Benchmark
PresidentLetter from the
We are especially thrilled to share with you this issue of Benchmark magazine in which we showcase our schools new brand. Although we previously adopted a few brand elements, as of June 10 we have fully integrated all aspects, including our new logo, color scheme, and overall look and feel into all elements of the schools marketing and promotional materials. We feature these new brand elements throughout this issue.
This new look and feel for Cooley Law School is the product of an intensive process that began over a year ago. We reached out to alumni, students, faculty, staff, and other members of the legal community as we worked to identify and articulate the essence of Cooley Law School in terms that would help us best tell the Cooley story. Thanks to our conversations with many of you and others who communicated your perspectives, we are ready to tell the world that we know where we have been, we know where we are going, and we know who we are.
We remain committed to our schools long-standing mission and values while refreshing the way we present our school. We are being more intentional in our efforts to remind the world that Cooley is an inclusive and collaborative community where students engage in rigorous and hands-on learning that prepares them to be con dent and future-ready.
Within these new branding elements, this issue features great examples of Cooleys contributions to both legal education and the profession of law in the stories of graduates, faculty, and staff. Among these is the story of Amy Timmer. After an incredible 32-year career - 28 of which were spent as a professor and senior administrator at Cooley Dean Timmer is starting the next chapter in her lifes adventure. Also, on June 22, retired judge and Cooley alumna, the Hon. Louise Alderson ended her term as chair of the schools board of directors. We are incredibly grateful for her leadership during a time of unprecedented change at the school. She took a few moments to share perspectives on her term as chair and what she enjoys about serving on the board.
I also invite you to read about recent graduate Krystle Cacci, 2020 Stephen Johnson Field Class, who follows in the footsteps of previous successful alumni as she carries the mantle of leadership, professional success, and service to the profession.
Within these stories and the other features included in this issue, we aspire to capture the characteristics and values that serve as the inspiration behind the new branding. With it, we continue to celebrate Cooley Law School as a collaborative community that supports hard-working determined students who are committed to becoming future-ready professionals. This is Cooley.
James McGrath Professor, President and Dean
Board of Directors
Hon. Louise Alderson Chair, Board of Directors
Ret. Judge, 54-A District Court Lansing, Michigan
Mustafa Ameen
Law Office of Ameen & Sha i Tampa, Florida
Aaron V. Burrell
Dickinson Wright PLLC Detroit, Michigan
Christina L. Corl Plunkett Cooney Columbus, Ohio
Thomas W. Cranmer Miller Can eld Troy, Michigan
John M. Dunn
President Emeritus of Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, Michigan
Hon. Michael P. Hatty
Ret. Chief Judge, 44th Circuit Court, 53rd District Court Livingston County
Hon. Jane E. Markey
Michigan Court of Appeals Grand Rapids, Michigan
Kenneth V. Miller
Millennium Restaurant Group, LLC Kalamazoo, Michigan
Lawrence P. Nolan
Nolan, Thomsen & Villas P.C. Eaton Rapids, Michigan
Hon. Bart Stupak Venable, LLP Washington, D.C.
Jordan V. Sutton
Sutton Advisors PLC Lansing, Michigan
Mitchell S. Zajac
Vice Chairman, Board of Directors
Butzel Long Detroit, Michigan
Editor
Terry Carella
Advancement and Alumni
Relations
Bill Arnold
Contributing writers
Terry Carella, Bill Arnold, SeyferthPR
Design
Image Creative Group
Photography
Tom Gennara, Photography
Terry Carella
Submissions
Benchmark seeks story ideas from graduates on a variety of subjects such as graduate achievements, international experiences, cultural diversity, legal information helpful to practitioners, unique law practices, advice to prospective law students, and special events. If you would like to share a story idea, please write, call, or e-mail:
Communications Office
Cooley Law School
300 S. Capitol Ave. Lansing, MI 48933
(517) 371-5140 ext. 2844
communications@cooley.edu
Benchmark is published twice a year by the Communications Office of Cooley Law School.
Alumni
Please call the Alumni Office at (800) 243-2586, or e-mail alumni@cooley.edu with questions.
T y Co is
This... is Cooley.
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This is Trailblazing.
Law School has tspursuingal
For over 50 years, Cooley Law School has paved the way for students pursuing a law degree, sparking innovative, accessible, and hands-on learning experiences. Just as the legal landscape continues to evolve, so do we.
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As you open this issue of Benchmark and peruse the pages, you might notice the magazine has a new look and feel one that is bolder and more re ned. This issue sets the stage for Cooley Law Schools renewed brand, unveiling fresh color and font schemes, striking photography, and uni edmessaging that incorporates Cooleys future-ready voice for both the Lansing and Tampa Bay campuses.
Informed by months of research, including surveys, market analysis, focus groups, and workshops, the framework for our rebrand integrates Cooleys mission and vision, along with the development of three pillars to illuminate Cooleys foundational value and promising future:
Pillar One: Con dent& Future-Ready (Readiness) Cooleys curriculum is designed with the future in mind, blending traditional legal
principles with leading-edge practices to prepare students to excel in their careers. With a focus on real-world application, Cooley graduates enter the eld able to navigate complex, everchanging legal landscapes with experience and con dence.And with a strong and supportive alumni network that spans the globe, students graduate ready to lead, connect, and make an immediate impact. They emerge not only practice-ready but future-ready.
,
This is Bold.
Pillar Two: Rigorous & Hands-on (Preparation)
At Cooley, we integrate a rigorous classroom experience with hands-on learning. Taught and mentored by experienced faculty who are experts in their elds, students gain a comprehensive understanding of both theory and practice while developing the skills they need to think critically and communicate effectively. From legal clinics and externships to working alongside practicing attorneys, students are prepared to excel with the knowledge and skills it takes to adapt to various legal and business environments, and client needs.
Pillar Three: Inclusive & Collaborative (Community)
At Cooley, we draw our strength from the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Here, individuals belong to a vibrant community of teachers and learners who come together to challenge and inspire one another. Our supportive and engaging environment fosters teamwork and prepares individuals for the real-world legal profession, where collaboration is key. Graduates are equipped with the cultural competency and broad perspective essential for success in an increasingly diverse global society.
These attributes re ectCooleys key strengths in ways that are relevant, authentic, and distinctive. Taken together, they support
the law schools brand promise: Cooleys diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community empowers hard-working students to become future-ready professionals who think critically, communicate effectively,and navigate complex, ever-changing legal landscapes with con dence.
This new chapter in Cooley Law Schools story is about more than a name or a logo; its about a shared vision and a collective promise. Its about creating a legacy that each member of our community is proud to be part of a legacy that resonates with the courage, determination, and potential of every Cooley graduate. Together, we will ensure that the values we hold dear are re ected in every aspect of Cooley.
We know who we are. We know where weve been. And we know where were going.
This... is Cooley.
In a world that needs minds ready to navigate the legal landscapes of tomorrow, we emerge con dent and future-ready. In a profession searching for courageous leaders to challenge the norms and inspire innovative thinking, we foster courage. At a time when collaboration in learning seems lost
in the name of competition, we are collaborative and inclusive.
This is This...is Cooley.
Stewardship.
Retired Judge Louise Alderson (1986, Thomas R. Sherwood Class) has served as chair of the Cooley Law School Board of Directors since 2020. After four years, and seeing the law school through signi cant change, she will now be taking the reins of immediate past president.
While Alderson was elected to Cooleys board in 2005, she was rst introduced to the idea of joining the board by Circuit Court Judge Jeffrey Martlew, who was on the board at that time. Martlew asked her if she would be interested in joining the board, and a short time later Alderson accepted the opportunity to serve on the board as a judge representing a district court.
Serving as vice chair since 2012, Alderson was elected to the post of chair after Lawrence P. Nolan (Cooley Class, 1976) who served as the boards leader, did not seek re-election.
I had been part of the search committee looking for our next president, said Alderson. I thought it was important for me to step into the role of chair to foster a smooth transition between administrations.
