to legal prominence began with undergraduate studies at the esteemed American University of Beirut (AUB). In 1986, at the age of 22, she embarked on a transformative journey, immigrating to the United States with just $1000 and a resolute ambition. Initially settling in Connecticut, she completed her undergraduate degree at Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU), laying the foundation for further academic pursuits. Kayrouz then pursued and obtained a Master’s degree in Ethics from the prestigious Yale University in 1992, specializing in Medical Ethics, demonstrating her early intellectual curiosity and dedication to complex ethical considerations. Her pursuit of legal excellence led her to Michigan, where she enrolled at Wayne State University School of Law, earning her Juris Doctor degree in 1997, marking the culmination of years of dedication and solidifying her entry into the legal profession as Lawyer Joumana Kayrouz.
Building a Legal Empire: Michigan Center for Personal Injury and Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz PLLC
In 2003, Joumana Kayrouz established her own law firm, which has since evolved into the Michigan Center for Personal Injury and the Law Offices of Joumana Kayrouz PLLC. Under her leadership, the firm has experienced significant growth, becoming recognized as a leading personal injury practice in Michigan. While personal injury law remains a core focus, Kayrouz has strategically expanded her firm’s capabilities to encompass other critical areas of law, including immigration and bankruptcy law, addressing a broader spectrum of client needs. This expansion reflects her commitment to providing comprehensive legal services and her astute understanding of the diverse legal challenges faced by individuals and families. The firm’s continuous growth is fueled by the addition of highly qualified attorneys and legal staff, all sharing Kayrouz’s dedication to client advocacy and legal excellence.
“Queen of Legal Ads”: The Marketing Genius of Lawyer Joumana Kayrouz
Joumana Kayrouz has earned the moniker “Queen Of The Legal Ads” for her pioneering and highly visible marketing strategies. Her face has become synonymous with legal representation in Michigan, appearing extensively across various media platforms. Kayrouz’s image has graced over 750 buses, 250 billboards, and numerous television advertisements, creating an unparalleled level of brand recognition. In 2014, she orchestrated what remains the largest single outdoor marketing campaign in Michigan’s advertising history, a testament to her bold and innovative approach. Some have playfully dubbed her “The Helen Of Troy” of legal marketing, acknowledging the effectiveness of her campaigns in generating a significant influx of legal inquiries and cases. This strategic and assertive marketing has not only built her brand but has also played a crucial role in connecting her firm with clients who need legal assistance.
Advocating for Clients and Community: Joumana Kayrouz’s Social Activism
Beyond her demanding legal practice, lawyer Joumana Kayrouz is deeply committed to social activism and community engagement. She has consistently lent her support and resources to numerous organizations, charities, and causes, both in the United States and internationally. Her dedication to her native Lebanon is particularly evident through her extensive philanthropic work.
Kayrouz served as the national president of Auxilia, a prominent Lebanese charitable organization, where she spearheaded fundraising efforts that generated millions of dollars in aid for families in Lebanon. Her involvement extends to political and community advocacy, having served on the Arab American Political Action Committee (AAPAC) and as an honorary adviser to the Arab-American Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). Elected by her peers, she became an Executive Board Member of the Michigan Association for Justice (MAJ) and represented Michigan as the Minority Delegate to the American Association for Justice (AAJ).
In 2012, the Lebanese government’s Ministry of Tourism appointed Kayrouz as President of the Board of Directors for the Miss Lebanon Emigrants USA. In this capacity, she served as the official representative of the Lebanese Ministry of Tourism in the United States, overseeing events and initiatives related to the Lebanese diaspora. She played a key role in directing the Miss Lebanon Emigrants – USA 2012 pageant in Michigan, attracting international celebrities and dignitaries, including former Miss Universe Georgina Risk and the Lebanese Minister of Tourism.
For over two decades, Kayrouz hosted her own Arabic language radio program, initially on AM radio, providing vital legal advice to the Arabic-speaking community. Recognizing the evolving media landscape, she transitioned to FM radio, where she currently hosts a daily one-hour live legal program on 102.3 FM. This popular show addresses a range of legal topics, including immigration, personal injury, workers’ compensation, social security, and bankruptcy, and is also accessible through the Joumana Kayrouz YouTube channel, expanding her reach and impact.
In 2013, Kayrouz established the Joumana Kayrouz & Daughters Foundation, endowed to provide health and medical assistance to individuals in need in Lebanon. The Foundation has undertaken significant projects, notably the complete overhaul and rebuilding of the Emergency Room at Tel Chiha hospital in Zahle, Lebanon, the oldest hospital in the Beqaa region. Additionally, in collaboration with the Second Lady of Lebanon, Randa Berri, the Foundation supported the creation of an ENT clinic, one of 29 clinics founded by Mrs. Berri to serve the needs of handicapped children in southern Lebanon.
