Cooley Law School Benchmark Magazine - December 2023 by Cooley Law School

Benchmark COOLEY LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

CURRICULUM CHANGE Five New Goals

DEAN’S FELLOWS PROGRAM A

COOLEY LAW SCHOOL ALUMNI MAGAZINE | WINTER 2023

Letter from the

President and Dean Benchmark EDITOR Terry Carella ADVANCEMENT AND ALUMNI RELATIONS Bill Arnold CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Terry Carella, Bill Arnold, Seyferth PR DESIGN Image Creative Group PHOTOGRAPHY Terry Carella, Tom Gennara Photography 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. 2916 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.

Dear Friends, It has been another incredible year at Cooley Law School. In addition to welcoming new students in January and September and celebrating achievements at graduation ceremonies in May and December, this year will be remembered for some important innovations. The faculty completed their nearly year-long review of the school curriculum and adopted an updated curriculum that was launched with this fall’s entering class. This historic effort was the first time in more than a decade that the faculty engaged in a comprehensive assessment of the curriculum. The result, after much work, is a new curriculum grounded in our legacy of training practice-ready lawyers while supporting our access mission. Following best practices for education, our updated curriculum provides our students more and earlier opportunities to take elective courses and to participate in experiential learning. We also celebrated the school’s 50th anniversary with a gala and reunion weekend in June. I was thrilled to welcome back members of the first three graduating classes and enjoyed hearing their stories and watching them reminisce with classmates and former faculty. Alumni from each of the school’s five decades, along with current and former faculty and staff members, made the gala event an occasion none will soon forget. This year also found us engaged in a rebranding process to ensure that we are accurately and effectively communicating the hallmarks of a Cooley Law School education in the everchanging landscape of legal education and the legal profession. We are nearing completion of the fourphase process and look forward to applying the results in the new year. Our faculty has also been hard at work employing empirically proven, research-based teaching and learning methods to enhance our students’ ability to engage, comprehend, and retain course content for the long term. Wishing you a happy holiday season as you explore this issue of Benchmark Magazine.

James McGrath Professor, President and Dean

COOLEY BOARD OF DIRECTORS HON. LOUISE ALDERSON Chair, Board of Directors Ret. Judge, 54-A District Court Lansing, Michigan MUSTAFA AMEEN Law Office of Ameen & Shafii Tampa, Florida AARON V. BURRELL Dickinson Wright PLLC Detroit, Michigan CHRISTINA L. CORL Plunkett Cooney Columbus, Ohio

THOMAS W. CRANMER Miller Canfield Troy, Michigan JOHN M. DUNN President Emeritus of Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, Michigan HON. MICHAEL P. HATTY 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

Contents Features Winter 2023

2 10 12 16

NEW CURRICULUM Cooley Law School took a deep dive into our curriculum to make sure we are using the most innovative and sciencebacked teaching methods and learning techniques for students. The Curriculum Committee and faculty made the decision to overhaul the entire curriculum.

MARC AND COURTNEY YONKER Having his daughter Courtney attend the same law school as he did was a dream come true, according to Cooley graduate Marc Yonker, partner with Winters and Yonker in Tampa, Florida.

JUDGE AND PROFESSOR DOTSON Judge Kellen Dotson celebrated his investiture to the 61st District Court in Grand Rapids this fall, along with his father, Cooley Professor Mark Dotson, who got to place the judge’s robe on his son during the event.

REBRAND Last summer the Law School launched a comprehensive rebranding process. The undertaking not only marks a fresh visual identity, but also reflects our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and the evolving needs of our students and the legal profession.

The Beginning of a NEW CURRICULUM

PRESIDENT AND DEAN JAMES McGRATH

ASSOCIATE DEAN OF ACADEMICS TONYA KRAUSE-PHELAN

ASSISTANT DEAN OF ADMISSIONS DANIELLE HALL

This fall marks the beginning of a new curriculum at Cooley Law School. Under the guidance of President and Dean James McGrath, the curricular review began by dividing the law school’s faculty into three groups to brainstorm ideas. After months of discussion, the Academic Policy and Curriculum Committee (AP&CC) and then Chair Linda Kisabeth formed a task force to develop the new curriculum, which included Tonya Krause-Phelan, Mark Cooney, David Finnegan, Amy Timmer, Paul Zelenski, Karen Poole, Danielle Hall, and Chris Church. Upon deliberation and studying internal data, the task force developed a list of goals the new curriculum should accomplish:

Reduce the number of required courses

Increase student autonomy and introduce electives earlier in the curriculum

Decrease the number of scheduling options, while still offering flexible scheduling

Highlight modern legal education and provide learning opportunities in a way to promote student learning

Modernize the current course catalog

These suggestions were pitched to the AP&CC, and after multiple meetings and numerous drafts, a new curriculum was approved by Cooley faculty and was implemented in fall 2023.

working remotely, participating in externships or clinical work, or taking the summer off and getting a paid job. There’s a lot of flexibility in that final year so that they can finish remotely in the area that they want to practice.”

that’s something that we’ve always taken pride in. It allows us to continue our mission of preparing students for the practice of law.”

term. More students will now “If students stay on track, have the opportunity to do a complete their required classes, clerkship, an externship, and really look at their curriculum, other opportunities. This is and work with our advising staff a great opportunity for our to make sure they’re on track, students because, not only are they can get those 45 credits they enhancing their ability to of in-person instruction and acquire the skills they need then hit the ground running,” to practice in those areas, said Hall. “That will open up but they’re also providing a opportunities for students, like service to the community, and

“The really important thing is we want to make sure our new curriculum not only meets the challenges of today, but is flexible enough to change as the law continues to change.”

so students are getting legal writing training throughout their education. Legal writing is probably the most important course you’re going to take in law school and now we’ve added extra courses in legal writing to make sure that our graduates get out there and they’re practice ready.”

With the new curriculum change, a few courses are shifting to meeting twice a “Our faculty has been working Increasing student autonomy week for shorter periods of really hard, and we’ve done a and flexibility not only includes time rather than once a week. lot of research to make sure reducing the number of required This allows for shorter bursts of One of the major changes to that what we’re giving the Cooley’s curriculum courses, but it also introduces learning and a brief interlude electives earlier in the is reducing the before the next class period. number of required curriculum and features courses This supports professors when courses, which will focused on “modern” areas of incorporating science-backed law, such as the Art of Legal provide students teaching methodologies that Storytelling and Introduction the opportunity improve student learning. to Recycling Law. Additionally, Students can enjoy having more to complete their extra legal writing courses have on-campus time outside the required classes been added starting in the first classroom, which provides even within a few semester, which will ensure that more access and opportunity semesters. This will allow students students get consistent legal for one-on-one conversations writing training throughout their with peers, Dean’s Fellows or to take more specialized courses education. faculty members. that they may have According to Krause-Phelan, McGrath is excited and an interest in or faculty wanted to offer the most optimistic that the changes to feature skills they current, up-to-date, topical Cooley’s curriculum will have want to build, and PROFESSOR MARK COONEY classes that are going to put a lasting, positive impact on possibly finish their classes students is what they need,” graduates in a competitive faculty and students alike. said McGrath. “Number one, to remotely. Assistant Dean of position for the legal profession He believes that newfound become great lawyers. Number Admissions, Financial Aid, and they’re entering. autonomy and flexibility with Registrar Danielle Hall believes two, to do well on the bar students’ schedules will make this change will provide exam. And number three, to “We’ve intentionally structured Cooley the perfect school for be lifetime learners, so that in students with new flexibility the new curriculum to provide prospective lawyers trying to the future as new things arise, when planning out their law experiential learning find the right school for them. school career. they’re going to be ready. opportunities in the summer “And nothing says practice ready like being able to write well. Cooley has always put a lot of resources into making sure our graduates are well trained in legal writing, and we’ve just doubled down on that by moving legal writing into the first semester and having consecutive courses

Scan the QR code to view a video about the new curriculem.

“We’ve intentionally structured the new curriculum to provide experiential learning opportunities in the summer term.” TONYA KRAUSE-PHELAN

am a firm believer in the power and DEAN’S “Ivalue of peer education. The best part FELLOWS about being a peer educator is that while others to reach their full potential, PROGRAM helping the peer educator also improves their own learning.”

PRESIDENT & DEAN JAMES MCGRATH

ADRIANA BURGA

KYNDAL MIDKIFF

COLBY WERON

THOMAS GILDNER

COURTNEY YONKER

KRISTINA WILLIAMS

SARAH TANNER

CARTER LEWIS

NORELLE MIRANDA

FRANCESCA CAMACHO

MYA HURWITZ

JACOB GOSS

Cooley Law School has always placed great importance on academic support for student success. President and Dean James McGrath has been instrumental in transforming the Academic Resource Center (ARC) at Cooley into a place that reflects innovations in learning. One of President McGrath’s primary goals in his vision for Cooley’s future was to develop and implement a peer-to-peer mentoring program that utilized scientifically backed learning and teaching methods. That vision has resulted in the Dean’s Fellows program. The impact of the Dean’s Fellows program was immediate. There are now close to 30 Dean’s Fellows who come from diverse backgrounds and assist their colleagues in-person and online. They improve student learning and academic success by focusing on skills instruction for multiple-choice, essay, and synthesis. In addition to one-on-one and group meetings, the Dean’s Fellows collaborate with other organizations to hold weekly study halls. All students are welcome to attend the weekly study sessions to work on skills building while learning about student groups, alumni events, and external legal organizations. Because the Dean’s Fellows program is student led, not only has it caused a shift in academic-support initiatives, it has also cultivated greater growth in the Cooley community. Tampa Bay Dean’s Fellow Kyndal Midkiff stated, “The program’s approach fosters academic success, reinforces the importance of a support system, and cultivates a dynamic learning environment.”