As a 20-year member of the board and chair for the last four years, Alderson has been part of many of the law schools major decisions.
Most of the committee work I was assigned during my 20 years was associated with strategic planning, said Alderson. While navigating the ever-changing landscape of legal education, we were always asking the question,
Beyond the strategic planning process, Alderson is excited to hear from faculty and students about their work at Cooley.
It is always most rewarding to hear about the work of our faculty, said Alderson. I enjoyed listening to our students and being mindful of our students needs.
While leading Cooleys board, Alderson was at the helm during the law schools 50th anniversary.
What an exciting time for the school to celebrate 50 years, said Alderson. I was able to speak to alumni and faculty at both the Lansing and Tampa Bay campuses. It was amazing to hear what Cooley offered them and how the law school advanced their lives.
Alderson was excited to celebrate the law schools founders, Judge Thomas E. and Polly Brennan.
What is the next thing for Cooley to keep our access mission moving forward?
Being able to celebrate Polly Brennan was a special moment, said Alderson. We were able to honor her and Judge Brennans commitment to the school early on and having a vision that moved forward over a 50-year span.
Before being appointed as judge in the 54-A District Court in 2001, Alderson served as an assistant prosecuting attorney for Clinton County, legal counsel to judiciary committees for the Michigan House of Representatives and Senate, and was director of legislative affairs for the executive office. In 2014, the Michigan Supreme Court appointed Alderson as chief judge for the 54-A District Court.
Since retiring from the bench in 2022, Alderson enjoys spending time with her step children and two young granddaughters at her family home in northern Michigan and wintering in Florida.
In addition to serving on Cooleys board, she continues to be involved in the legal eld as a visiting judge, through volunteer work with AARP, and by helping the underserved through the United Ways tax preparation assistance program.
and Causation
Retiring from Cooley: A Look Back
Amy Timmer Cooley
So, here I am at the end of a 32-year career with Cooley Law School. It started in 1992 when I happened to get a call from a friend and faculty member at the law school who asked if I might be interested in leaving practice to teach at Cooley. To this day, I wonder what life would have been like if not for that call.
What lessons have you learned from teaching?
I love teaching cause-in-fact in Torts— “but for” causation, as you may have called it. Looking at any chain of events that led to a certain moment in time is fascinating, particularly in one’s own life. As we get older and more time passes, we find ourselves saying, “if it hadn’t been for … , I would not be where I am today.”
Why law school?
In 1985, I was working for the State of Michigan in economic development, and my boss was a Cooley grad. He encouraged me to go to Cooley, which I could do at night while I worked full time. I didn’t think I wanted a law degree, but he was persistent, so I struck a deal with him: I would
attend for one term, I would hate it, and I could get back to life as I knew it. By Week six though, I was hooked, andI neverlookedback. But for Cooley graduate David Haynes ...”
I ended up working with David after seven years in state government. And I ended up in state government because Tom Emling, the former field placement director at James Madison College at MSU, who had placed me in two summer field experiences in Washington D.C., had moved on to work for the state, and called me about an opening, right after I graduated from college. What path would my life have taken if not for Tom?
I can go back to my childhood in Flint, Michigan, and my friend from across the street Leslie Klein (now Berg). We became instant friends when we met at the ages of 10 (me) and 11 (Leslie), and are still best friends. Leslie has been a powerful influence in my life. After high school, I followed her to James Madison College at MSU. Although she went to law school immediately after college,
and I went to work, I followed her footsteps to law school seven years later. And I only met Leslie because my mom and dad split up and my mom brought my brother and sister and me to Flint from Grand Rapids. But for Leslie, but for the move to Flint … Causation ripple effect That’s how causation works: if it weren’t for certain events, friendships, work situations, phone calls, and opportunities in life, we would not have ended up where we are today. Looking back, I had a wonderful career with Cooley Law School.
I started at Cooley teaching Torts and Equity & Remedies. But four years into it, we elected from the faculty a new dean at Cooley, Don LeDuc. When Don became Dean in 1996, he asked me to serve as the dean of students. The 1995 graduating class had awarded me the Beattie Teaching Award, which recognizes the faculty member who has had the greatest influence on the graduating class, and I was thoroughly enjoying teaching and experiencing that wonderful gratification that comes from seeing students learn.
Initially reluctant to move into an administration position, I ultimately said “yes.” I have never regretted that decision.
I am honored to have served as the dean of students for 28 years and to have been chosen to lead the faculty as interim dean in 2018-19.
With my focus on student professionalism, I volunteered for 20-plus years with the State Bar of Michigan District E Character and Fitness Committee and the Michigan Attorney Discipline Board. Those experiences, along with a fouryear appointment to the ABA Standing Committee on Professionalism, helped me guide and prepare our students to face character and fitness issues and to be honestlawyers.
My work with students evolved from teaching them in a classroom, to getting to know them one-on-one in an arena that is often difficult and challenging for them. And, with credit to poet Robert Frost, choosing that path—the one less traveled by—has made all the difference in my life, and sometimes, in the lives of the students I worked with. I see them at their worst— during the calamities of life that don’t stop just because you’re in law school. In every case, I tried to help them see a path that
would bring them life-long happiness. I have witnessed the causal connection between those calamities and their ultimate successes in positively affecting the lives of others.
Impact on others
Each of us impacts the lives of others. Some people say, “everything happens for a reason,” and I think of this concept when I ponder the people who have been placed in the pathway of my life. I especially appreciate those colleagues I have worked with closely, including Senior Vice President and Associate Dean of Administration, Enrollment, and Student Services Paul Zelenski and Coordinator of Student Professionalism Lisa Davis. The joy of working with both goes beyond words. I am forever grateful for their support throughout the decades. If not for Paul and Lisa, I know that my career would not have been the same, nor as rewarding. I am thankful for their support, guidance, humor, and dedication to the school.
So, whether cause-in-fact, or the “reason” that things happen the way they do, the greatest lesson I have learned is that it is the people we surround ourselves with who help us see those less-traveled pathways.
And they are the ones who have made all the difference.
This is Life Changing.
This... is Cooley.
Cooleys diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community empowers hard-working students to become futureofessionals who think critically communicate e complex, everchanging legal landscapes dence.
Cooleys diverse, inclusive, and collaborative community empowers students to become futureready professionals who think critically, communicateeffectively, and navigate with con dence
You help make this possible.
Thanks to the ongoing support of alumni and friends like you, Cooleys outstanding faculty are able to mentor and guide students to gain a comprehensive understanding of both theory and practice while developing the skills they need to think critically and communicate effectively.
Help us continue this proud legacy of producing con dentand future-ready attorneys who serve as agents for positive change in their communities and our profession. Your gift to the annual giving campaign not only helps provide the resources necessary to ensure every Cooley student is prepared to practice law, but it also helps to keep a Cooley Law School education as affordable and accessible as possible.
You can make your gift by visiting cooley.edu/giving or scanning the QR code.
Cooley ensured that I was ready to practice law on day one my classes and my externship experience made all the di erence.
GERMESE GEE, 20 4 THOMAS TODD CLASS
Krystle Cacci Calls
Career in Public Service a Dream Job
BY TERRY CARELLA
Krystle Cacci
Krystle Cacci spent her whole life in government. Her mother was a judge, afterall. It was a natural progression to go into service. In college, she forged ahead in government policy by getting two master’s degrees focusing on public administration.
Then she came to the realization that having a J.D. after her name would give her a competitive advantage.
“I never thought I would do the law-and-order stuff,” smiled Cacci, “because I didn’t see myself in the courtroom. But as a policy professional, having worked at four different government agencies in Tallahassee, I noticed when I would apply for more senior level policy positions, the people with a law degree consistently got the job. Not necessarily because they were the most qualified, but because of the automatic understanding of what a law degree meant. That was why I wanted to get a law degree.”
Career Changing
It was when Cacci earned an “A” in Research & Writing at Cooley that she recognized a new talent. She started to develop new interests and consider more legal career options.
