Originally posted on 2/11/2021 (reformatted).

During this week’s post, we have the opportunity the catch up with Darnell Barton, the newest addition to YLS Council in District II! Read on to learn more about him.

Current place of employment? Former Wayne County Prosecutor, just left to start “Barton Law PLLC” law firm

Law school? UNT Dallas College of Law in Dallas, Texas. 

Objectives/goals related to your new position as Council Member–i.e. what do you want to accomplish? I am really big on giving back to the community. So, anything I am involved with, on some level, relates to giving back to the less fortunate.

Favorite thing about your geographic region in Michigan? I am new to the area, so I would say: any Tropical Smoothie location 😉

Why did you choose to pursue a legal career? After the death of Trayvon Martin, I felt compelled to bring more awareness to the plight of young black men and those disproportionately affected by what seemed to be an unjust system. Instead of pursuing a career in New York City, I moved to Dallas, Texas, where I began a three-year journey towards justice. 

What is one (or two) pieces of advice you wish you knew when you were starting your legal career that you know now? Be Yourself. Do not be afraid to speak up for the values that look to help the community. It starts in law school.

What is the best part of your job? When a mother or someone close to my client gives me a hug and thanks me.

What is surprising about your job that others may not know? How often “customer service” is overlooked in many relationships within the legal industry.

What do you like to do in your spare time (i.e. hobbies and interests)? I enjoy spending time with my family, mentoring, and working out.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be? Not sure: maybe invincibility, however, each power has its pro’s and con’s.

And I have to ask this question (though I feel so many interviews do!): If you could have lunch with any person, living or dead, who would it be? Why? Thurgood Marshall: to ask him how we can update his revolutionary Brown v. Board of Education argument to help the children of these deteriorating schools and neighborhoods of today.