Recognizing the issue of ambulance chasing in Michigan, Kayrouz proactively appealed to the Michigan Legislature in 2013 to enact anti-ambulance chasing laws. Her advocacy was instrumental in the passage of Public Acts 218 and 219, signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder in December 2013, protecting accident victims from unethical solicitation. This legislation became known as the “anti-ambulance chasing law,” reflecting Kayrouz’s direct impact on legal reform.
Further demonstrating her commitment to community well-being, Kayrouz served as the Official Sponsor of the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s 50th anniversary in 2014, making a substantial donation. In the same year, she provided significant financial support to Garden City Hospital in Garden City, Michigan, contributing to the renovation and opening of a new birthing center, lauded by hospital president and CEO Gary Ley for her “substantial” generosity.
Recognition and Honors: Celebrating the Achievements of Lawyer Joumana Kayrouz
Lawyer Joumana Kayrouz’s accomplishments have been widely recognized through numerous honors and accolades. A pinnacle of her legal career was her swearing-in before the United States Supreme Court in 2019. This rare privilege saw her travel to Washington D.C. and be sworn in by Chief Justice Stephen Roberts within the historic Supreme Court building, a moment she describes as deeply humbling, reflecting on her journey from Beirut with limited resources to achieving such professional heights.
In 2016, Kayrouz was invited to deliver both the Opening and Closing Remarks at the Lebanese Diaspora Energy (LED) Conference, organized by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, first in Lebanon and then in New York. These prestigious events drew over 1600 expatriates from more than 200 countries, highlighting her influence within the global Lebanese community. That same year, Hour Magazine recognized her as “Best Dressed Woman Of The Year,” acknowledging her public persona and style.
In 2015, Kayrouz had the distinct honor of meeting with Pope Francis at the Vatican in Rome, Italy, a deeply personal and significant experience. Also in 2015, she received the “Esteemed Women of Michigan” award, alongside 15 other women recognized for their exceptional achievements and inspirational roles.
Metro Times featured Kayrouz on its cover in 2014, with a comprehensive 10-page article titled “Citizen Kayrouz” by award-winning writer Drew Philp. This in-depth profile provided readers with an intimate look into her life, background, and the person behind the public image, garnering significant acclaim and interest. Crain’s Detroit Business named Kayrouz an “American Dreamer” in 2014, celebrating her success story as a testament to overcoming adversity and achieving remarkable accomplishments in Metro Detroit.
Kayrouz has been a frequent guest speaker and lecturer, including serving as a keynote speaker and guest lecturer at Wayne State University Law School, sharing her expertise and insights with future legal professionals. Life for Relief and Development honored her with the “Humanitarian of the Year Award” in 2013 at their 20th Gala, recognizing her extensive philanthropic contributions. The American Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC) presented her with the “Economic Bridge Builder of the Year Award” in 2012, acknowledging her role in fostering economic connections. Also in 2012, she received the “Trailblazer Award,” celebrating her pioneering achievements in the legal field, traditionally dominated by men.
Her engagement in the political arena includes hosting fundraisers for political candidates, from US Congress to US President, and welcoming foreign cabinet members, members of US Congress, and Hollywood celebrities into her home. She has even made cameo appearances on Bravo’s Detroiters sitcom, playing herself, further cementing her status as a recognizable and influential figure. Kayrouz continues to actively participate in judicial campaigns, supporting both sitting judges and new candidates.
Beyond the Courtroom: Personal Life of Joumana Kayrouz
On a personal level, Joumana Kayrouz is a devoted mother to her two daughters, Stephanie and Nathalie, and a proud grandmother to her granddaughter, Stari. Her affection for her French bulldogs, Pierre and Genevieve, is well-known, even inspiring the name of her family’s authentic French patisserie, ‘Chez Pierre & Genevieve’, opened in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan in 2020. The family is also developing a French bistro, aptly named ‘Bistro Pierrot’. While she enjoys traveling, her demanding schedule typically limits vacations to long weekends, reflecting her dedication to her professional and personal commitments.
Lawyer Joumana Kayrouz’s journey embodies the American dream, showcasing how determination, hard work, and a genuine commitment to justice and community can lead to extraordinary success. From her legal achievements and marketing innovation to her extensive social activism and philanthropic endeavors, she stands as an inspiring figure in Michigan and beyond.