While looking into externship opportunities in her last year in law school, Cacci turned to the Statewide Guardian ad litem (GAL) Office in Florida for a position. She previously worked in that agency doing policy work and wanted to reintroduce herself to dependency.
She succeeded and started working 30 hours a week in the Tampa Guardian ad litem office alongside a trial team.
“It was great,” said Cacci. “I was in court all the time and learned so much. It was like a baptism by fire, of sorts. All kinds of moving parts and plenty of networking opportunities.”
In fact, while attending an attorney training conference during her GAL externship, she approached an appellate attorney she recognized, the GAL’s statewide director of appeals, about the possibility of incorporating some appellate work into her existing externship.
That chance contact proved to be fortuitous for Cacci and added to her GAL externship the ability to work on multiple briefs.
“What a great feeling to get a real record filed on appeal,” exclaimed Cacci.
The guardian ad litem experience not only allowed her to fine-tune her writing skills, she appreciated how flexible it was, even allowing her to work remotely.
“The office would just send me the record on appeal. I would draft it. Then I would send it back for their feedback. It was such a comprehensive internship.”
Networking And Experience
After her experience with GAL, Cacci rolled out another internship with the state attorney’s office in Hillsborough County before graduation.
Once she graduated from Cooley, Cacci made the decision to work as a child welfare prosecutor, but for only eight months. That’s when the guardian ad litem office reached out to her with a proposal.
“I kid you not,” said Cacci. “They called me to ask me if I would be willing to join its appellate team, remembering my work there as an intern. I was so surprised and honored. Of course, I said yes, and ended up doing straight appeals for the next 18 months.”
Until the Florida attorney general’s office called to recruit her to work on criminal appeals.
That was the move Cacci feels ended up being her dream job. In criminal appeals, she gets to handle a wide range of cases from appeals of misdemeanor convictions to capital sexual battery and murder, hoping someday to join the capital appeals division and handle appeals of convictions where the death sentence has been imposed.
“You know, I’ve had jobs in the past where I’ve thought, wow, this is the best job I’ve ever had,” smiled Cacci. “But I was sorely mistaken because this job that I have right now is hands down the best job I’ve ever had, even if I fell into it! I’m doing what I love. I tell any law student to consider this path, especially if he or she is a good writer. You can make a good life for yourself and command top dollar.”
Cacci not only loves her job but enjoys being engaged in her community. Currently, she is on two voluntary bar association boards: the George Edgecomb Bar Association, the Minority Lawyer Association in Hillsborough County, and the journal director for the Florida Association for Women Lawyers.
She also is working alongside a Cooley Research & Writing professor as her grading assistant.
“I love helping students, and especially love getting law students excited about writing and the importance of writing in the law.”
“I also feel good about the work I do in the criminal justice system, keeping bad guys off the streets. It makes me feel good at the end of the day and that warm feeling is what keeps me in public service.”
Howard Soifer
Featured Graduate
Steven Fantetti and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Players
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Lineman William Gholston, a former All-Big Ten Player for Michigan State University, and Running Back Rachaad White, who played football at Arizona State University, joined Steven Fantetti (Chipman Class, 2011), president and founder of Athlete Empowerment Agency LLC and owner of Fantetti Legal LLC, as featured speakers during the 13th annual Howard Soifer Memorial Lecture in Sports and Entertainment Law at the Tampa Bay campus on May 21. They spoke about “Athlete Empowerment and the EverChanging Landscape of the Intersection of Business and Sports,” as well as how NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) has affected collegiate and professional athletes and athletic programs, and the potential for athlete unionization.
“What NIL has done is it’s not only allowing athletes to have more power or empowerment in sports and be able to monetize, but it’s also led to issues that should have been handled probably years ago that now have to be handled and we can’t ignore them because they’re coming,” said Fantetti.
While speaking about his time at Arizona State, White spoke about his name association helping the school gain publicity
“When I got to Arizona State and the City of Phoenix, I became a household name. It would have been nice at the time to get paid for the publicity I brought to the school. I don’t have a problem with students getting paid for it. Not everybody can make it to the NFL.”
(L-R) Cooley graduate Steven Fantetti, Buccaneers Defensive Lineman William Gholston and Running Back Rachaad White
This is Trust.
Sharing that he played football in college to escape poverty, Gholston explained that if he had the opportunity to receive NIL money, he would have gained additional opportunities for his college education.
The Howard Soifer Memorial Lecture is held annually to celebrate the memory of Howard Soifer, a 1977 graduate of Cooley Law School, along with his passion for sports and his legacy as an outstanding attorney, educator, mentor, and colleague. Soifer (19492003) was an avid sports fan and represented several prominent professional athletes during his career as a shareholder with Loomis, Ewert, Parsley, Davis & Gotting, P.C. Soifer was grateful for his legal education at Cooley Law School. His family, friends and partners endowed the lecture series in his memory.
Howard truly loved practicing law and representing these young professional athletes as their attorney, Howards wife, Sandy Soifer, said during her welcome remarks. It was always about building relationships that would help to strengthen their lives in the future. He was passionate about life and he approached his legal career with the same enthusiasm.
Previous Soifer Memorial Lecture speakers include T.J. Duckett, former running back in the National Football League; Tom Izzo, Michigan State University mens basketball coach; Kevin Poston, president and CEO of Detroit-area based DEAL Elite Athletic Management; Steve Smith, broadcaster and former NBA All-Star basketball player; and Steve Garvey, former Major League Baseball All-Star and MVP
Sandy Soifer
Graduation Ceremonies Justice
Scalia class at Tampa Bay and Lansing campuses
Each
campuses
Law School
Each Cooley Law School class is named for a distinguished member of the legal profession. The commencement ceremony for Cooleys spring graduating class honors U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.
Graduates of Cooley Law Schools Lansing campus were honored during a commencement ceremony at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing on April 22.
Forty-four juris doctor degrees and master of laws degrees were presented to members of Cooley Law Schools Justice Antonin Scalia Class. Chosen by his peers, Adam Kimball gave the class
farewell remarks. Professor and Associate Dean Tonya Krause-Phelan delivered the keynote speech.
Graduates of Cooley Law Schools Tampa Bay campus were honored during a commencement ceremony at its Campus Auditorium on April 19.
Twenty-seven juris doctor degrees and master of laws degrees were presented at its commencement. Chosen by their peers, Vivian Katwaroo and Ahmad Sai gave the class farewell remarks. The Hon. Jalal A. Harb, (Grant Class, 1987) of Floridas 10th Judicial Court delivered the keynote speech.
(L-R) Cooley Professor and Associate Dean Tonya Krause-Phelan, graduate Adam Kimball, and Cooley President and Dean James McGrath.
Tampa Bay Graduation Spring 2024
Cooley President and Dean James McGrath, Ahmad Sai of Cooleys Antonin Scalia class, Cooley Professor Christine Church, Vivian Katwaroo of Cooleys Antonin Scalia class, and the Hon. Jalal A. Harb of Floridas 10th Judicial Court.
Cooley Law School recognizes student achievements during spring honors convocations at Tampa Bay and Lansing campuses
In March, Cooley Law School’s Tampa Bay and Lansing campuses recognized students for their achievements during its spring honors convocations.
Courtney Yonker was presented with the Leadership Achievement Award at Cooley’s Tampa Bay campus, while Norelle Miranda, Adriana Burga, and Frances Silney-Bah were each presented with the Leadership Achievement Award at Cooley’s Lansing campus. The award acknowledges those students who have consistently, comprehensively, and effectively provided leadership in a variety of capacities.
Norelle Miranda, Adriana Burga, and Frances Silney-Bah
Courtney Yonker
Cooley News
Cooley Law School students receive Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award
During Cooley Law School’s honors convocations in March, Mya Hurwitz, of the law school’s Tampa Bay campus, and Samantha Hulliberger, of the Lansing campus, were each presented with the Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award. The award is given to selected graduating students based on academic accomplishments, professionalism and ethics, leadership, extracurricular activities, and post-graduation plans. The recipients are selected by the Scholarship and Awards Committee of the Cooley Alumni Association. Recipients are presented a diploma frame engraved with their name and designation as a recipient of the Distinguished Student Award.
