LEADERSHIP

Our Jesuit and Mercy traditions inform our approach to leadership.

Through our program of legal education, we train responsible, discerning, ethical leaders for our communities. We graduate alumni who set forth to make a difference by using their education and voices of power to serve, inspire, and help others.

PUBLIC SERVANT LEADERSHIP HON. KRISTINA ROBINSON GARRETT JD '10 Michigan Court of Appeals, Judge

Judge Kristina Robinson Garrett '10, who serves on the Michigan Court of Appeals, spoke to the incoming class at Orientation about serving others as leaders in the legal profession.

“You are starting your legal career today,” Robinson Garrett said. “It is a privilege to serve and represent others. Going to law school is a privilege. Your role in the legal profession is a privilege,” she told the incoming class.

Robinson Garrett built a career as a public servant leader. She began her career as General Counsel for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department. Prior to her appointment to the Michigan Court of Appeals, she served on the 36th District Court of Michigan. While a district court judge, she presided over various specialty courts including Street Outreach Court Detroit, Mental Health Treatment Court, Drug Treatment Court, and Veterans Treatment Court.

In her remarks to the incoming class, she spoke about leadership through service, civility, and professionalism. "You have a commitment to service without prejudice and integrity without compromise. Never compromise what you think is wrong and what you know is right. No matter what you do or where you are, civility and professionalism remain at the highest importance."

“You are now affiliated with Detroit Mercy Law and with that comes the responsibility of upholding the reputation of the school. Our great reputation is only maintained through you upholding it. You should wear that banner with honor,” she said to the class.

“You won’t always agree with faculty members and your classmates, but you always have to respect each other,” she explained. “You’re not just classmates, you are colleagues now, and you want to respect each other as colleagues. You will always be connected as members of the Detroit Mercy Law community.”