Jailah D. Emerson

Litigation Attorney

Jailah is an associate attorney on Varnum’s Litigation and Trial Practice Team. Her practice is primarily focused on complex commercial, family law, tax, and insolvency litigation. Her experience includes assisting clients with a wide variety of commercial litigation issues, ranging from standard breach of contract claims, to complex real estate disputes. Jailah represents clients throughout the litigation process, including at hearings, depositions, trial, and appellate proceedings.

Within the past year, Jailah has had several significant wins for clients. She served on the litigation team in three cases in which verdicts were returned in the clients’ favor. In one jury verdict, the client received a six-figure judgment. In another, the team won a highly-public, eleventh-hour victory in the Michigan Supreme Court on a matter affecting the right of Detroit residents to vote on a proposed revision of the city charter.

Prior to her employment at Varnum, Jailah served as a legal intern at the U.S. Dept. of Justice and in the general counsel office of DTE. She also served as a legal extern to the Honorable Victoria A. Roberts of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, giving her invaluable insight into effective litigation techniques.

Honors and Recognitions

Damon J. Keith – Wolverine Bar Foundation Scholarship Recipient

Detroit Mercy Law Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence Recipient

The National Black Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40

Professional Affiliations

Detroit Bar Association

Detroit Young Professionals

Federal Bar Association

State Bar of Michigan

Umoja Debate League

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, Inn of Court, Barrister

Wolverine Bar Association, Board Secretary

Women Lawyers Association of Michigan – Wayne Region; Vice President – Board of Directors, Social Media Director

Community Involvement

Alternatives for Girls, Program Coordinator

Wolverine Bar Foundation, Board