Lansing Dean’s Fellow Norelle Miranda expressed a similar sentiment stating, “The program helps build community on campus and allows me and my fellow students to master legal concepts because of the use of active learning and teaching techniques.” Director of the Lansing Academic Resource Center Christi Henke and Associate Professor and Director of Academic Support Services Matt Marin oversee the Dean’s Fellows and other academic-support programming. Both are proud graduates of Cooley Law School and they share a commitment Christi Henke to see all students who matriculate at Cooley succeed in their studies and ultimately in practice. For additional information on individual Dean’s Fellows, visit the Cooley Law School Blog.

Matt Marin

Cooley Society The Thomas M. Cooley Society is comprised of individuals and organizations who demonstrate significant philanthropic support for Cooley Law School. The Society was established to recognize their profound commitment to advancing the school’s mission to prepare and inspire students to become lifelong learners and

agents of positive change in their communities and the legal profession. Through their generosity, members of the Cooley Society have fueled the law school’s continued success and ongoing commitment to providing broad access to a legal education to diverse individuals. Cooley Law School is

incredibly grateful for the generosity and support of each and every member of the Thomas M. Cooley Society. To date, these individuals and organizations have collectively provided a total of $11.6 million in philanthropic support for the law school. Membership in the Cooley Society is open and ongoing.

Each year, we welcome and recognize new members to the Society by virtue of their total giving to the school exceeding $2,500. In addition, we also annually recognize those who advance to a new level in the Society as a result of their generous ongoing support for the school during the previous fiscal year.

We are pleased to recognize the following individuals: NEWEST MEMBERS ADVANCED TO NEW LEVEL 21ST CENTURY ($2,500+)

CORNER STONE ($5,000+)

PILLAR ($10,000+)

Deborah K. Spitale Richard D. Smith Fr. Fernando Heria John and Linda Dunn

Eric and Tobi Breisach Robert Hahn Jonathan I. Knight Dianne and Lawrence Nicolette Thomas and Maureen Paciorkowski Brian L. Petrequin Stuart Altman Mitchell and Amelia Zajac

Tracy Brame James G. Hurley, Jr. Hon. Bart T. and Laurie Stupak Edward D. Knight, III TEMPLE ($25,000+) Hon. James L. Pfeiffer Paul and Lynne Zelenski

Scan the QR code for all Cooley Society members or visit cooley.edu/giving/ cooley-society-roster. To discuss becoming a member of the Cooley Society, please email advancement@cooley.edu or call 800-243-2586. 6

A ONCE IN A LIFETIME CELEBRATION Thank you to all who attended the 50th Anniversary Gala! The presence of students and alumni, as well as current and former faculty and staff, all spanning Cooley’s five decades, helped to make the occasion so special and memorable. If a picture is worth a thousand words, enjoy some of the wonderful photos from the event on this page of Benchmark Magazine.

Annual Giving 2022-2023 Each year, Cooley Law School relies on the generosity of alumni and friends of the law school to provide critically important resources that help support the law school’s work of preparing students to become future leaders in the legal profession. Gifts to the annual giving campaign impact nearly every facet of the student experience at Cooley. From scholarships and clinics to the Brennan Library and the Academic Resource Center, the generous gifts received from alumni and friends each year help to cover the costs of these programs and services enabling the school to keep increases to tuition and fees to a minimum. In 2022-2023, donors helped make the 50th-anniversary annual giving campaign a success. Displayed here is a representation of the generosity exhibited by members of the Cooley Law School community over the past fiscal year. 2022-2023 Snapshot

1,192

GIFTS RECEIVED

491

TOTAL DONORS

$208

AVERAGE GIFT

135

FIRST-TIME DONORS

$240,998 TOTAL GIFTS

Top Five Areas of Support

WHERE THE NEED IS GREATEST

INNOCENCE PROJECT

COOLEY CLASSIC GOLF BENEFIT

SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Top 10 in School History

FIRST-TIME DONORS

GIFTS RECEIVED IN A FISCAL YEAR

For a list of all the donors who made a gift as part of the 50th-anniversary annual giving campaign visit cooley.edu/alumni/ annual-giving or simply scan the QR code.

STUDENT BAR PREPARATION

HON. JAMES L. PFEIFFER, MILES CLASS, 1986 BEN FRANKLIN BRIDGE CONNECTING PHILADELPHIA AND CAMDEN, NJ.

HON. JAMES L. PFEIFFER

Scholarship The high expectations established by Cooley Law School faculty helped prepare the Hon. James L. Pfeiffer (Miles Class, 1986) in ways that he only truly began to appreciate once he started practicing law. The Warren County Prosecutor in New Jersey and former New Jersey Superior Court judge has chosen to give back to his law school alma mater with a new scholarship for students. The Hon. James L. Pfeiffer Scholarship, established in 2023, is awarded annually to a Cooley student from New Jersey or Northampton and Lehigh counties in Pennsylvania who has completed at least 18 credit hours and is in good academic standing. “There were two primary reasons I decided to establish a scholarship at Cooley: As a proud, lifelong resident of New Jersey/Eastern Pennsylvania, I wanted to help Cooley recruit more students from this part of the country and I wanted to make sure financial need didn’t prevent those students from graduating,” said

Pfeiffer. “The world continues to need lawyers who are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring every person receives equal protection under those laws. As I continue to enjoy a successful and fulfilling career, I believe it is only fitting that I give back to Cooley Law School to help others, regardless of their background, to have the same opportunity I received.” Throughout his legal career, Pfeiffer has served a variety of roles, including 30 years in private practice, two years as New Jersey Superior Court judge, and four years in his current role as Warren County prosecutor. He is

the first Cooley alumni to be appointed as a superior court judge and as a county prosecutor in New Jersey. Additionally, Pfeiffer founded and led two general practice law firms based in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, and Easton, Pennsylvania, which handled personal injury matters, sexual/racial discrimination cases, complex civil litigation, criminal defense, municipal law, and estate planning, among other areas of practice. He also served as a civil and criminal defense attorney, as well as a municipal attorney in Warren County, New Jersey.

“Along the way, I have been able to assist hundreds of people and make a positive impact on my community,” Pfeiffer said.

“This is only possible because of the opportunity I had to attend Cooley and the quality of the preparation I received as a student. I am so grateful for the opportunity Cooley provided me.”

MARC YONKER, OSTRANDER CLASS, 1994 AND COURTNEY YONKER, COOLEY DEAN’S FELLOW

Marc and Courtney Yonker Now, the Dean’s Fellow is set to graduate from Cooley Law School in April 2024 – the same law school her father, Marc Yonker (Ostrander Class, 1994) graduated from 30 years ago.

Cooley Law School student Courtney Yonker didn’t set out to follow in her father’s footsteps in law. Rather, she aspired to be a nurse or work in the medical field in some capacity like her mother. But after taking a pre-law class in college and spending a couple summers working at her father’s personal injury law firm in Tampa, Florida, she was hooked.

“I just had to be honest with myself,” said Courtney. “This is what I really want to do.” “I was thrilled,” Marc said about his daughter wanting to go to Cooley Law School. “I think once she got here and worked at the firm, she got hooked and there was no more interest in the medical field – it was, ‘I’m going to be a lawyer.’”

FATHER-DAUGHTER PAVE THEIR OWN PATHS TO LAW SCHOOL Growing up in Easton, Pennsylvania, Marc Yonker had dreamt of becoming a lawyer since he was a child. He looked up to his father’s best friend, a successful personal injury lawyer, and was impressed with his intelligence and highly regarded kindness toward others. Upon attending the University of Tampa and the University of South Florida, graduating with a business major in economics, Marc decided to pursue his dream of becoming a lawyer, and applied to Cooley Law School, which only had the Lansing campus at the time. “I always had it in the back of my mind that I’d like to be a lawyer

and it just never left,” he said. “It was a very good experience. I have great memories of Cooley. You feel like a law student there and learn how to become a lawyer – learning how to think like a lawyer and talk like a lawyer. It was a lot of work, but it was fun.” For Courtney, it was the complete opposite. She wanted nothing to do with law and pursued a major in biology with plans to go on to medical school. “I wanted to do something different,” Courtney said. While silently hoping his daughter would go into law, Marc remained supportive of Courtney’s path beyond college and encouraged her to figure out her own career path. “With my kids, the second I tell them I really want them to go to law school to become a lawyer, that’s when they decide they’re not going to be a lawyer,” said Marc. “I just tell them I’m proud of them, and then I let it go.” Soon enough, Courtney discovered what her dad knew all along: She was meant to be a lawyer. “I asked myself, ‘What am I doing?’ This is what I love,” Courtney said of the law. “I took a pre-law class because I had an extra elective, and I said, ‘Courtney, you’re fooling yourself. This is what you want to do, this is what you’ve been around forever.’ I came full circle.” After graduating from the University of Tampa with a business management degree in 2021, Courtney enrolled at Cooley Law School’s Tampa Bay campus. She is a Dean’s Fellow in the law school’s

Academic Resource Center (ARC), mentoring law students with their academic skills, essay writing, mind mapping, outlining, and teaching mental strength to keep going. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made,” Courtney said of enrolling at Cooley. “I love Cooley. I think they’ve given me the best experiences – in terms of studies, practical experience, and peer-to-peer learning. They’ve given me a lot of leadership opportunities. I would do it all over again and I’d pick Cooley every time.” Marc was ecstatic when Courtney shared with him that she wanted to go to Cooley. He told her about his experiences at Cooley, how hard law school was for him, and how hard he had to study. “One thing that Cooley does really well is they prepare their students for the practice of law so when you get out, you have the work ethic to practice law,” he said. “If you don’t hustle, and you don’t study hard, you go home. The embarrassment of having to go home and not being a lawyer really inspired me to study hard and not be that person. “I thought I studied hard until I saw Courtney and how much she studies – and how much she prepares,” Marc added. “I am so proud of Courtney and her drive to be a Dean’s Fellow. Courtney has always had very good people skills and a desire to teach. It really is a great match for Courtney to be a Dean’s Fellow.”