Hurwitz earned her bachelor’s degree from Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida. While at Cooley, she was selected as a Dean’s Fellow and served as a teaching assistant and president of the Student Bar Association. Hurwitz was a member of the Cooley Law Review, International Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi, and the Florida Association of Women Lawyers.
Hulliberger is from Lansing, Michigan, and earned her bachelor’s degree from Calvin University. She is currently part of the Air Force ROTC program and will be sworn in as an officer following graduation from law school. While at Cooley, Hulliberger served as president of the Student Bar Association and managing articles editor for the Cooley Law Review. She competed on the National Moot Court Team, worked as a teaching assistant for Criminal Procedure, and served on the law school’s Grade Appeals Board.
Cooley Law School’s Moot Court teams travel to Portland and New York City for competitions
Moot Court - Jessup Team: In February, Cooley Law School’s International Moot Court team advanced to the octa-final round after compiling a 3-1 record in the preliminary rounds at the Jessup International Law Moot Court competition held in Portland, Oregon. The team also received a top ten award for written pleadings. The team included Professor Coaches Brad Charles and David Finnegan, and students Carter Lewis, Frances Silney-Bah, Norelle Miranda, AdrianaBurga, and Nicholas Davis.
Moot Court - Duberstein Team: In March, Cooley Law School’s Moot Court team traveled to New York City to compete in the 32nd Annual Duberstein Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition. Jointly sponsored by St. John’s Law and the American Bankruptcy Institute (ABI), the annual Duberstein Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition is one of the nation’s preeminent moot court competitions. It promotes and recognizes the finest oral and written advocacy on significant issues in bankruptcy practice.
Mya Hurwitz (top) and Samantha Hulliberger (bottom) received the Distinguished Student Award
(L to R): William Bowman, Stephanie McKinney, Coach Lauren Simasko, Professor Martha Moore, Coach Brandon Ayers, and Nick Prowse.
Four Cooley Law School students receive 2024 Alumni Memorial Scholarship
Four Cooley Law School students were honored as recipients of the 2024 Alumni Memorial Scholarship. Charles Bloom eld of the Lansing campus, and Troy Conti, Kyndal Midkiff, and Sarah Tanner, of the Tampa Bay campus, were awarded the scholarship.
The Alumni Memorial Scholarship is funded by the yearly interest income generated from the Alumni
Memorial Scholarship Fund. This award is given annually to a student based on need, character, and potential to become an outstanding lawyer. Eligibility is limited to students in good standing who have earned between 30 and 80 credit hours. Since establishing the scholarship in 1989, the Alumni Association has awarded more than $170,000 in scholarships through this award.
Cooley Law School student receives the 2024 National Association of Women Lawyers Outstanding Law Student Award
Cooley Law School student Michelle Guzman was named a 2024 Outstanding Law Student by the National Association of Women Lawyers. She was nominated by Cooley Professor Joseline Hardrick for her contributions to advancing women in society and the legal profession, academic achievements, and leadership.
While at Cooley, Guzman has served as Hispanic Organization of Legal Advocates president, 3L Senator for the Student Bar Association and the Diversity & Inclusion Chair, and volunteered with Cooley Law Schools Debt Relief Clinic. She will be recognized at the Associations National Conference in July.
On behalf of the Alumni Association Executive Committee, we congratulate these four Cooley Law School Alumni Memorial Scholarship recipients on their neaccomplishments, commitment to academic success, and dedication to Cooley, said Alumni Association President Robert Johnson.
Charles, Troy, Kyndal, and Sarah have each displayed the strong values and commitment that exemplify this award. We look forward to following their accomplishments as they complete law school and enter the legal profession.
Charles Bloom eld Troy Conti
Kyndal Midkiff SarahTanner
Michelle Guzman
Cooley News
Cooley Law School professor and a Cooley graduate team up to teach housing literacy to youth
Cooley Law School Professor
Florise Neville-Ewell has made it her life’s mission to expand “housing” literacy to reach adults
and youth through the Ten Commandments of Real Estate Law Society (10CORE® Law Society).
Neville-Ewell, who served as general counsel for the Detroit Housing Commission, is president and CEO of the 10CORE Law Society. The organization’s latest collaboration involves a partnership with Triumph Church and Neville-Ewell’s former Cooley law student, Robin Kinloch.
In April, 10CORE offered its “Call It My House” 40-hour program at Triumph Church’s Detroit campus. Sponsored by Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree, the curriculum empowers Wayne County youth and young adults,
ages 16-24, with financial/housing knowledge so they will become homeowners and real estate investors in the future. Each of the 30 students will receive $500 in seed money along with other incentives and awards, culminating with a mock home closing at the conclusion of the program.
The program also includes law students who donate their time and sit in small groups with Student CEOs, helping them understand substantive material and work on group projects. Next steps are to take the program to the Detroit Public Schools, and other high schools and community colleges within Michigan.
Cooley Law School student wins the 2024 Association of Corporate Counsel Michigan Chapter Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Corporate and Business Classes
Cooley Law School student Catherine Gagnon was selected as the 2024 winner of the Association of Corporate Counsel (ACC) Michigan Chapter Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Corporate and Business Classes. She was honored as the $3,000 scholarship recipient during the ACC award ceremony in the spring.
As part of the ACC’s mission of encouraging law students to consider careers in corporate legal departments, the ACC Michigan Chapter selected Gagnon for the scholarship based on demonstrating academic achievement, particularly in business-law related classes.
10 Core program
Florise Neville-Ewell
Catherine Gagnon
Michigan Supreme Court reappoints Cooley Law School Senior
Director Jacqueline Freeman to the Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Michigan Judiciary
Freeman, who represents Michigan ABA-Accredited law schools, is senior director and special advisor to the president for diversity, equity, and inclusion at Cooley Law School.
The Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Michigan Judiciary was first created in 2021 to assess and work towards elimination of demographic and other disparities within the Michigan judiciary and justice system. The 24-member commission is comprised of Michigan’s legal professionals and
stakeholders, including judges from various courts, members of judicial associations, ABAaccredited law schools, and others.
At Cooley Law School, Freeman works to promote the law school’s mission of advancing diversity of the legal profession through professional exploration programs.
Originally appointed to the commission for a one-year term in early 2023, Freeman’s reappointment allows her to serve through 2026.
Cooley
hosts past president of Alabama State University for Community Conversation commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Jan. 16, Dr. Joseph Silver Sr., past president of Alabama State University, led Cooley Law School’s Community Conversation commemorating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Silver, who is currently president of Silver and Associates, a full-service higher education consulting firm, discussed the meaning of the title of his presentation, “Maintaining the Vision of Freedom, Justice, and Equity,” and looked at reasons why it is difficult for our society to achieve those goals.
During the presentation, Silver tackled various systemic issues
in relation to the celebration of Dr. King’s commemoration and challenged attendees to focus on what they can do as individuals.
“All over America, folks engage in the celebration of Martin Luther King Day, and the question I constantly ask myself is, ‘what happens the day after?’ If we truly celebrated what MLK stood for, we would not have the evening news full of mass killings, or young people killing each other. If we truly celebrated MLK day, we would not have abject poverty and the large number of homelessness that we see in this country,” said
Silver. “We would not tolerate the white supremacy that we see existing in this country and the rampant voter suppression we see on a daily basis.”
Silver answered a number of questions and responded to comments from those in attendance including, unequal funding for law schools in the state of Alabama, how young people can act using the four pillars (equality, love, justice, and solidarity), and the inability for schools to consider race in college admissions.
“I think you guys are in a great position to address these issues,” said Silver. “You are
students of the law, you are law professors, you are community lawyers, and you know the law. So, my challenge is, why not use that knowledge of the law that you have for good. Why don’t we begin to challenge what we know is wrong?”
