About
When I decided to go to law school and pursue a career as a lawyer, the objective was simple: To help strangers, families and friends to achieve their goals, be their best self, and find peace in their lives, no matter how big or small. Since a young age, I always knew I wanted a career where people and humanity were the focus, and that I was destined to be a lawyer.
I began my journey as a student at the University of Waterloo studying Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies. My passion for working with and learning about individuals, relationships, and families was fulfilled, and it has been the cornerstone in understanding my clients and their needs today. Western Michigan University’s Law School was where I found my niche, and I knew I had chosen the right path. Since graduating from law school in September 2014, I have taken both Michigan and Ontario Bar Exams. I have been licensed with the State Bar of Michigan since May 2015, and I was Called to the Bar with the Law Society of Upper Canada on January 27, 2017.
I am the first lawyer in my family, and one of the first members of my family to attend professional school. My parents have been my biggest inspiration, motivation, and support. They are two people who married young with nearly empty pockets, and never gave up on their dreams.
My mission as a lawyer is to be there for all of my clients with compassion, hard work and dedication. To me, that is the recipe for success and happiness.
Resume
Jasmine C. Gassi, Esq.
Education
Western Michigan University’s Law School, Lansing, Michigan
Juris Doctor, Cum Laude, September 2014
Student Bar Association, Senator
American Bar Association/ Law Student Division
25% Tuition Honours Scholarship Recipient
University of Waterloo
Honours Bachelor of Arts, Sexuality, Marriage and Family Studies, May 2011
Admitted to Practice
State Bar of Michigan
May 21, 2015
Member of Emmet County Bar Association
Law Society of Upper Canada
Called to the Bar January 27, 2017
Experience
LAW OFFICE OF JASMINE GASSI HARNDEN, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Barrister & Solicitor, March 2019 to Present
Family & Matrimonial Law
Criminal Defence (Michigan & Ontario)
Small Claims Court
General Civil Litigation
Counsel with the Office of the Children’s Lawyer
CHORNEY PALOMBI LAW GROUP, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Barrister & Solicitor, January 27, 2017 to March 2019
Student-at-Law, August 2016 to January, 2017
Family & Matrimonial Law (Michigan & Ontario)
Criminal Defence (Michigan & Ontario)
Small Claims Court
Estate Planning and Administration (Michigan & Ontario)
General Civil Litigation
Highway Traffic Act
Peck & Associates, Petoskey, Michigan
Associate Attorney, May 2015 to August 2016
- Family law
- Criminal Defence
- Civil Litigation
- Estate Planning
- Experience in several levels of courts including multiple District and Circuit Courts, United States Federal Court, Western District of Michigan, Michigan Court of Appeals, and United States Supreme Court.
Toby White Law, PLC, Okemos, Michigan
Law Clerk, August 2014- February 2015
Researched and drafted memorandums used to support motions, evaluate potential outcomes of cases, and plan pretrial strategies.
Researched and drafted pleadings including motions and briefs, including Motions in Limine, Motions to Compel, Witness and Exhibit Lists, and Summons and Complaints.
Drafted wills, trusts, power of attorneys, deeds, and other estate planning documents.
Assisted attorneys with court hearings and trial preparation for civil and criminal defense cases, including Attempted Murder defense, First Degree Murder defense, and Conversion.
Participated in client intake meetings.
Crockett Law Offices, Okemos, Michigan
Externship, May 2014- August 2014
Researched and drafted memorandums and pleadings, including a response to a motion for summary judgment.
Observed Court proceedings and client intake meetings.
Assisted Attorneys with tasks related to family law, criminal defense, civil litigation, property matters, and estate planning, including Divorce, Child Custody, and Attempted Murder defense. Sat second chair at an Attempted Murder Trial.
Western Michigan University’s Student Bar Association, Lansing, Michigan
Tutor, October 2013- August 2014
Conducted weekly tutorials for students at Western Michigan University’s Law School for the Personal and Professional Responsibility course, and preparation for the Multi-State Professional Responsibility Exam, a pre-requisite for the Bar Exam.
Eaton County Prosecutors Office Economic Crimes Unit, Charlotte, Michigan
Investigator, August 2013- February 2014
Collected restitution owed to victims through the Economic Crimes Unit’s Diversion Program.
Researched location of defendant, obtained commitment dates for repayment, monitored upcoming and missed commitment dates, and completed warrant requests.
Ingham County Prosecutors Office Domestic Violence Unit, Lansing, Michigan
Victim Advocate, May 2013- August 2013
Accompanied victims of domestic violence to Court proceedings
Explained the stages of each proceeding including the preliminary hearing and pretrial to victims.
Assisted Prosecutors in preparing victims to testify.
Training
Divorce and Custody Mediation Certificate, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Mediation Training & Consultation Institute, September 2014- December 2014
Completed Michigan State required 40 hours of training. Acquired skills necessary to act as a mediator in facilitating the resolution of divorce and custody disputes.
Family & Matrimonial Law (Michigan & Ontario)
Criminal Defence (Michigan & Ontario)
Small Claims Court
Estate Planning and Administration (Michigan & Ontario)
General Civil Litigation
Family & Matrimonial Law (Michigan & Ontario)
Criminal Defence (Michigan & Ontario)
Small Claims Court
Estate Planning and Administration (Michigan & Ontario)
General Civil Litigation
Mediation Training & Consultation Institute, February 2014
Training in identifying parties involved in divorce or child custody actions for which mediation may be inappropriate due to domestic violence or child abuse, and to maximize safety and fairness in the mediation process.
Advanced Mediation Training in Financial Issues Facing Family Mediators, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Family Mediation Council of Michigan, October 2014
Completed mediation training to enhance advanced mediator skills regarding family financial issues, as required by the Michigan State Court Administrative Office.