FUTURE FATHER-DAUGHTER LEGAL DUO Before opening his own law firm, Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, with partner Bill Winters in 2001, Marc served as general counsel for RC&A, a telecommunications company, and then became a personal injury lawyer at Mulholland & Assoc. in Tampa. Courtney joined her father at Winters & Yonker for a few summers while in college, working on complaint and discovery drafts and assisting attorneys with additional case work.

“It was great having her here,” said Marc. “Courtney is a very social person and has a lot of energy. She hit the ground running. I think she had a lot of fun when she worked here – there’s a lot of action and Courtney was right in the middle of that.” Now that Courtney has her sights on graduation and the bar exam, her goal is to return to her father’s firm, this time as a practicing attorney. “Hopefully they hire me,” joked Courtney. “I think it would be cool to bring my own area, my own style into the firm. Possibly do something a little bit different in the firm so I can have my own identity, but still be with my dad and the amazing employees he has here.” “Hopefully no one steals her away and she comes back,” Marc laughed. “Having Courtney attend the same law school as I did is a dream come true. To see her flourish really makes me a proud dad. Courtney has come such a long way from the beginning of law school to now. She really found her way. Cooley has made her law school experience a very positive one and one that makes her look forward to being a successful lawyer.” The father-daughter duo’s passion for the law seems to be rubbing off on the Yonker family as Marc and wife, Joell’s middle child, Carson, a senior at the University of Tampa, recently applied to Cooley. “Cooley Law School may have another Yonker very soon,” smiled Marc. (continued)

KELLEN DOTSON, DUVALL CLASS, 2014

Judge Dotson Kellen Dotson (Duvall Class, 2014) learned that he would become Judge Dotson on July 7, 2023, through an appointment by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Judge Dotson celebrated his investiture to the 61st District Court in Grand Rapids on September 26. Following the ceremony, which was attended not only by his traditional family members, but also those he calls his Cooley family members, Judge Dotson said, “It was an extremely proud and humbling moment to have so many of my Cooley Law family from near and far attend my investiture to celebrate this accomplishment, especially my father – a Cooley graduate himself, who placed the judge’s robe on me during the event. My parents have always been there to support me in my law career, and I deeply appreciate everything they have taught me along the way.” Judge Dotson is the son of Cooley Professor Mark Dotson (Douglas Class, 1990). Even after placing the robe upon his son, Professor Dotson shared that there was yet another special Cooley moment in the bond between father son.

“One of the most gratifying moments of my life was being allowed to hand Kellen his diploma during graduation from Cooley.” Professor Dotson was given the opportunity to sneak up on stage to present his son with his diploma. “When I was handing him the diploma, I hugged him. Then as I walked away, I remember Associate Dean John Nussbaumer whispering to me, ‘I just saw a whole lot of love,’” said Professor Dotson. Judge Dotson also remembers that special graduation moment. “He handed me my diploma. I never saw his eyes that wide before.” Judge Dotson speaks fondly of the bond he and his father have. “Dad has always challenged me to make myself a better individual. Pops is a wonderful role model and to have him say he’s proud of me means a lot.”

“There are so many things I love about teaching,” said Professor Dotson. “I love being required to command knowledge of the materials I am teaching; I love bringing practical aspects to the classroom; and most importantly, I love helping to develop the minds of the intellectually curious.” PROFESSOR MARK DOTSON program as a full-time law student, while continuing to work full time during the day. Upon graduating from Cooley, Professor Dotson began focusing on his new career in law. With offers from all over the country, he accepted a position with the Milwaukee office of Quarles & Brady LLP. Though both Dotson men attended Cooley and have deep ties to the law school, each has taken a different path to their respective careers – one as professor and the other as judge. The son of an autoworker and a math teacher, Professor Dotson grew up in Flint with his two brothers. He attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a degree in Pharmacy. After working for 10 years as a pharmacist for Meijer and in pharmaceutical sales for Abbott Laboratories and GlaxoSmithKline, Professor Dotson made the decision to change career paths and entered law school. He attended Cooley’s evening

“I had the opportunity to practice with the firm’s medical malpractice and products liability team,” said Professor Dotson. “And as part of the firm’s commitment to pro bono service, I worked in the Milwaukee Prosecutor’s office in a program that would give me experience in litigation.” After six years in practice, Professor Dotson was approached about applying for a teaching position with Cooley Law School. “I went through the process and was offered the position,” said Professor Dotson. “I spoke with my colleagues and the money-driven folks told me it wasn’t a good choice, while the family-driven folks

“I scored in the top 10th percentile on the LSAT exam and was eligible at just about any law school, but I only applied to Cooley,” said Professor Dotson. “At the time, Cooley would allow me to work and go to school at the same time. I was convinced that I was going to get a great education. I treated law school like a job which forced me to place a premium on classroom participation.” PROFESSOR MARK DOTSON

told me the quality of life would make the decision a no-brainer. The firm offered me a two-year leave of absence, but after a month or two I knew I probably wouldn’t go back.” Professor Dotson rose through the ranks as visiting, associate and, eventually, tenured professor, teaching classes in Torts, Criminal Procedure, Equity and Remedies, and Business Organizations. One moment that stands out for Professor Dotson, was the day his law student son told him he would be taking his class. “I called the registrar, who hadn’t realized Kellen was my son. Kellen was later notified he couldn’t be in my class,” said Professor Dotson. “However, while Kellen was taking Torts with Professor Nelson Miller, I was asked to guest teach on a certain topic. Guess who in the class raised his hand to ask questions? Yes, my son. I don’t remember what he asked, but I’m sure it was educationally appropriate.” Judge Dotson is quick to say how both of his parents played important roles in his life. After moving to Arizona to live with his mother, he later returned to Michigan to live with his father. “Dad was always a big part of my life,” said Judge Dotson. “I moved back while in high school to be with him. And then I missed mom and moved back to Arizona for my senior year.” His love for both parents influenced his college decisions as well, first attending the University of Arizona, and then returning to Michigan and earning his

(continued)

“I chose Cooley because I saw so many great people who had their law degree from Cooley,” said Judge Dotson. “I would go places with my dad and see people who had Cooley diplomas on their wall, and I knew from the caliber of those individuals Cooley was the right place for me.” JUDGE DOTSON but then it got serious. I wasn’t sure how much he wanted to come back and how serious I should take the possibility that my son could be back. I just didn’t know what would be involved and didn’t know what the process would be like. I was cautiously optimistic.”

undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University. From there he went on to attend Cooley Law School. “I chose Cooley because I saw so many great people who had their law degree from Cooley,” said Judge Dotson. “I would go places with my dad and see people who had Cooley diplomas on their wall, and I knew from the caliber of those individuals Cooley was the right place for me.” Not only is he proud to have attended Cooley, but he notes that the law school’s graduates give the school an excellent reputation. “When we get in the door of large firms, we can show them who we are,” said Judge Dotson. “When firms make hiring decisions based on the law school individuals attend, they are missing out on the super talented individuals Cooley has developed.” After graduating and passing the bar, Judge Dotson became a mediator with the Kent County, Michigan, Friend of the Court. He joined the Kent County Public Defenders Office in 2016 before realizing advocacy work was important to him. “I went to Minneapolis, Minnesota, to do advocacy work as a justice fighter,” said Judge Dotson. “The George Floyd case brought me to Hennepin County. Cases like Breonna Taylor and George Floyd were

becoming continuous; I watched a colleague leave his firm to assist protestors.” While working in Hennepin County at the public defender’s office, Judge Dotson became successful at defending high profile cases. Two such cases included the State of Minnesota v. Jamal L. Smith and the State of Minnesota v. Marco Tulio Rivera Enamorado. Charges were dismissed in the Enamorado case after the county prosecutor admitted to lying to the jury. It was former colleagues back in Kent County who informed Judge Dotson of the pending opening in the 62nd District Court. After consulting with friends and his father, he decided to throw his hat in the ring and applied for the judicial appointment through the Governor’s office. “I thought it was going to be a challenge,” said Professor Dotson of his son’s chances of earning the appointment. “I knew he was well thought of in the community. Several in the legal community kept mentioning they’d like for him to be back. I didn’t know what it meant at first,

Even after the appointment came and Judge Dotson was sworn in, he continues to ride the bus to work. “I ride the bus to work because I want to be accessible to people who look like me and to be an example. It’s important to show other minorities that they, too, have opportunities,” said Judge Dotson. “One day I was a public defender, and now I’m a judge. I need to be aware of how I am being perceived. It challenges me to be a better person. “It is a big responsibility and I have a lot to prove as a young man. I work very hard. I go to work early and leave late,” said Judge Dotson. “As a judge, I’m viewing the criminal justice system from a different seat now. Before, my eyes were on what’s best for my client. Now I take into consideration what is important to the community, the victims, and the defendants. I now have great power and responsibility. I come to work every day ready and focused so I can base decisions on the merits of the case, not what is happening in the moment.”

Joe Kimble, a distinguished professor emeritus, continues to add to his long list of accomplishments—and to bring recognition to the school where he taught for more than 30 years.

Joe Kimble WINS THE STATE BAR’S HIGHEST AWARD AND

REDRAFTS THE MICHIGAN RULES OF EVIDENCE

HUDSON AWARD He recently received a Roberts P. Hudson Award from the State Bar of Michigan. The Hudson Award, which is the State Bar’s highest award, is presented periodically to lawyers for “an unselfish rendering of outstanding and unique service to and on behalf of the State Bar, the legal profession, and the public.” “I’m deeply honored to receive this award, since it recognizes the decades I’ve spent trying to advance the cause of plain legal language—published a few books; taught law students for 30 years; served as drafting consultant on the projects to rewrite the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, and Evidence, and Bankruptcy Procedure, and recently the Michigan Rules of Evidence,” Kimble said during the award ceremony. “But above all, perhaps, the award recognizes my 30-plus years on the Bar Journal’s Publications Committee, and especially the Plain Language column. Next year will be the column’s 40th year. That is just unbelievable, even to me.” Kimble said that legalese not only brings disrespect on the legal profession but also wastes everyone’s time, energy, and money—and is not necessary. He added: “If you learn to write plainly, your readers,

including your clients, will be exceedingly grateful. And you’ll make the world a better place. As the former chief justice said in a 2021 column, ‘Access to justice requires plain language.’ Almost 40 years on, the column is still committed to these ends.”

