Esse Tuke, the founder and principal attorney of the Tuke Firm, PLLC (thetukefirm.com) in Troy, is a powerhouse in the legal world, balancing a thriving family-law practice with a passion for women’s empowerment, wellness and community engagement.
With more than two decades of experience, Tuke has built a reputation as a tenacious advocate, skilled negotiator and compassionate counselor for families navigating the legal system. Her journey, however, is not just one of professional success — it is also one of resilience, dedication and an unwavering commitment to balancing career and family.
Tuke’s path to law was influenced by her grandfather.
“My parents are first-generation American immigrants from Nigeria, and my grandfather was a lawyer and a judge,” she says. “He studied at Oxford University in the UK and then went back to practice in Nigeria.”
Inspired by his legacy, she pursued her undergraduate degree at the University of Maryland College Park before earning her juris doctor from Fordham University School of Law in New York City.
Her early career saw her clerking for Hon. Kathleen M. McCarthy in the Family Division of Wayne County Circuit Court, where she honed her legal research and advocacy skills. After working as a litigator and mediator, she launched the Tuke Firm in 2009. The firm, built on what she calls “the Tuke Way,” emphasizes client-focused legal solutions that prioritize family well-being.
“At first, I was just trying to stay afloat and support my family. But around 2018 or 2019, I shifted toward growth — hiring, implementing systems and building a strong team,” she says.
Tuke’s legal expertise is broad, covering divorce, child custody, mediation and complex family litigation, including high-asset divorces. She prides herself on helping clients navigate emotionally charged situations with clarity and strategy.
“I like being able to help people take highly emotional situations and unpack the emotions to focus on what really needs to be figured out,” she says. “My job is to take chaos and turn it into a solution that everyone can agree on.”
Beyond her practice, Tuke is deeply committed to mentorship, diversity initiatives and youth empowerment in the Metro Detroit area. She volunteers with the Rochester Community School District Diversity & Inclusion committee and actively mentors aspiring lawyers.
Her advice to young women entering law?
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Find mentors, build a strong network and align your work with your core values,” she says.
Balancing her career and personal life as a mother of four has been a journey of intentionality and innovation.
“I had to automate a lot — scheduling systems, hiring an admin and meticulously planning my time. I wanted to be there for my kids while growing my practice,” she says.
She also emphasizes self-care, practicing yoga, taking walks and relying on faith.
“I pray, I ask for wisdom and I take time for myself. It’s important to step away from work sometimes,” she says.
With her strong sense of identity, Tuke also understands the power of presentation in her field.
“You are speaking with your outfit, your facial expressions and your confidence before you even say a word,” she says. As a black woman in a predominantly white legal space, she is intentional about how she presents herself. “I make sure that when I show up, there’s no confusion about who the lawyer is.”
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Find mentors, build a strong network and align your work with your core values.” — Esse Tuke