Jacqueline Freeman
Dr. Joseph “Pete” Silver
Faculty Briefs
Mark Cooney, Professor
Published, the first-ever casebook on legal writing: The Case for Effective Legal Writing: Court Opinions, Commentary, and Exercises (Carolina Academic Press 2024) (coauthored with Prof. Diana J. Simon, U of Arizona).
Presented, “‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’: Helping Students Help AI,” Incorporating ChatGPT in the Legal Research & Writing Classroom online conference, William & Mary Law School (with Prof. Brad Charles, Cooley).
Presented,“Empowering Students to Empower Readers: A Systematic Approach to Creating User-Centered Documents,” 2023 Global Legal Skills Conference, Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University, England.
Panelist, for discussion group on “Should Writing an Appellate Brief Be Included in the Standard 1L LRW Curriculum?” Association of Legal Writing Directors 2023 Biennial Conference, Univ. of California, Irvine School of Law.
Presented, Editing Workshop, National Conference for Law Review Editors, April 7, 2024 (with Prof. Katrina Lee, Ohio State, and Prof. Megan McAlpin, Oregon).
Podcast Guest, Carolina Academic Press’s Law School Lounge (discussing new book and various aspects of legal writing and teaching).
Presented, “Rethinking Our Safety Net: The Perils of Legalese—and How AI Can Help Us Reinvent Dense Forms,” LearnFormula Podcast.
Published, “Teaching AI to Use Plain Language” in the Michigan Bar Journal
Notified, that his article “Teaching AI to Use Plain Language” made #1 on the SSRN download list for the Law & Rhetoric eJournal (and made the Top Ten list for four other eJournals).
Published, article “In Praise of Counterintuitive Lessons,” in Perspectives: Teaching Legal
Research and Writing — and notified that the article made the Top Ten list in four SSRN eJournals.
Published, “‘May’ for Granting Discretion” in the Michigan Bar Journal — and notified that it made the Top Ten list in four SSRN eJournals.
Published, “The Big Four: Concrete Edits for Clearer Prose,” WordRake Blog
Published, biweekly “Tuesday Tips” for Scribes—The American Society of Legal Writers (May 2023 – present).
Judged, for the annual ClearMark Awards, held by the Center for Plain Language.
Learned, that his article “Analogy Through Vagueness” has surpassed 1,000 downloads on the Association of Legal Writing Directors website.
Edited, as a senior editor, for volume 21 of The Scribes Journal of Legal Writing
Appointed, to the Board of Directors of the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society—and provided editorial support for Society newsletter.
Mark Dotson, Professor Published, For West Publications/ Thomson Reuters, case and practice updates for: (1) Stein on Personal Injury Damages. (2) Emotional Injuries: Law and Practice.
Joseline Hardrick, Professor
Published, “Let Your Light Shine, Unleashing Your Inner Glow Through Essential Self-Care Practices for Empowered Women,” December 2023.
Published, “Bar Exam BE§T MODE™: Maximize Your Mindset to Beat the Bar: Bar Prep Without Burnout for First-Time and Repeat Takers,” September 2023.
Published, Children’s books; “Let Your Light Shine: A Guide to
Self-Care for Bright Young Girls,” “Let’s Talk About Big Feelings,” “The Code Whisperer,” “From Fur to Feather: Moms and Babies Stick Together” – a series, including: “How We Look,” “Where We Live,” and “Words of Love”; “Wished for With Love,” and “Take the Riverwalk,” December 2023 through March 2024. All books available on Amazon.com
Forthcoming publication, Florida Association of Women Lawyers Journal named, “Fix Another Woman’s Crown - The Case for the CROWN Act in Florida,” June 2024.
Presented, Phi Alpha Delta Networking Event - Presented on Elevator Pitches for Law Students.
Participated, in the Florida Bar William Reece Smith Leadership Academy 2023-2024, including meeting in the Boca Raton, Florida Bar convention and inauguration program in June 2023; in Jacksonville, Florida, with mayors of the beach communities, local judges, and lawyers in August 2023; in Tampa, with local judges and lawyers and discussed judicial positions in October 2023; in Tallahassee, Florida, with the Board of Governors, Florida Supreme Court Justice, and attended Statewide Pro Bono Awards Ceremony in January 2024; in Orlando with local judges, elected officials, and bar leaders in March 2024; in Fort Lauderdale, with local judges, elected officials, and bar leaders in May 2024.
Organized, United Against Hate, about hate crimes with the Cooley Law Chapter of the American Constitution Society and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Middle District in January 2024.
Presented, for the Florida Bar Diversity Symposium. Speaker on the panel “From Inclusion to Engagement: Effective talent retention, nurturing diverse talent, creating pathways for lasting engagement, and practicing diversity by design” in January 2024.
Organized and moderated, Journey to Esquire Diversity Equity & Inclusion Past Present Future. Organized and moderated intense discussion on the importance of Diversity,
Equity & inclusion in the legal profession, organized event, recruited panelists in February 2024.
Presented, Black History Month Lunch N Learn- Bay Area Legal Services Race and Equity Committee - Presented on “Ain’t I a Lawyer?” Effectively Addressing Bias in the Law Profession in February 2024.
Presented, Black History Month Presentation - Cooley Black Law Students Association Premiere of Documentary, “ Journey to Esquire An Oral History of Pioneering Black and African American Lawyers,” in Tampa Bay in February 2024.
Presented, Addressing Gender Discrimination in the Workplace - Awareness, Advocacy, Allyship and Advancement for the Orange County Bar Association’s Diversity and Inclusion Certification Program in May 2024.
Organized and Moderated, Path to Federal Practice with Federal Bar Association Cooley Student Division - organized and moderated panel discussion in March 2024.
Designed, Introduction to Legislation, Regulation and Statutory Interpretation Course Fall Term 2024.
Served, as the chair of the Diversity and Inclusion Committee, Law School Liaison, Federal Bar Association, Tampa Bay Chapter in 2023 Term.
Served, as the director of Diversity and Civil Rights Initiatives, American Constitution Society Tampa Lawyer Chapter in the 2023 Term.
Served, on the Middle District of Florida Judicial Nominating Conference. Interviewed and vetted candidates for federal district court judge position in the Orlando Division May-July 2022.
Served, as the charter board member- George Edgecomb Bar Foundation June 2023-Present.
Served, as chair on the Faculty AdmissionsCommitteeFallTerm 2023-Present.
Barbara Kalinowski, Professor Published, “The Mystique of AI: The Good, Bad, and Ugly” in the Florida Association of Women Lawyers FAWL Journal, Fall/Winter 2023.
Hosted, A panel discussion on housing initiatives for autistic adults during a community outreach event for A-Town Community, Inc. A-Town is a nonprofit founded by Professor Kalinowski in 2021 to address the looming housing crisis for adults with autism in central Florida. The panel discussion followed a free and well-attended community screening of the award-winning documentary film “In A Different Key” at the historic Tampa Theatre. The panel featured community leaders and concerned stakeholders, including Taneka Bowles, wife of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Todd Bowles, who is raising a teenage son with autism.
Joseph Kimble, Distinguished Professor Emeritus
Published, an article called “40 Years and Counting” in the Michigan Bar Journal. The year 2024 marks the 40th year of the Journal’s Plain Language column—a record for any legal-writing column anywhere. Professor Kimble has been the editor for 36 years.
Featured, in a three-page article in the Michigan Bar Journal celebrating the column’s anniversary and Professor Kimble’s professional lifetime promoting plain language.
Published, his second Mr. Mouthful children’s book—”Mr. Mouthful and the Monkeynappers.” (Available on Amazon.)
Published, an article called “Redrafting All the Federal
Court Rules: A 30-Year Odyssey” in Judicature, the scholarly journal for the judiciary. It is sent to all federal judges. The article discusses the projects to completely redraft all five sets of court rules. Professor Kimble led the work on the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Rules of Evidence, and Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure.