MICHIGAN RULES OF EVIDENCE In November 2021, Professor Kimble was invited by the Michigan Supreme Court to be the style consultant—the drafting consultant—on the project to redraft the Michigan Rules of Evidence. The project’s goal was to conform the Michigan rules stylistically to the Federal Rules of Evidence, for which he also served as the drafting consultant. The federal rules took effect in 2011.

Professor Kimble prepared the first draft of all the Michigan rules for review by the Committee that the Supreme Court appointed to work on the project. After a year’s work, the revised rules were submitted to the Supreme Court. They were then published for comment (with some minor changes). No objections or concerns were raised by members of the bar, and the Court approved the rules in September. Professor Kimble wrote about the restyled rules, with side-by-side before-and-after examples, in the Plain Language column in the April 2023 Michigan Bar Journal. Incidentally, Professor Kimble also served as a drafting consultant on the project to completely restyle the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. That work, which began in early 2018, was approved by the Standing Committee on Federal Rules in June. The rules go next to the Judicial Conference of the United States, then to the Supreme Court of the United States, and then to Congress. Barring some unforeseen hitch, they should take effect in December 2024.

Rebranding UNVEILING THE

OF COOLEY LAW SCHOOL

In the dynamic landscape of legal education, adaptability is key to ensuring relevance and staying ahead of the curve. Early last summer the Law School launched a comprehensive rebranding process, a transformative milestone in the history of the School. This undertaking not only marks a fresh visual identity, but also reflects our commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and the evolving needs of our students and the legal profession.

Every journey begins with a catalyst, ours started back in 2019-20 with deep introspection into our mission, vision, values, and the everchanging legal landscape. Recognizing the need to get back to being at the forefront of legal education, we embarked on a journey to redefine our identity, ensuring it resonates with our diverse community and aligns with the progressive nature of the legal field. A successful rebranding process is a collaborative endeavor. Our process has four phases: Phase I: Market Research and Discovery Phase II: Brand Positioning Framework Phase III: Creative Campaign Development Phase IV: Brand Rollout and Implementation

MARKET RESEARCH AND DISCOVERY We engaged with students, prospective students, faculty, alumni, and members of the legal profession through focus groups and surveys. In all, nearly 35,000 surveys were sent to gain insights into their perspectives, experience, and expectations.

BRAND POSITIONING FRAMEWORK Based upon results from the market research phase, we then moved on to the brand positioning framework phase. Red Cactus, our national consulting firm, gleaned several “promise statements” to guide Cooley’s placement in the law school market. From these statements, a brand promise is created to guide the institution moving forward. The promise should be aspirational, realistic, and obtainable. The final touches are being put on Cooley’s brand promise.

CREATIVE CAMPAIGN DEVELOPMENT You have already seen a glimpse of the direction we are taking our new visual identity. The visual identity is more than just a logo; It’s a reflection of our values, aspirations, and commitment to excellence. A careful balance of tradition and modernity, our redesigned emblem incorporates elements that symbolize our rich history while embracing the future. The color palette, typography, and imagery were meticulously chosen to convey professionalism, inclusivity, and dynamism.

By now you probably have already seen what is called a “wordmark” which is a placeholder for our final logo. The final logo will be a part of a larger unveiling of the new brand which may also include an icon. The leadership team was very pleased with how the lead designer explained the rationale for putting this logo together. We asked the designer to start with blue to hold on to the tradition of the “Cooley Blue” used since our founding. The font Cormorant Unicase was selected for its unique combination of classically elegant lines combined with a ‘dare to be different’ mix of upper and lower case that blends the gravity of law with creative expression. The two-tone blue color palette is reflective of the two school locations: deep lake blue for Michigan, and bright blue-green for the ocean and Florida.

BRAND ROLLOUT AND IMPLEMENTATION Rebranding isn’t solely about aesthetics; It’s about creating an enhanced experience for our students, alumni, and friends. We will be redesigning our website and updating communication materials. These changes aim to streamline information, making it easily accessible to our students, prospective candidates and the public. As we unveil our new identity, we look forward to the future with optimism and determination. This rebranding is more than a change in appearance; It is a declaration of our commitment to an evolving legal landscape, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation of legal professionals. As we step into this new chapter, we invite our community to embrace the change, celebrate our shared values, and continue shaping the future of law together.

The combined look is both traditional and fresh, putting emphasis on “Cooley” as well as the importance of the two locations.

CLINICS GIVE COOLEY STUDENTS

Experiential Learning As part of Cooley Law School’s curriculum, all law students must participate in a clinic – essentially, an internal law firm of students who do pro bono work under an experienced faculty member’s supervision. In lieu of an in-house clinic experience, students can choose to participate in an externship with a practicing attorney or judge. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL OFFERS FOUR CLINICAL EXPERIENCES FOR STUDENTS. The Cooley Innocence Project has the dual mission to identify, provide legal assistance to, and secure the release of persons who are wrongfully imprisoned for crimes they did not commit, and to provide its students with an excellent learning experience. The clinic accepts cases where DNA or other forensic evidence may establish innocence. Students participating in the Sixty Plus, Inc. Elderlaw Clinic interview and counsel clients, and draft wills, powers of attorney, and medical directives for the client. The Debt Relief Clinic provides debtrelated legal assistance on issues arising from past-due medical/hospital bills, loans, predatory lending, and unfair/ 18

abusive collections practices for underserved individuals in Hillsborough County, Florida. Students have an opportunity to represent clients in transactional matters, alternative dispute resolution, and pre-litigation resolution, all under the supervision of practicing attorneys. The Public Defender Clinic allows students the opportunity to work on a variety of criminal cases (misdemeanors and felonies) in Washtenaw County, Michigan District and Circuit Courts and juvenile cases (delinquency, abuse, and neglect) in Washtenaw County Probate Court.

CLINIC NEWS: THE COOLEY INNOCENCE PROJECT On Nov. 9, after serving 35 years for a crime he did not commit, Louis Wright was exonerated when Calhoun County, Michigan, Circuit Court Judge Sarah

Lincoln set aside his conviction for criminal sexual conduct and breaking and entering. Through its collaboration with the Attorney General’s Conviction Integrity Unit, the Cooley Innocence Project was able to obtain DNA testing of evidence collected during the original investigation. DNA testing established that Wright was not the perpetrator of the 1988 crime, in which a man broke into a home and sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl. Mr. Wright quickly became a suspect when an off-duty Albion police officer reported seeing Mr. Wright in the neighborhood five hours before the offense. Within 24 hours, Mr. Wright was taken into custody and the police reported that Mr. Wright confessed to the crime. Mr. Wright’s interview was not recorded, nor did he write or sign a confession. The recent DNA testing established that a man other than Wright is the perpetrator. The Calhoun County Prosecutor has committed to reopening the investigation and determining the identity of the true perpetrator. In a statement released following Wright’s exoneration, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said:

“I commend the attorneys and investigators in my office, the local agencies, and the Cooley Law School Innocence Project for their hard work.”

began in August and have continued throughout the remainder of 2023.

The Cooley Law School Innocence Project is part of the Innocence Network, which has been credited with the release of over 375 wrongfully accused prisoners through the use of DNA testing. The Cooley Innocence Project has screened over 6,000 cases, and, including Wright’s case, is responsible for the exoneration of nine men: Kenneth Wyniemko (2003), Nathaniel Hatchett (2008), Donya Davis (2014) LeDura Watkins (2017), Kenneth Nixon (2021), Gilbert Poole (2021), Corey McCall (2021), and George DeJesus (2022). The Cooley Innocence Project also supported the exonerations of Ramon Ward, Lacino Hamilton, and Terance Calhoun by contributing its DNA expertise and grant resources to obtain testing.

Cooley student attorneys who are accepted to work in the Sixty Plus clinic, interview, counsel, represent, and draft estate planning documents for clients age 60 and older. They are closely supervised by the clinic faculty and proceed on behalf of clients drafting a variety of estate planning documents, including wills, power of attorney for health care, durable power of attorney for finances, and enhanced life estate deeds.

The free seminars provide opportunities for attendees to learn and discuss how to navigate probate court, plan for future needs, and protect their property for their family in the future.

During a recent media briefing, Ingham County Treasurer Alan Fox said that often individuals build wealth through homeownership, which leads to intergenerational wealth. He noted that often properties end up in foreclosure because homeowners have not put an estate plan in place. “None of us think we’re going to die and we all think we’ll put our estate planning needs off until a later date,” said Fox. “It is something that’s a critical problem in a lot of foreclosures and this is why our office, in cooperation with the probate court, the registered deeds office, and Cooley’s Elderlaw Clinic, has put together a program that is aimed at getting people to take care of these sorts of issues.”

(From left) Darlene Hall (Wright’s sister), and Louis Wright

THE SIXTY PLUS, INC., ESTATE PLANNING CLINIC Cooley Law School’s Sixty Plus, Inc. Elderlaw Clinic, an estate planning clinic, has been partnering with the Ingham County Treasurer, Ingham County Probate Court, and Ingham County Register of Deeds to host estate planning seminars throughout the county. The seminars

(From left) Ingham County Treasurer Alan Fox, Sixty Plus Inc. Director Professor Dustin Foster, The Hon. Shauna Dunnings, and Ingham County Register of Deeds Derrick Quinney

PUBLIC DEFENDER CLINIC Over the past decade, more than 60 Cooley Law School students have participated in providing indigent defense through the Washtenaw County Office of the Public Defender. Many of the law students who have participated in the clinic made careers with public defender offices throughout the United States, some of whom have led these offices or have become judges. In addition to the work with the Washtenaw County Office of the Public Defender, the Public Defender Clinic works with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission to implement constitutional standards for representing indigent defendants. The Washtenaw County Defender Office, like many offices across Michigan, receives grant funding through MIDC to support their work and improve services to indigent Michigan citizens.

