Alicia Lixey came to the University of Michigan 20 years ago out of a desire to help others.

After working at several law firms over the course of 25 years, she found that many weren’t family oriented, or didn’t really care about the individuals they worked with. Lixey felt that many law firms weren’t always there to genuinely benefit others.

But at the University of Michigan, she was able to do just that.

“I meet lots of great people who are smart, kind, passionate and genuinely want to help people,” Lixey says. “It’s nice to help out people who really need it.”

After spending the majority of her time at the university working in the child advocacy  law clinic, Lixey recently transitioned to the new Veteran’s Legal Clinic at the Law School. Lixey is adapting to her position working with veterans and the many problems they face.

“It’s a whole different language working with veterans,” Lixey says. “I was ready for something new.”

In her role as law clinic administrator, Lixey spends much of her time with students — one of her favorite parts about working at the university. With the central goal of helping veterans with family issues, divorce, homelessness, creditor debt and estate planning, Lixey serves as a facilitator between veterans, coworkers and students.

“I handle the requests for aid that come in and decide which cases to pass along to the director,  who ultimately accepts a case,” Lixey explains. “Students then handle the cases under attorney/professors’ supervision.” The law students work as the lead attorneys on their cases.

Lixey believes that this method is better for students than a classroom experience. “It’s very hands on.”

Beyond her longstanding dedication in the law clinic, Lixey thrives on outdoor adventures, making every effort to explore farms, nature and trails — all alongside her beloved Great Dane, Layla.

“I live in Chelsea, out in the country,” Lixey says. “I like to roam around the area looking for new places to hike.”

Each year, Lixey and a group of friends meet at a lake house in Indian River for a botany trip. They  explore, seek and identify rare wildflowers native to Michigan. The likeminded group of women has been exploring and cultivating its interest in the natural wild for several years now. “I enjoy the outdoors, hiking trails and exploring areas for wildflowers.”

The adventure doesn’t stop there for Lixey. Last summer, she stepped even further outside her comfort zone when she went rappelling in Colorado.

“You step off the cliff … that’s the hardest part,” Lixey says, thinking about the thrill of the moment. “I can’t wait to do it again.”

Over the past 20 years, Lixey has served U-M and the Ann Arbor community with enthusiasm and loyalty, bringing her characteristic spirit of adventure and hard work to the table.

“I’m very passionate about helping the population that can’t help themselves,” Lixey says. “It’s been a joy working here (at the University of Michigan Law School) for years.”

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