Published, his latest Redlines column in Judicature. The column was called “Add punch with an extra-short sentence (or a fragment).”
Wrote, several short “Tuesday Tips” for Scribes—The American Society of Legal Writers. The titles: “A pox on pursuant to”; “Avoid multiword prepositions”; “Avoiding syntactic ambiguity”; “Misusing as such”; and “Don’t drop that.” The tips are distributed electronically to all Scribes members.
Featured, in an opinion piece in the NH (New Hampshire) Business Review on the benefits of using plain language in public communication. The article quoted Professor Kimble and cited the second edition of his book “Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please: The Case for Plain Language in Business, Government, and Law.”
Learned, that one of his Judicature columns—”Minimize Prepositional Phrases.
Question Every of. (Part 1)”— was a top-10 most clicked-on article in the Litigation World newsletter last year. The newsletter, published by TopLaw, appears weekly and features a “top pick” each week. Top Law publishes five newsletters, so the column won a Top 50 Award. Professor Kimble has written the “Redlines” column since 2016.
Named, as a member of a new Legal-Writing Advisory Panel, composed of wellknown judges, advocates, and academics. The members will be asked to offer opinions on various legal-writing topics and questions.
Spoke, to students at Cooley Law School on the theory of interpretation called textualism. The event was
sponsored by the student chapter of the American Constitution Society, which has recently been revived at Cooley. WILX television interviewed Professor Kimble and had brief coverage of the event.
Gave, three tours of his blues-and-rock art collection hanging at Cooley to about 35 Lansing-area residents.
Invited, to speak at the International Conference on Legislation and Law Reform, this fall in D.C.
Attended, the winter meeting of the Standing Committee on Federal Rules, in Austin. Professor Kimble has been a drafting consultant on all new and amended federal court rules since 2000.
Updated, all Michigan Administrative Law course materials, including the Administrative Law Treatise and a second edition of the Michigan Administrative Law Primer, which was published recently in the Cooley Law Review.
Prepared,two annual supplements to the revised Michigan Administrative Law Treatise–one already published by ThomsonReuters, the other scheduled for publication in June 2024.
Completed, a long article or short book, tentatively titled “The Restructured Constitution: A Prologue to Understanding,” for which a publisher is now sought.
Began writing, a follow-up work exploring the meaning of the words in the Constitution, using Noah Webster’s first two American dictionaries, which were published shortly after the Constitution was ratified.
Created, a 2018-2024 database of the ABA Council on Legal Education’s Standard 509 required reports, which were released in 2023 and 2024; completed eight
separate analyses of that data; scheduled to complete several more, beginning with the Council’s just-released 2023 employment data.
Created, and posted on the Cooley Law School official blog site a seven-part series on the State Bar’s annual data regarding the employment of Michigan lawyers, with the help of the State Bar of Michigan and Terry Carella.
Presented, on the Restructured Constitution to the annual meeting of the Michigan Academy of Science, Arts, and Letters
Spoke, to a class at Oakland University about constitutional and administrative law.
Matthew Marin, Professor Published, “Mushrooms & the Law,” in 38 T.M. Cooley L. Rev. 1, Iss. 2, 2023.
Published, “Ghosts, Spirits, and the Multistate Bar Examination,” in the ABA Student Lawyer, Nov. 20, 2023.
James McGrath, President, Dean, and Professor, Presented
Becoming You: Are We What We Advocate? Ninth Applied Storytelling Conference Program, City University, London, July 26, 2023.
Michael K. Molitor, Professor,
Published, with Cooley Law
School Professors Emily S. Horvath and Dustin S. Foster, Wills, Estates, and Trusts: Statutes, Cases, and Problems comprehensively covers all important aspects of estate planning law. Each chapter features detailed learning objectives, as well as dozens of problems for in-class
discussion that require law students to delve into and apply statutes and case law. In sum, the textbook will give students a solid grounding in the knowledge and skills that all estate planning attorneys should have.
Joan Vestrand, Professor Spoke, on May 8, 2024, in conjunction with her work on the State Bar’s Special Committee on Professionalism and Civility, in a Michigan Judicial Institute webinar for the Michigan judiciary entitled, “Professionalism and Civility: Leadership from the Top Down.” Ed Pappas was also a speaker as was lawyer Michael Leib, lawyer Timothy Lessing, and Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Annette Berry.
Presented, on April 17, 2024, on “Leading for Superior Results and Getting to Best Success” at the 2024 Mining and Land Resources Institute sponsored by the American Association of Professional Landmen and the Nevada Landmen’s Association at Lake Tahoe,Nevada.
Presented, on May 19, 2024, on principled leadership and getting to best success at a program at the Annual Conference of the Michigan Notary Consortium in Detroit.
Invited, on June 25, 2024, as a panelist in a Strafford live video national webinar entitled, “Lawyer’s Ethical Obligation to Defend the Integrity of the Judiciary: Putting Teeth into Model Rule 8.2.”
Will Present, on Nov. 14, 2024, in Denver on principled leadership and best success at the Denver Association of Professional Landmen Denver Land Institute.
Don LeDuc, Retired President, and Professor
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99
99
Howard Wiest Class Hertzberg, Robert, was inducted into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes Michigans legal leaders who have been in practice for 30 years. These legendary lawyers have made their mark, either in the courtroom or the boardroom, in their law rms or legal departments, with community organizations, and with local, state and national bar associations.
98
Edwin Lawrence Class Ward, Rebecca, was named one of Michigans Go To LawyersNegligence Law.
99
Robert Krinock Class
Charles D. Long Class Brown, José, was awarded the 2024 Excellence in Defense Award by The Michigan Defense Trial Counsel.
98
Rehal, Francesca, was named the 2023 recipient of The H. Sol Clark Award from the Georgia Legal Services Program. The award recognizes the individual lawyer who has excelled in one or more activities that extend legal services to the poor
993
Frank A. Hooker Class
Grewal, Manvir, was inducted into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame recognizes Michigans legal leaders who have been in practice for 30 years.
Thomas Sherwood Class Zucker, Craig, was named co-chair of the Bankruptcy, Restructuring, and DebtorCreditor Rights practice at Maddin Hauser Roth & Heller P.C. in Detroit.
988
99
Russell C. Ostrander Class
John Stone Class MacDonald, Robert, was named one of Michigans Go To Lawyers - Negligence Law.
William Cushing Class Rivera, Antara, was selected as one of three new Cook County Circuit Court associate judges. The Alliance of Bar Associations and the Chicago Bar Association evaluated the candidates who e interviewed by an eightmember nominating committee, comprised of Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans of the Cook County Circuit Court and seven p esiding judges.
Abner Pratt Class Forbush, Audrey, was selected by Michigan Lawyers Weekly as a member of its 2023 Class of Leaders in the Law. Forbush and other class honorees were selected by the publication for their signi cant contributions to the practice of law in Michigan, their expertise, leadership, and for setting a positive example for other lawyers.
989
Gantt, Gregory, recently published the book, Order in the Court: Finding Order in Your Life and the Practice of Law. In the book he references Distinguished Professor Emeritus Charles Palmer
99
Joseph T. Copeland Class Branson, Jim, retired Dec. 31, 2023, after almost 24 years as Midlands long-serving city attorney Branson was honored at the last City Council meeting of the year, including tributes from Rep. Bill Schuette, John Moolenaar, and Dan Kildee.
Franz C. Kuhn Class Marino, Carla, joined Wisler Pearlstine, LLP as a partner in the Family Law practice.
Ronk, Cheryl, works as Senior Associate in the city Law Department in Detroit. In her tenure she has handled numerous cases, ranging from excessive force claims to ADA violation claims. Previous to working with the City of Detroit, she worked as a civil defense attorney.
John E. Cross Class Cox, Mark, was appointed by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb to serve as judge to the Daviess County Superior Court and the Wayne County Superior Court No 3.