DEBT RELIEF CLINIC For the past year, 26 Tampa Debt Relief Clinic law students expended more than 3,500 hours of pro bono representation under the supervision of Clinic Director Victor Veschio in providing interviewing, counseling, and negotiating on behalf of its underrepresented consumers in the Tampa Bay area. The students successfully filed and completed 10 Chapter 7 bankruptcy cases in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida, where they were responsible for completing the bankruptcy schedules and attending the 341 Meeting of Creditors on behalf of clients under the Director’s supervision. The award-winning pro bono Debt Relief Clinic provides free legal services and legal counseling to those within the Tampa Bay Victor Veschio area who are suffering from financial distress and are within 175% of the federal poverty level, elderly, disabled and on fixed incomes.

Honors Convocation the Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award was presented to Steven Jimenez, and the Leadership Achievement Award was presented to Brianna Allen.

Cooley Law School held convocations at its Lansing and Tampa Bay campuses honoring students who will be graduating following the summer and fall terms.

Melissa Bianchi (L) and Zhanna Mendolia (R)

SUMMER TERM During the summer term, the Alumni Distinguished Student Award was presented to Melissa Bianchi at the Lansing campus and Zhanna Mendolia of the Tampa Bay campus. Bianchi, who is originally from Midland, Texas, earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University. She served as an associate editor for the Cooley Law Review, treasurer for the Organization of Women Lawyers, and participated in the Sixty Plus, Inc. Elderlaw Clinic. Zhanna Mendolia, who is originally from Stavropol, Russia, has been on the Dean’s List, received a certificate of merit and completed an externship in Family, Estate and Criminal Law. The award is given to selected graduating students based on academic accomplishments, professionalism and ethics, and demonstrated leadership at Cooley.

Alexandra Calzaretta (L) and Christina Sabella (R)

Adam Ostrander (L) and Hanna Murphy (R)

The Leadership Achievement Award, which acknowledges those students who have consistently, comprehensively, and effectively provided leadership in a variety of capacities, was presented to Alexandra Calzaretta of the Lansing campus, and Christina Sabella of the Tampa Bay campus.

Murphy were presented with the Leadership Achievement Award.

Originally from Westminster, Colorado, Calzaretta earned her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University. While at Cooley, she was a member of the Student Bar Association where she served as a senator and member of the executive board. Sabella, who is from Tampa, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. She served as a member of Cooley’s Florida Association for Women Lawyers Student Chapter, Student Bar Association senator, and public relations director for the Student Bar Association.

FALL TERM At the Lansing campus, Adam Ostrander was presented with the Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award. Ostrander and Hannah

Ostrander, who is originally from Marshall, Michigan, earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. He served as editor in chief of the Cooley Law Review, treasurer of Mock Trial, Student Bar Association Senator, and as a member of the Health Law Society and Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society. Ostrander was part of the Moot Court National Team and a Mock Trial competition winner. Originally from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Murphy earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. While at Cooley, she was a member of the Student Bar Association where she served as secretary and as a member of the mentorship program. She also served as president of the Organization of Women Law Students, senator of the American Bar Association Law Student Division, executive publicity editor of Cooley Law Review, and a member of the Health Law Society. At the Tampa Bay campus,

Jimenez, who is originally from Santa Maria, California, earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix. He served as president of the Cooley Military Veterans Law Student Association, and alumni outreach chair of the Mock Trial Board. He is a student member of the American Bar Association and the California Bar Association, and associate member of the Phi Delta Phi Legal Honor Society. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Allen earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. While at Cooley, she served as vice president and public relations director of the Mock Trial Board, secretary of the Moot Court Board, and senator of the Student Bar Association.

Brianna Allen (L) and Steven Jimenez (R)

COOLEY NEWS

Cooley School News Cooley Law School students honored by the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation Three Cooley Law School students were honored by the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Foundation as recipients of WLAM Foundation Awards for Outstanding Law Students in 2023. Each student, who was sponsored by a partnering law firm or corporation, received a $3,500 scholarship: Adriana Burga, sponsored by the Dickinson Wright Women’s Network, received the Dickinson Wright Women’s Network Scholar award for

demonstrated leadership capabilities in advancing the position of women in society, in business, and in the community. Jennel Davoren, sponsored by Women Patent Lawyers, received the Florence King Scholar in Patent Law award for demonstrated leadership capabilities in advancing the position of women in society, including service in such areas as: social justice, equality, family law,

child advocacy, domestic violence, or work on behalf of underserved areas or populations, as well as eligibility to practice and an interest in patent law. Caroline R. Quandt, sponsored by The Dobrusin Law Firm, received the Dobrusin Law Firm Scholar award for demonstrated interest in promoting women in business and female entrepreneurship.

Cooley Law School’s Black Law Students Association hosts Juneteenth Freedom celebration at Tampa Bay campus Cooley Law School’s Black Law Students Association hosted Juneteenth Freedom at the Tampa Bay campus on June 13, featuring Hillsborough County Judge Daryl Manning as the honorary speaker. During the event, Manning spoke about the hard work needed to pass the

bar and how good character and fitness are essential in the practice of law. “Three of the most difficult bar examinations are given in Florida, California and New York,” Manning said during the evening. “You need to work hard if you intend to practice in any state, but especially these three. Good character and fitness are crucial for the practice of law. Don’t spend the time and money to become a lawyer and fail to maintain your license. Honesty and integrity are critical traits for lawyers to possess.”

Manning, a native of Queens, New York, has been a Hillsborough County judge in Tampa since 2015. He presides over a drug court division and a unified family court division. Previously, Manning was a practicing and supervising attorney in the Tampa Office of the Florida Attorney General for 16 years, where he appeared in state and federal trial and appellate courts.

Cooley Law School Professor Michael McDaniel presents key note during Scout Day at the Capitol Nearly 800 Scouts from across the state of Michigan, including the Upper Peninsula, participated in Scout Day at the Capitol on June 15. The keynote was presented by Cooley Law School Professor and Ret. Brig. General Michael C.H. McDaniel, who is an Eagle Scout. During his remarks, McDaniel said that the Scouts were at the Capitol to learn more about the legislative process, and expounded on the Rule of Law, noting that it is not enough to say that no one is above the law. “It is more accurate to say that our laws apply equally to everyone,” said McDaniel. “When we say the law applies equally, we mean that our laws are enforced equally and fairly; we mean that our judges adjudicate the law equally and fairly; because ‘fair and equal under the law’ means that our government can show no favoritism or disregard based on rank, politics, how much money you have, skin color, ethnicity, or religion.”

COOLEY NEWS

Cooley Law School’s Kimble Center for Legal Drafting wins award

69% BENCHMARK ALUMNI MAGAZINE

From left: Cooley Distinguished Professor Emeritus Joseph Kimble and Professor Mark Cooney

Cooley Law School’s Kimble Center for Legal Drafting received a 2023 ClearMark Award in the Legal Documents category. The award recognized the Kimble Center’s “A Durable Power of Attorney for My Finances” form. The win was announced during the Center for Plain Language’s June 22 ClearMark Awards ceremony. The ClearMark Awards recognize the best in plain-language communications from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private companies in North America. The form also earned the WriteMark Plus designation for plain language from Write Limited, a New Zealand consulting organization. The form is screen readable, but you must download the fillable form to fill out and save it. It is available to the public for free on the Center’s website.

Cooley Law School graduates host bar panel discussion at Tampa Bay campus Cooley Law School hosted a Bar Panel Discussion on June 15, featuring five graduates of the law school who recently passed the Florida Bar Exam. During the event, the panelists discussed a variety of topics, including how to study for the exam, prep courses, simulation days, and the value of having a professor mentor to help students prepare for the exam. “The Florida Bar exam is very passable, but requires a dedicated, focused commitment,” said Cooley Law School graduate and panelist Jim Johnson. “Studying for the bar exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Like a marathon, be sure you can go

the distance, and prepare not only for the content, but also simulate and undertake the conditions of the bar exam.” Cooley graduate Karen Smithman advised reviewing hundreds of multiple-choice questions, practicing using a mechanical pencil bubbling in the answer sheet, doing full bar simulations – two back-to-back days of testing, and building up your testing endurance. She encouraged students to use their bar prep program, follow their advice, and visit the Florida Bar website to find, write or issue spot as many essay exams as possible.

One of the most important pieces of advice Smithman shared with the group: “You need a positive mental attitude on exam day. If you walk into the bar exam feeling like you’re going to fail, that mindset will carry through with you for the entire duration of the exam. Walk in there knowing you’ve got this – because you do.”

(From left) Carol Bello, Briana Texter, Margaret Hassan, Jim Johnson, and Karen Smithman.

Cooley Law School launches inclusion and belonging book club with author and Wayne County Circuit Court Administrator Zenell Brown Cooley Law School launched its virtual Inclusion and Belonging Book Club with Wayne County Circuit Court Administrator Zenell Brown, Esq., in honor of her book, “Coffee and Conversations: Inclusion and Belonging,” on June 22. A champion of justice for all through diversity, equity, and inclusion, Brown melds her court leadership, crucial conversation, and dispute resolution skills to build inclusion skills.

Cooley Law hosts Sixth Circuit Court Judge Kwamé Rowe Cooley Law School’s Criminal Law Society and Black Law Student Association joined the Organization of Women Law Students to host an event on July 15, featuring Cooley graduate, the Hon. Kwamé L. Rowe. Judge Rowe, the second African American male to serve on the Sixth Circuit Court bench, spoke about his life’s journey as an attorney and how he came to be the youngest judge in Michigan.

The Hon. Kwamé L. Rowe of Sixth Circuit Court, center, is pictured with members of Cooley Law School’s Criminal Law Society and Black Law Student Association, and the Organization of Women Law Students.

Cooley Law School’s Lansing and Tampa Bay Campuses Having a Ball!

During the event, she gave a firsthand account of how there were times she felt excluded in the workplace and didn’t feel empowered as a Friend of the Court employee due to the culture and the lack of diversity, equity and inclusion training at that time. “Service is not the middle name of the court and it really takes on the perspective of how organizations treat their customers,” said Brown.