John Blair, Jr. Class Gardner, Katherine, accepted the position of assistant executive director of the State Bar of Michigan. In this role, she will be working with the Professional Responsibility; Ethics; UPL; Character and Fitness; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and the Outreach, and Lawyer Referral Departments, working on special projects and initiatives.
William Paterson Class Ramos-Vega, Héctor, was selected by the Judges of the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico to serve as Magistrate Judge for the District of Puerto Rico.
3
Otis M. Smith Class Metzger, Susan, was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer as judge for the Van Buren County, Michigan, Probate Court.
Thomas F. McAllister Class Young, Toni,was appointed to the Racine County Circuit Court - Branch 3 by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers.
George Edwards Class Bush, Jordan, founded Hedge Life Law in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The rmfocuses on estate planning and real property transactions.
Gagliardi, Frank, was appointed to the Kenosha County Circuit Court by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers.
Inndia a seerve e Coun W Wayn N No. 3 T Tho Yo Youn thhe R - Bra G B Bush Liife L L M Mich on es s prop G Gagl to o th h C Cour Evvers s Jo o C Cleve e
John W. Fitzgerald Class Nemer, Tania, was appointed as federal immigration judge in Cleveland, Ohio, and is working on hearing cases. Attorney General Merrick Garland presided over her swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Robert A. Fisher Class Terzian, Tamar, joined Hanson Bridgett Law Firm as Counsel in their Los Angeles, California, location.
2007
Gerald Boston Class Bajoka, Edward, was named one of the 2024 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Detroit by Forbes Advisor
2008
Thomas Giles Kavanagh Class
LaBombardi, Heather, was elected as a shareholder at Marshall Dennehey She works at the rms Roseland, New Jersey, office.
2009
Dorothy Comstock Riley Class
Gri
ffin,Patrick, attorney at Volpe Koenig Law in Philadelphia, was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in the 2024 edition, for his achievements in the intellectual property law practice area as part of The Best Lawyers in America: Ones to Watch list.
2010
2011
James Witherell Class Coyle, Emily, was elected a rst-time board member for Plunkett Cooney. A member of the rms Detroit office, her practice also includes expertise with respect to investigating fraudulent or suspicious claims stemming from motor vehicle accidents.
Henry C. Chipman Class Helmer, Dan,was appointed as prosecuting attorney in Houghton County, Michigan, by Hon. Brittany Bulleit, 12th Circuit Court Judge.
Shkreli, Suzanna, was selected to serve as commissioner at the Michigan Bureau of State Lottery
2012
2013
2015
Bu
2011
Ross Wilkins Class
Bushrod Washington Class
Winsemius, Jessica, was named second magistrate for Allegan County, Michigans, 57th District Court. She previously worked as both an assistant prosecuting attorne and assistant public defender
2012
Flores, Victor A., was appointed to serve on the Texas Supreme Court Advisory Committee. He was one of only 52 lawyers, including many of the states nest jurists, selected to serve on prestigious committee.
Marion M. Hilligan Class
2012
Clark, Nicholas, was promoted to Vice President, ansportation Southern Region by CN, Canadian National Railway Transport Company.
Barringer, Christina, was promoted to Member at Clark Hill PLC in its Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, office.
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Oliver Ellsworth Class Nelson, Jenna, was appointed as Marquette County, Michigan, Prosecutor.
Paone, John P., Senior Associate of the Law
Officesof
M Midd A Asso C
g gan f s, , an rney y der. s sory f n e ass rgh, t t, t ss s nted d t te Laaw of w with h w was w t the Law w
Paone, Zaleski & Murphy, with o ces in Red Bank and Woodbridge, New Jersey, was the 2023 recipient of the Martin S. Goldin Family Law Award. He was presented the award Jan. 17, 2024, at the Middlesex County Bar Association Annual Family Law CLE & Awards Dinner.
2013
Alfred Moore Class
MacKenzie, John, was named partner at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, working at its Macomb County office, in Sterling Heights, Michigan. He concentrates his practice on commercial litigation and r estate matters.
Mennie, John, was named Illinois Super Lawyer - Rising Star for 2024. He works as an associate at Salvi, Schostok a Pritchard P.C. in Chicago, and concentrates his legal practice on catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and mass tort cases.
Stterli i coonce e coomm esstat t M Menn Illino o f asssoc c annd P annd c prract t peerso o m malp m A Haga prrom w with S at t its s Veehic c Liabil
Hagaman, Brandon, was promoted to executive partner Secrest Wardle, located at its Troy, Michigan, office. He is a member of the Motor Vehicle Litigation, Premises Liability, Practice Groups.
Buusin n W Wom m
2013
Stover, Monica, is recognized in Crains Grand Rapids Business as a 2024 Notable Women in Law.
John Marshall Class
Davakis, Karen, was promoted to Counsel with Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP in New York, and focuses her practice on complex trust and estate litigation.
Robinson, Darius,was elected as Bremer County, Iowa, attorney, and took officein January of 2023.
J Jo Dava prrom M Morit n Ne e pract t esstat t R Robin as s Br r atttor r Jaanua a Stteen apppo Atttor r Coun Atttor r on n med d ss He e on real d n ng an k g go, t th, s r rtneer ed e. t tor s a i ized ns e s P h her and d e ected n was t
Steenrod, Christopher, was appointed Deputy District Attorney for the Racine County, Wisconsin, District Attorneys office.
M McCa rem m 188, 2 exxclu u SSeve e m mara
William Johnson Class McCann, Daniel, completed a remarkable feat on Nov. 18, 2023, that puts him in the exclusive membership of the Seven Continents Club of marathoners.
W Woo o Recip p 5 und d A Annu sppon Coun great coomm
Wood, Robert, was a 2023 Recipient of the ICBA Top 5 under 35 Award at the Annual Barrister Night sponsored by the Ingham County Bar Association in the greater Lansing, Michigan, community.
2014
Henry Brockholst
Livingston Class
Alholou, Zabbia, was recognized as one of 22 lawyers in Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2024 Up and Coming Lawyers.
A Alho reecog g laawyye Week Laawy Smit as on n M Michhi U Up a
T
Smith, Carol, was recognized as one of 22 lawyers in Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2024 Up and Coming Lawyers.
2014
R Resid d S D Durin Pr r and P seervi i W Wisc
ss e ed t h he f 3 the , rs n ng z zed 024 s as, w as e ent o of . e erve n nt, lso f n norss.
Thomas Todd Class Thomas, Jenny, was elected as President of the NonResident Lawyer Division of the State Bar of Wisconsin. During her time, she will serve as President Elect, President, and Past President while also serving on the State Bar of sconsin Board of Governors.
J Bake neew y Ch h in n Ho o M Mich caases s innclu delin n abus c asssau u
Joseph Story Class Baker, Hilary, was appointed new Chief Assistant Prosecutor by Chief Prosecutor Helmer in Houghton County, Michigan. He specializes in cases involving juveniles, including abuse, neglect, and delinquency, as well as child abuse, crimes against children, and cases involving sexual assault.
Hamawi, Rabih, was selected as one of Metro Detroits top insurance lawyers for 2024 by DBusiness Magazine
toop in y DB B R H Hunt Taamp rm. F
2015
D Divis s P Profe e
Robert Trimble Class Gehringer, Nicole, was promoted to partner at the rm Harris, Hunt, & Derr, P.A., a leading ampa Bay based family law m. She was recognized by the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division for the 36 under 36 Professionalism Award. Holloway, Amber Rouse, was promoted to executive partner with Secrest Wardle. She is located in the rms oy, Michigan, office, and is a member of the Motor Vehicle Litigation, Premises Liability, rucking / Commercial Vehicle Litigation, Practice Groups.
H Hollo o w was p p partn n i T Troy, , m mem m Litiga a T Truck Litiga a J
2015
B Breit t as th h
John McLean Class Breiter, Alison, was appointed as the new Employment Law Division Managing Attorney RTRLAW in Tampa and oughout Florida.