(L to R) Ramon Garcia, Alex Siao, Norelle Miranda, Francesca Camacho, and Samantha Hulliberger.

Cooley Law School’s Lansing Student Bar Association hosted its 33rd annual Barristers’ Ball on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at the Eli and Edy Broad Art Museum in East Lansing, Michigan. Nearly 150 law students, faculty, staff, attorneys and business leaders attended the Old Hollywoodthemed formal event. Tampa Bay’s Student Bar Association had a fun-filled evening at Zoo Tampa on Friday, Nov. 10, 2023. The junglethemed event was called A Night on the Serengeti. All funds raised went back to Cooley’s Student Bar Association.

(L to R) Colby Weron, Charles Cardenas, Nelson Scott, Shayla Smith, Jenna Sniffen, Chester Claudon, Jaxon Parker, Megan Jaquiss, Sean Livingston. Front row L to R is Ashley Resto, Gabriella LoGuidice, Danielle Levy, Meagan McClinchey, Safa Kudia, Paola Bruzual Mazzini, Darby Mitkus.

COOLEY NEWS

Cooley Law School’s Health Law Society hosts noted health law practitioner and Cooley graduate Joe Rivet in Lansing On Oct. 2, Cooley Law School Health Law Society hosted an event featuring noted health law practitioner and Cooley Law School graduate, Joe Rivet, at the law school’s Lansing campus. Rivet, founding partner of Rivet Health Law, PLC., in Norton Shores, was joined by his law partner at the firm, Richard Chafee, also a Cooley graduate. During the event, Rivet discussed the many facets of health law and explained that health law affects everyone. He also detailed the intricacies of starting a law practice and the importance of loving your work, adding: “Where you find a problem, bring a solution.” “Joe has helped to shape the careers of many of our students,” said Christi Henke, director of Cooley Law School’s Lansing Academic Resource Center. “He serves as a great role model and mentor. It has been exciting to watch the success of his law firm.” Rivet is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, the State Bar Provider Subcommittee, and reimbursement chair for the Michigan Group Medical Association.

Legislation passed

MIDC Executive Director Kristen Staley speaks with the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs at Cooley’s Lansing Campus.

Cooley Law School hosts Michigan Indigent Defense Commission In partnership with Cooley Law School, the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission (MIDC) and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) met on Oct. 24, for a ceremony hosted on Cooley’s Lansing campus. While the event celebrated the 10-year anniversary of MIDC, LARA Acting Director Marlon Brown also signed into action two additional minimum standards for representing indigent defendants, Standards 6 and 7. Standard 6 limits an individual public defender to 150 felonies or 400 misdemeanor cases per year, so that attorneys have adequate time to prepare and effectively represent each client. Standard 7 establishes a minimum standard of qualifications and review for public defenders consistent with the MIDC Act’s requirement that “defense counsel’s ability, training, and experience match the nature and complexity of the case to which he or she is appointed.” 24

Two Cooley Law School graduates, Denise Sylvester (Sharpe Class, 2008) and State Representative Kara Hope (Swainson Class, 2003), played a major role in Michigan’s recent legislation which places a ban on child marriage. In July and September, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed into law legislation raising the minimum age for marriage to 18 years old. Denise Sylvester (Sharpe Class, 2008), an advocate for women’s rights, is a member and Past President for the Zonta of Roscommon Club and currently serves on Zonta International’s USA Caucus and is the Advocacy Co-Chair for Zonta District 15, which has clubs in Michigan and Ontario, Canada. Sylvester led 550 advocates across 32 clubs in Michigan on this issue since organizing an advocacy day in 2019. She has continued advocacy with the creation of the Michigan Coalition to End Child Marriage championed by Unchained at Last until the law’s passage. Hope, a co-sponsor of the legislation, reintroduced the bill earlier in 2023. She did an op-ed piece that was published in the Detroit Free Press before the reintroduction, for the fourth time, of Senate Bills 209217 and SB 246, along with House Bills 4293-4302.

Cooley graduates, State Representative Kara Hope (wearing pink) and Denise Sylvester (row 2 second from left) were among a group of individuals who joined Gov. Whitmer for the signing of legislation that raised the minimum age for marriage in Michigan to 18 years old.

Cooley Law School Professor Ret. Brig. General Michael C.H. McDaniel shares importance of U.S. Military during Veterans Day event Water and Light workers, we are working best when the public does not think about us and they forget that we are even there, applying essential services,” said McDaniel, who served as Michigan’s first homeland security adviser.

Cooley Law School Professor Ret. Brigadier General Michael C.H. McDaniel spoke to a group of citizens about the importance of the U.S. military during a Veterans Day event hosted by the Lansing Board of Water and Light on Nov. 8. “When you think about Homeland Security or Law Enforcement or Board of

“That is true for the U.S. military worldwide. Hundreds of thousands of service members are in over 80 countries around the world to assure peace, and if not peace, at least stability.” The event focused on the importance of the nation’s military services throughout the years and how veterans are in need of support long after they’ve returned home.

“There are over 2.3 million American veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and at least 20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD and/or depression,” said McDaniel, who detailed national data about veterans suffering from PTSD, substance abuse and suicide.

“Fifty percent of those with PTSD do not seek treatment, and out of the half that seek treatment, only half of them get ‘minimally adequate’ treatment. These statistics are sobering and often ignored.”

State Bar of Michigan Family Law section meets with Cooley Law School students

On Nov. 2, Cooley Law School’s Organization of Women Law Students (OWLS) and the Career and Professional Development office hosted the State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Section (FLS) to discuss various career paths. Panelists included Attorneys Cara Willing of the Law Offices of Griffiths & Willing who chairs the FLS membership education committee; Jordan Ahlers, associate attorney at Speaker Law Firm, PLLC; and Julie Griffiths of the Law Offices of Griffiths & Willing. The panelists shared the broad opportunities available for those interested in practicing family law, including appellate

advocacy, trial court practice, and alternative dispute resolution. Additionally, panelists discussed the value of joining the State Bar sections as a law student. “The State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Section provided Cooley Law School students with great advice, as they learned about future practice areas through mentorship and experience,” said Karen Poole, director of career and professional development at Cooley.

COOLEY NEWS

Cooley Law Review Symposium discusses recent affirmative action decision On Oct. 26, Cooley Law School hosted its annual Law Review Symposium, which featured an indepth look at affirmative action. During the virtual symposium, panelists discussed the current and future consequences of the most recent Supreme Court decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. In their decision, the Supreme Court ruled that affirmative action programs violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment and overruled 45 years of precedent established in prior Supreme Court decisions. The Court’s ruling continues to allow colleges to consider how race has affected a student’s life and their ability to contribute to the educational institution. Panelists for the event, who led a passionate discussion on the topic, included: Cooley Law School Professor and retired Brigadier

General Michael C.H. McDaniel and Loyola University Chicago School of Law Professor Juan Perea. Cooley professor Brendan Beery moderated the panel discussion. “The Supreme Court continues its attack on continuity, stare decisis and its own credibility,” said McDaniel. “In Dobbs, the Court rejected, after 40 years, the right of women in the U.S. to make personal medical decisions. Since the landmark Bakke case in 1977, the Supreme Court has held that diversity of ideas and thought, the championing of debate in the search for both consensus and truth, was a compelling government interest that survived strict judicial scrutiny. Twenty years ago, in Grutter, the Supreme Court affirmed that decision, in a case involving admissions at the University of Michigan law school, noting that diversity does not refer to just racial and ethnic diversity. Perea added: “This symposium provided an excellent forum for discussing the Supreme Court’s most recent decision on affirmative action and its implications for higher education.

Notwithstanding the Court’s decision and rhetoric, there has never been anything wrong with colleges and universities attempting to remedy their histories of race discrimination by including members of groups they previously excluded.”

Cooley Golf Classic raises funds for student scholarships The 32nd annual Cooley Classic Golf Benefit in support of the law school’s Student Scholarship Fund was held on June 20 at Eagle Eye Golf Club in Bath, Michigan. The event had 90 golfers in attendance and raised $3,000 for the scholarship fund. The winning team of the four-person scramble was the DK Security, who finished 15 under par.

Cooley Law School hosts longtime civil rights activist Dr. Jerome Reide during social justice event Cooley Law School hosted civil rights activist Dr. Jerome Reide for the law school’s Social Justice Lunch Hour on June 30. Reide, who serves as the legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, spoke about a variety of topics, including the need for students to become involved in their community and make society a better place. “We need to continue to make our society more inclusive, more diverse. Policy is a pendulum that swings right or left depending upon who’s in the White House, Congress, and on the Supreme Court,” said Reide.

Cooley Law School graduates admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Congrats to our Cooley Law School graduates and faculty who were admitted to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar this fall. The groups were admitted on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31. Each year, the Cooley Law School Alumni Association collaborates with the law school’s Advancement and Alumni Relations Office to host a Supreme Court of the United States group bar admission event. These group admissions take place on a day the Court is hearing oral arguments. Applicants to the bar are presented for admission in the presence of all of the Justices of the Supreme Court, immediately preceding oral arguments. Those admitted then have the option of remaining in the courtroom to listen to oral arguments. If you are interested in participating in a future Supreme Court of the United States group bar admission, please send an email to alumni@cooley.edu.

A long-time civil rights activist, Reide served as the regional field director for the NAACP from 20092020, and was primarily responsible for advocacy management of its Midwestern units.

Admitted 10/30 (from L: Zachary Stempien, Elyse Davidson, Manisha Vadgama, Cooley President & Dean James McGrath, Yolanda Bennett, Jesse Smith, and Kevin Tatroe.

Admitted 10/31 (from L : Amallie DeFonseka, President James McGrath, Professor Jeff Swartz, Associate Dean Tonya Krause-Phelan, Rabih Hamwi, and Joythi Pallapthu.