D Divis s foor R thhrou
(continued)
Class Notes
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8
William Howard Taft Class Bell, Cameron, was recognized as one of 22 lawyers in Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2024 Up and Coming Lawyers.
Haney, Erin, was admitted as member at Bodman PLC in the rms Grand Rapids, Michigan, office. She is a member of the Aviation Law and Finance, Business, and Tax practice groups, and was listed in Best Lawyers - Ones to Watch under Tax Law, in Grand Rapids Magazines Top Lawyers for Tax Law, as well as named a Michigan Rising Star in Tax.
Wheeler, Justin, was admitted as a member at Bodman PLC, in the rms Grand Rapids, Michigan office. He is a member of the Real Estate Practice Group and listed as a Michigan Lawyers Weekly Go-To Lawyer for Real Estate and Condominium Law. He was also named a Grand Rapids Magazine Top Lawyer for Real Estate Law.
Charles Evans Hughes Class
Plourde, Janine, was recognized as one of 22 lawyers in Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2024 Up and Coming Lawyers.
Earl Warren Class Abdallah, Hassan, was appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the Michigan Board of Medicine.
7
Warren Earl Burger Class
Zajac, Mitchell, was appointed as a new board officer for Second Chance Network, a non-pro t organization offering comprehensive programs for those ful lling community service requirements and returning from incarceration.
8
Patricia Boyle Class Korkes, Christina, was promoted to executive partner with Secrest Wardle, at its Troy, Michigan, office. She is a member of the Motor Vehicle Litigation, Practice Groups.
Samuel Nelson Class Lynch, Dinah, joined the Wayne County Prosecutors Office in Michigan as an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Special Victims Unit.
Samuel Blatchford Class Thomas, Shanel, joined Plunkett Cooney as an associate attorney in their Labor and Employment Law Practice Group. She focuses her practice primarily in the area of employment litigation at the rms Bloom eld Hills, Michigan, o ce.
Pfeiffer, Adam, received the Ingham County Bar Association 15th Annual Barrister - Top 5 under 35 Award for 2023 at the Annual Barrister Night, sponsored by the Ingham County Bar Association.
Mendez, Daniela, was recognized by the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division for the 36 under 36 Professionalism Award.
William Strong Class Pierce, Thomas, was named the Executive Director and Chief
Executive Officer of the National Guard Association of Michigan.
Thomas E. Brennan Class Hassan, Margaret, was recognized by the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division for the 36 under 36 Professionalism Award.
3
Ward Hunt Class Burk, Tyler, joined Butzel Laws Grand Rapids Office as an associate attorney to represent individuals, businesses, non-pro t organizations, and public entities in a variety of sectors, including commercial, real estate, and construction litigation.
Joseph McKenna Class Rosas, Jesus, joined Brijbag Law, as a litigation attorney and was recognized by the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Division for the 36 under 36 Professionalism Award.
1979
Henry M. Butzel Class Ebersole, Robert (Bob), age 80, formerly of Lansing, Michigan, passed away April 11, 2024, surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer. He served as an Ingham County Prosecutor for over 20 years and was elected to the Holt Public School Board, and as a consultant at the Michigan Association of School Boards in his retirement.
1981
Charles Long Class Bourgeau, David, 79, passed away on Feb. 20, 2024, at his home in Naples, Florida. He worked as an attorney in Grand Rapids, Michigan before moving to Naples where he practiced Real Estate Law.
1982
Warner Wing Class Lathers, S. Dale, age 84 of Mears, Michigan, passed away on Feb. 14, 2023. He worked for the Michigan Education Association as a lawyer, then worked in a small law practice in Grand Haven, Michigan.
1982
Daniel Goodwin Class Derengoski, William (Bill), passed away on Oct. 6, 2023, in East Lansing, Michigan. He worked in the insurance industry before graduating at age 40 from Cooley, then serving over two decades as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Michigan.
Shek, John R., passed away on March 23, 2024. He was a father, a friend, an attorney, a fisherman, a painter, and a Daoist.
1982
Flavius L. Brooke Class Simpkins, Glenda, of Holland, Michigan, passed away on March 13, 2024. Graduating with top honors from Cooley, she worked as an attorney and many years as a trust officer for Comerica Bank.
1983
Michael D. O’Hara Class Murphy-Smith, Mollie Ann, 65, passed away on Oct. 19, 2023. She served in the U.S. Air Force from 1983 to 1987, where she held the rank of JAG (Judge Advocate General). She also served as an attorney for the U.S. District Court and later as General Counsel for the National Defense University in Washington D.C.
1986
Edward Mundy Class Alpiner, Robert, age 77, of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died on April 6, 2024.
1987
Claudius Grant Class Lange, Brian, 64, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away on April 24, 2023. He was a local attorney who cared about the environment and the well-being of others.
1988
Sanford Green Class
Hoffman, Dianne, age 60, passed away on Oct. 23, 2023, in Summit County, Ohio. She practiced law in Florida, Alaska, Michigan, and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan.
Taylor, Darlene, passed away on Dec. 6, 2023, in Grand Haven, Michigan. She retired from a successful family law practice at the age of 75.
1989
Samuel Douglass Class Feinberg, David,age 63, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away on Nov. 28, 2023. He built a successful private law practice, and also served as an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School.
1991
Josiah Turner Class Reader, Hon. Carol, passed away on Feb. 15, 2024. She was a partner in law with Gary Banks and Pat Gladney, working as a public defender, then worked on the bench, as a district court judge, on advisory boards, and as a county commissioner.
1994
Russell Ostrander Class Thiel, Francis (Frank) , age 59, of Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, passed away on March 28, 2024. He spent the past 19 years of his legal career with the Office of the Public Defender in Camden, New Jersey.
Fitzhugh, Martha (Marty), age 77, passed away on March 28, 2024, at Friendship Village in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She served Of Counsel to Darbee, Bosco, and Hammond, P.C. before being appointed as Bay County Corporation Counsel, where she worked from 1995 until her retirement in 2014.
1998
Nelson Sharpe Class D’Itri, Patricia, age 64, of Silver Lake, Michigan, passed away on April 12, 2024 after a courageous battle with breast cancer.She worked for the State of Michigan Department of Transportation as an Auditing Specialist for 32 years, retiring in 2022.
Moschetta, Stephen, 56, of Washington, Pennsylvania, passed away on March 22, 2024, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania following a short battle with cancer. He joined his father’s law practice in 1998, then eventually became the lead partner in The Moschetta Law Firm, PC, in Washington, Pennsylvania.
2000
John Rutledge Class Decailly, Paul, passed away on March 11, 2024. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps, 2nd Marine Division, and was a wartime Veteran serving in Operation Desert Storm, earning the Kuwait Liberation Medal.
2002
Samuel Chase Class McKneelen, Donna, age 66, of Fenton, Michigan, died on March 17, 2024. She poured her tenacity into nurturing her family and using her law degree to advocate for the innocent.
2006
John W. Fitzgerald Class Krohn, Suzanne, age 44, of Pigeon, Michigan, passed away March 6, 2024. She was Huron County Assistant Prosecutor from 2008-2021, then the Tuscola County Domestic Relations Referee since 2021.
2011
Ross Wilkins Class Wells, Megan, age 38, of Taylors, Michigan, passed away on January 15, 2024. She worked in politics as part of the U.S. House of Representatives, and worked for Holt Mynatt and Martinez Law Firm in New Mexico, then Dolley Law Firm in St. Louis.
2013
Alfred Moore Class Whitman, Clayton, age 62, Colonel (Ret) U.S. Air Force, of Kentwood, Michigan, passed away Feb. 4, 2024 after a battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. He enjoyed a second career in estate planning, providing court appointed legal services to Kent County residents in need.
2017
Fred Moore Vinson Class Perry, Kendall, 53, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away on Oct. 30, 2023. He worked as a State Assistant Administrator, dedicating his time and skills to public service.