Faculty Briefs Mark Dotson, Professor Submitted, Fall case and practice update for Stein: Personal Injury Damages: West Publications. https://store.legal.thomsonreuters. com/law-products/Treatises/ Stein-on-Personal-Injury-Damages3d/p/100027595 Submitted, Yearly update for Thomson Reuters, Emotional Injuries: Law and Practice. https:// store.legal.thomsonreuters. com/law-products/Treatises/ Emotional-Injuries-Law-andPractice/p/100029369

Renalia DuBose, Professor Panelist, for the Sarasota Bar Association’s Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education presentation entitled “Navigating the Multi-Generational Law Office” on Oct. 26, 2023. The presentation centered on the complexities involved in “Baby Boomers” mentoring “Millennials” in the practice of law. Positive contributions of Millennials, including knowledge of technology, were highlighted. Emerging nontraditional career choices for law school graduates, such as compliance professions, were featured as alternative careers for young lawyers.

Joseph Kimble Received, a 2023 Roberts P. Hudson Award from the State Bar of Michigan— the highest award that the State Bar confers. It is given for “outstanding and unique service to the Bar.” Professor Kimble has for 35 years been editor of the Plain Language column in the Michigan Bar Journal; has served on the Bar Journal’s Publications Committee for almost all that time; and recently served as the drafting consultant on the project to completely “restyle” (redraft) the Michigan Rules of Evidence to conform them to the restyled Federal Rules of Evidence, for which he was also the drafting consultant. His acceptance remarks are available here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jz5b8Vyl5Ec&t=2s Published, the second edition of his book Writing for Dollars, Writing to Please: The Case for Plain Language in Business, Government, and Law. The book has been described as “a classic in the field.” Among other things, it summarizes 60 case studies showing the extraordinary benefits of using plain language in public communication.

Published, his latest Redlines column in Judicature, the scholarly journal about the judiciary. The column is the second part of a two-part article called “Minimize Prepositional Phrases. Question Every Of.” He has written this column since 2016. Published, an article in the Michigan Bar Journal called “Taking Aim at Multiword Prepositions.” Learned, that the Kimble Center for Legal Drafting (at Cooley) has received a 2003 ClearMark Award from the Center for Plain Language in the legal-documents category. The award is for a Power of Attorney for My Finances, which is available for free download on the Kimble Center’s website. Presented, a session at the annual meeting of the Southeastern Association of Law Schools. He spoke on “Tips for Better Design and Structure in Legal Documents.” Prepared, for the 2023 international conference of the Plain Language Association International, a video inducting the first three persons into the Clarity Plain Language Hall of Fame. Clarity is an international organization promoting plain legal language. Professor Kimble is a former president. Interviewed, by WordRake, an editing-software company, for his views on aspects of plain language and his history with that cause. The interview appeared for International Plain Language Day, Oct. 15. https://www.wordrake.com/blog/aninterview-with-joe-kimble

Learned, in June, that his op-ed in the Michigan Lawyers Weekly— called “Rule of Law Judge? That’s Code for Ideologically Conservative Judging”—was a top-ten download on SSRN’s Law and Rhetoric eJournal. And in July, it was a top-ten download on the Legal Scholarship–Judges ejournal and on the Philosophy Research Network–Legal Theories, Policies & Practices. Attended, by invitation, the fall conference of Michigan’s Appellate Practice Section. The conference program, about the Michigan Supreme Court’s skyrocketing use of dictionaries in deciding cases, was prompted by his article “Dictionary Diving in the Courts: A Shaky Grab for Ordinary Meaning,” published in the Journal of Appellate Practice and Process. The article was cited in a Supreme Court opinion in TruGreen v. Department of Treasury, 989 N.W.2d 234 (2023). Attended, the summer meeting of the Standing Committee on Federal Rules, for which he has been a drafting consultant since 2000. Professor Kimble, along with two other consultants, recently finalized a complete restyling of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy.

Don LeDuc, Professor Compiled, a restructured version of the current Constitution that lends clarity to the document, perhaps as James Madison envisioned. The restructured Constitution is divided into three parts: the first describes the power and limitations of the general government in light of the powers retained by the states; the second describes the three branches of the general government; the third includes the recommendation of the Constitution by the Convention, states the process regarding how the Constitution can be amended, and establishes the manner in which the Constitution will be ratified. Except for minor editing, the words of the original Constitution and its 27 amendments are retained; nothing new is added. The function of this restructuring is to promote understanding, so it includes only limited commentary attributable to the compiler of the restructured version. Other commentary is lengthier, including the replaced language of the Articles of Confederation, quotations from the Federalist papers, some of the ratification debate records, and the resolutions of the ratifying states. Publication is contemplated.

Joseline Hardrick, Associate Professor Published, Using Positive Psychology Principles to Assist Black Students Succeed in Law School, Southern Journal of Policy and Justice, Volume XVII, 17 S. J. Pol’y & Just. 39, Spring, 2023. Published, From Immunity to Impunity: The Need for Reform of the Qualified Immunity Doctrine Midwest Journal of Law and Policy, Joseline Jean-Louis Hardrick, Esq., Rashaad Perry-Patterson, Midwest Journal of Law & Policy, Volume III, 3 M.W.J. Law & Pol’y 2, Spring 2023. My nonprofit Journey to Esquire also celebrated its Fifth Anniversary recently with a “Brunch & Bubbly Event” with the theme “Five and Further...The Journey Continues.” The events were at the Chester Ferguson Law Center, downtown Tampa, and attended by judges, lawyers, students, and leaders within the Florida community.

Matthew Marin, Associate Professor Appointed, to the Michigan Bar Journal Advisory Committee for 2023-2024. Published, “Memory: The Past, Present & Future of Law School Exams,” in 38 W. Mich. U. T.M. Cooley L. Rev. 29, 2023. Published, “Etiquette Tips for Law Students Internships, Networking, and Social Events,” in the ABA Student Lawyer, July 18, 2023. Wrote, a book review for Veronica White’s “Michigan Family Law: An Insider’s Map of the Minefield,” in the Michigan Bar Journal, August 2023.

Accepted, for publication in the Florida Association of Women Lawyers FAWL Journal Spring 2024 titled “Fix Another Woman’s Crown - The Case for the CROWN Act in Florida.”

Class Notes 1976

1991

1994

1999

2004

Campbell Class

Turner Class

Williams Class

Fead Class

Cross Class

Bronson, The Hon. Terrence, was recently appointed to the Michigan Military Appeals Tribunal by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Judge Bronson is a retired U.S. Navy Captain (Surface Line Officer) and a retired District Judge in Monroe. He continues to serve as a visiting judge in jurisdictions in Southeast Michigan.

Balusek, Kenneth W., joined Arkansas State University as Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology.

Pratt, Andrew R., was inducted into the Ohio State Bar Foundation’s (OSBF) Fellows Program. He currently serves as a Partner with Lopez, Severt, and Pratt Co.

Pope, The Hon. Melissa L., was awarded the 2023 Judith S. Kaye Award for Judicial Excellence, as well as the State Bar of Michigan’s Unsung Hero Award. She serves as the Chief Judge of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court.

Arndt, Stephanie L., an attorney with Christensen Law in Detroit, was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Class of 2023 Influential Women in Law.

He was reappointed to represent an individual licensed to practice law in the State for a term commencing May 18, 2023, and expiring April 16, 2027. 1980

North Class Krause, Andrew (Andy), joined GrayRobinson, along with David Ruben and Joseph “Joe” Coluccio, in its Private Client Services Section. The new members will enhance the firm’s rapidly growing team’s capabilities in this industry space. 1982

Brooke Class Meyers, Mary Pat, an attorney and partner with Meyers Law PLLC, was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Class of 2023 Influential Women in Law. She specializes in Management of medical negligence and other personal injury claims.

1991

Lawrence Class Benedict, Mary L., was appointed by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel as the new Ionia County public administrator. She has been in private practice since 1991. Her practice previously focused on family law, juvenile law, and probate and estate planning. Her practice is now primarily focused on mediation and probate.

1995

Bird Class Corl, Christina L., a partner with Plunkett Cooney P.C. and Cooley Law School board member, was named as one of Ohio’s Best Lawyers in America® for Employment Law – Management/Labor and Employment Litigation, 2023-2024. 1998

Turetsky, Donna, was named to the 2024 Best Lawyers list in its 30th edition of The Best Lawyers in America.® Turetsky is a Co-Chair of the Trusts and Estates and Elder Law Practice Groups at Certilman Balin.

McDonald Class

1993

Bucci, Paul, a founding partner at Laffey, Bucci & Kent, LLP, was named to the 2023 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. No more than 5 percent of a state’s attorneys are recognized as Super Lawyers each year.

Carpenter Class Hryck, David, joined Holland & Knight’s International Private Wealth Practice at its New York location.

Rocheleau, Matthew, joined the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office as a Special Assistant Attorney General in the Government Litigation Unit. He previously worked as a Senior Litigation Attorney with Brosco and Brosco, P.C. since March of 2014. 1998

Snow Class

Cronk, Peter D., a partner with Plunkett Cooney P.C., was selected by his peers for inclusion in the 2023 edition of The Best Lawyers in America.® Staley, Mindy Fox, joined Robinson Bradshaw, bringing with her a wealth of health care regulatory and in-house counsel experience, having spent the past 15 years as in-house counsel at Novant Health, most recently as vice president and senior assistant general counsel. 2003

Smith Class Bowers, Richard J., Jr., was named the new Executive Director of green | spaces in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He previously served as the director of the Office of Energy and Sustainability for the City of Detroit and focused on creating programs that ranged from large-scale planning to community initiatives. green | spaces advances the sustainability of living, working, and building in Chattanooga.

2006

Reid Class Robinson, Kevin J., an attorney with Pullin, Fowler, Flanagan, Brown & Poe, PLLC, was selected by Best Lawyers in America, Insurance Law, and a Top 100 Honoree with National Black Lawyers. 2006

Edwards Class Blossom, Marcie Klida, a partner with Allsopp Wackerly & Blossom, PC, was appointed by Michigan Attorney General (AG) Dana Nessel to serve as the Bay County public administrator. Hetu, Jennifer M., a member at Bodman PLC, was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Class of 2023 Influentual Women in Law. Krull, Matthew, joined Rellevate, Inc., as Senior Vice President - Strategy, Legal, and Public Affairs.

Fitzgerald Class

Adams Class

Stout-Sherrer, Kimberly, joined Roderick Linton Belfance LLP, one of Akron, Ohio’s oldest law firms, as an attorney in their Criminal Law division. She previously served as an assistant public defender in the Medina County Public Defender’s Office, and she obtained her death penalty certification in 2019.

Kane-Roby, Karen M., joined English, Lucas, Priest & Owsley, LLP, in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as Senior Counsel. She will primarily practice in commercial real estate, real estate, litigation, and tax law.

2007

Boston Class Moore, Tamara X., managing attorney of the Culpeper branch office of Legal Aid Works (LAW), has been awarded the 2023 Virginia Legal Aid Award. The award is given to an outstanding legal aid attorney who exhibits innovation and creativity in advocacy, experience and excellence in service, and impact beyond their own program’s service area. 2008

Sharpe Class Barron, Amanda, joined the Tax, Trusts, & Estates Practice Group as an of counsel attorney in Spencer Fane’s Omaha, Nebraska office. Smith, Lori K., a shareholder with O’Reilly Rancilio PC, was named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s Class of 2023 Influential Women in Law.

Proue, Timothy J., joined von Briesen & Roper, as a shareholder in the Business Practice Group in the firm’s Eau Claire, Wisconsin office. He will counsel business and institutional clients on business formation, bylaws and governance, contract negotiation, mergers and acquisitions and employment. Jericho, Ashley J., was elected a member in McDonald Hopkins Strategic Advisory and Restructuring Department. She has over a decade of insolvency experience, including representing consumer and business debtors, creditors and trustees in bankruptcy proceedings, contested matters and adversary proceedings.

2009

Woodbridge Class

2011

Comstock Riley Class

Piña, Agustín R., joined Wood, Smith, Henning & Berman as a senior associate to their Northern California office. He represents construction companies and contractors in complex litigation stemming from construction site accidents and has successfully defended clients in a wide range of general liability matters.

Wilkins Class

Meredith, David, joined Eckert Seamans, at their Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania office. He will focus his practice on complex construction disputes, representing owners, contractors, subcontractors, and material and equipment suppliers, in numerous federal and state court lawsuits, arbitrations and mediations throughout the United States. Tipler, Anastasia (Stacey), an attorney at Hollingsworth & Washington LLC, was inducted into the 2023 Ohio State Bar Foundation Class of Fellows. Hinshaw, Angka, was included as an honoree for The Indiana Lawyer’s Diversity in the Law Awards. She is on the Board of Governors and is Chair of House Delegates for the Indiana State Bar Association. 2010

Witherell Class Colak, Banu, was elected in July 2023 to the Michigan Women in Finance Board of Directors for a six-year term. She was elected by the organization’s Board of Directors. Colak serves as a tax counsel in Dykema’s public finance group. She has represented the Treasury, Michigan Finance Authority, Michigan Strategic Fund, and State Building Authority in various taxable and taxexempt issues.

2011

Winston, Tracy D., joined the Executive Office of Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II as chief of staff. She is a member of the state bars of Texas and Michigan, and served as Head of Government Affairs for Waste Management and policy advisor to law firms, committees, and legislative caucuses in both states.

Chipman Class

2012

Lambert , The Hon. Adam B., was sworn in as the master-inequity for the Pickens County Equity Court in South Carolina. He was appointed to the bench by Gov. Henry D. McMaster

Ellsworth Class

King, Nicholas T., was promoted to the position of Vice President, Staff Attorney with Community Trust Bank at its Pikeville, Kentucky office. His duties include providing legal counsel to all business areas of the Bank and managing the Bank’s Customer Complaint system, in addition to other legal related issues.

Vergara, Claire D., an attorney with Plunkett Cooney, was named to the Lawyers of Color (LoC) magazine’s 2023 Annual Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Hot List. Cortez, Efren, an attorney with the City of Hobbs in New Mexico, was appointed in Aug. 2023 by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham to the Fifth Judicial Court bench.

Washington Class Mennie, John A., an attorney with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, PC, was recognized as a Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch honoree, an Illinois Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers, and a Rising Star by Illinois Super Lawyers every year since 2017.

(continued)

Class Notes 2013

2015

2017

2023

Moore Class

McClean Class

Burger Class

Brewer Class

Sheals, LaToya, a Senior Government Relations Consultant with Becker & Poliakoff PC’s Government and Lobbying Practice, received the Above & Beyond award by City & State Florida + The News Service of Florida. She was also recognized in INFLUENCE Magazine for advocacy on behalf of Florida’s Private Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Pigg, Natalie, an associate attorney with the Thurman Law Firm in Hillsboro, Missouri, received the 2023 Jefferson College Faculty Senate Alumna of the Year Award.

Zajac, Mitchell (Mitch), an attorney and shareholder with Butzel and Cooley Law School Board member, was named by 760 WJR and the Detroit Economic Club (DEC) to the Class of 2023 Rising Stars, comprised of 10 local leaders under the age of 40 who are making an impact in their industries and communities.

Cardwell, Daniel W., an Associate Attorney with Tamulonis, P.A., was named the 2023 International Graduate of the Year by the International Legal Honor Society of Phi Delta Phi. Law students from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, and Poland competed for this recognition, which is the society’s highest award given to one graduate each year.

2014

Duvall Class Dotson, The Hon. Kellen, was appointed to the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan, 61st District Court Bench as of July 2023. He previously served as an attorney in Michigan’s Kent County Office of the Public Defender, an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School, a trial skills trainer for the Michigan Indigent Defense Trial Skills Training Program, and a mediator with the Kent County Friend of the Court.

2016

Hughes Class Wildley, Kirstyn M., was elected a member in McDonald Hopkins Business Department. She is a tax credit finance and commercial real estate attorney with experience representing investors, developers and lenders on tax credit transactions, including federal and state historic tax credits, new markets tax credits, and renewable energy tax credits.

2020

Davis Class Alfaro, Arturo, a member of Plunkett Cooney’s Transportation Law Practice Group, was recognized as a 2024 Best Lawyers Ones to Watch in America™ in the area of Immigration Law and Transportation Law.

Cooley encourages all graduates to contribute information to Class Notes. We want to learn about your law career and other accomplishments in the legal profession. E-mail alumni@cooley.edu 32

In Memoriam 1976

1979

1989

2005

Campbell Class

Wiest Class

Johnson Class

McAllister Class

MacDonald, Lawrence “Larry” Daniel, 72, of Plains Twp., Pennsylvania, died July 8, 2023, following a long-term illness. He opened a private practice in Wilkes-Barre, specializing in family law for over 45 years, retiring from his professional career as the hearing officer for the Luzerne County Domestic Relations in Wilkes-Barre in 2022.

Matune, Frank J., 75, of Hermitage, Pennsylvania, died April 9, 2023. He completed his Juris Doctor in 1979 and attended Georgetown University in Washington D.C. where he earned his LL.M. in Tax.

Erickson, Wayne A., 75, died on Dec. 4, 2022. After graduating from Cooley Law School in 1989, he opened his own law practice in Menominee, Michigan. Wayne retired from law in 2021 to spend his leisure time restoring cars, working on tractors, and doing many other projects. He was a veteran and received a purple heart.

Miller-Watson, Felicia M., 51, died on March 28, 2023.

1977

Graves Class Farmer, Floyd H., Jr., 78, died unexpectedly on June 3, 2023 in Muskegon, Michigan. He enjoyed a long and successful career as an attorney and also followed his passion for music as a choral conductor, composer, critic, performer, and advocate for professional singers. 1978

Marston Class Trana, Roger Duane, 73, of Kingwood, Texas, died Sept. 24, 2023.

Ransom Class Blanchard, E. John, of Haslett, Michigan, died suddenly on May 20, 2022. He proudly served the State of Michigan as an Assistant Attorney General, then worked at Tiffany Funeral Home following retirement. He was a passionate advocate for refugees arriving in America and encouraged, coached, and supported multiple families from Vietnam and Iraq over the years as a volunteer with Catholic Social Services.

Clark Class Tubergen, Ben D., 69, of Holland, Michigan died July 15, 2023, in the comfort of his home following a cancer diagnosis in April 2023 He was a longtime member of Providence Church and enjoyed using his talents for others and made hobbies of gardening, baking, and woodworking. 1983

Chandler Class Horvitz, Anne Accardo, 81, passed away on April 18, 2023, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For 32 years she maintained a solo law practice in which she did family law, juvenile court, and personal injury work. After retiring from her legal practice in 2015, she led book discussions in the OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute) program at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Michigan. 1988

Pratt Class Graham, Stephen Bruce, Jr., 60, died on March 27, 2023 in Petoskey, Michigan. He worked as a defense attorney for 32 years and went on to work as Assistant and Chief Assistant Prosecutor for Emmet County in 2020.

1994

Williams Class Moran, Sean Eric, 56, of California, Maryland, died on Oct. 15, 2023, at Unity Hospital in Rochester, New York. Believing strongly in the rights of due process for all Americans, he joined the Public Defender’s Office and later worked at the State’s Attorney Office, in Leonardtown, Maryland. Most recently, he worked for Harris and Capristo, LLC, as a Legal Attorney.

2007

Boston Class Busby, Matthew D., 53, died on Oct. 5, 2023. He was passionate about helping people and seeking justice. Most recently, he was the Assistant District Attorney for Adams, Amite, Franklin and Wilkinson Counties. He loved his job and his ability to help people every day. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps.

2004

Needham Class Terry, Samuel R., 51, died on July 17, 2023. During his last semester of law school, he completed an externship at the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office under the Hon. Tim Curry where upon completion of the program, he was offered a position as an Assistant District Attorney. He served in the U.S. Air Force.

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