News (12)

Cooley Law School Professors Part of Access Lex Institute's Initiative to Prepare for Nextgen Bar Exam

LANSING, Mich. and TAMPA, Fla. — Cooley Law School is among seven law schools participating in the research and development of AccessLex Institute’s Building Bar Skills Modules to bridge the gap between standard methods of legal education and future approaches of legal training to prepare law schools for the NextGen bar exam. Cooley Law School Associate Professor and Director of Academic and Student Services Matthew Marin and Cooley Professor Brad Charles are building the institute’s bar skills modules for contracts and sales. AccessLex Institute launched its Building Bar Skills Initiative in May 2023 with the sole purpose of preparing its member law schools for the NextGen bar exam. The initiative, led by the institute’s Center for Legal Education Excellence®, represents a research and development investment into future methods of bar preparation. “We are proud to be part of the AccessLex Module Building Team, which is at the forefront of supporting law school professors in preparing students for the NextGen Bar Exam,” said Charles. “Unlike the traditional bar exam, the NextGen Bar Exam focuses on equipping students with the skills needed for the practice of law.” Aside from Cooley Law School, module building teams for 2024-2025 consist of doctrinal and skills faculty and staff from seven law schools throughout the nation, including Seattle University School of Law, University of Dayton School of Law, University of Denver Sturm College of Law, University of Richmond School of Law, Wake Forest Law, and Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law. These teams are developing and testing innovative curriculum units that expand upon the existing offering of Bar Skills Modules. Complete with student learning outcomes, assessment materials, and professor guides, Bar Skills Modules equip law faculty and instructors with the easily-adopted assignments for use in doctrinal courses that are designed to prepare for the skills tested on the NextGen bar exam. “The learning modules are designed with this purpose in mind, ensuring students are well-prepared for real-world legal practice,” said Marin. “All in all, because this aligns with Cooley's goal to empower Future Ready attorneys, this is an exciting project to be a part of.” Cooley Law School was founded on a mission of equal access to a legal education and offers admission to a diverse group of qualified applicants across the country. Since the law school's founding in 1972, Cooley has provided a modern legal education to more than 21,000 graduates, teaching the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world. An independent, non-profit law school, accredited by both the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Cooley holds classes year-round at its Michigan and Florida campuses. Oct 23 2024

Cooley Law School Expungement Fair Helps 67 Individuals

LANSING, Mich. – On Oct. 18, Cooley Law School held an expungement fair to aid in the removal of certain arrests and convictions from qualifying individuals’ public criminal records. ❮ ❯ During the fair, volunteer attorneys and law students under the supervision of licensed attorneys assisted guests with their expungement paperwork. During the event, 67 individuals were qualified to receive assistance. Through the pre-registration process nearly 140 individuals were screened to see if they qualified before the date of the expungement fair. Michigan law has always allowed for expungements, but the “Clean Slate” legislation enacted in 2020 made more individuals and offenses eligible for expungement. Under the law, individuals with up to three expungement-eligible felonies and any number of misdemeanors can have their records expunged. Certain traffic violations and first-time operating while intoxicated offenses can be expunged. Additionally, misdemeanor marijuana convictions that would not have been considered crimes after recreational marijuana was legalized in Michigan can be expunged. Expungement removes arrests and convictions from a person’s public criminal record, which makes prior convictions inaccessible to employers or landlords. Cooley Law School was founded on a mission of equal access to a legal education and offers admission to a diverse group of qualified applicants across the country. Since the law school's founding in 1972, Cooley has provided a modern legal education to more than 21,000 graduates, teaching the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world. An independent, non-profit law school, accredited by both the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Cooley holds classes year-round at its Michigan and Florida campuses. Oct 31 2024

Cooley Law School's Innocence Project to Host Viewing of "Wronged"

On Wednesday, November 13, at 5:15 p.m., the Cooley Law School Innocence Project will host a viewing of the film “Wronged The Maurice Carter Story.” The event is free and open to the public. Carter was wrongfully convicted in 1976 for a non-fatal shooting in Benton Harbor. He was sentenced to life without parole. In 2004, his sentence was commuted due to his health, but his name was never cleared. Maurice died within three months of his release from prison. This year, the Sentence Commutation Project has filed a posthumous pardon application on his behalf. This documentary not only highlights the injustices faced by Mr. Carter but also traces the inspiring journey that led to the founding of Humanity for Prisoners, an organization dedicated to supporting incarcerated individuals in Michigan. The film features commentary and interviews from the founder of the non-profit Humanity for Prisoners, and Cooley Law School’s Professor Emeritus Marl Mitchell-Cichon, former director of the Cooley Innocence Project. The film also features Michigan exonerees Duane Williams and Kenneth Nixon. Established in 2001, the Cooley Law School Innocence Project is the only post-conviction DNA innocence organization in the state. Since its inception, the office has screened over 6,000 cases and is responsible for the exoneration of nine individuals: Kenneth Wyniemko (2003), Nathaniel Hatchett (2008), Donya Davis (2014), LeDura Watkins (2017), Corey McCall (2021), Nixon, Gilbert Poole (2021), George DeJesus (2022), and Louis Wright (2023). It also helped to exonerate Lacino Hamilton and Ramon Ward, both in 2020, Terance Calhoun in 2022, and Crystal Mulherin in 2024. The project is staffed by Cooley Law School students, who work under the supervision of Cooley Innocence Project attorneys. Those interested in donating and supporting the work of the Cooley Innocence Project can do so at cooley.edu/academics/experiential-learning/innocence-project. WHEN: Nov. 13, 2024, 5:15 p.m. (free and open to the public) WHERE: Cooley Law School, Room 911, 300 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 Nov 12 2024

Cooley Law School Professor Michael McDaniel Honored During Ingham County Bar Association Annual Dinner

LANSING, Mich. – On Nov. 14, Cooley Law School Professor Brigadier General (Ret.) Michael McDaniel was awarded the Theodore W. Swift Civility Award during the 130th annual Ingham County Bar Association Dinner. The event was held at the Crowne Plaza in Lansing. The Theodore W. Swift Civility Award is presented to a member of the Ingham County Bar Association who has distinguished themselves by manifesting civility in their relations with the Bench, Bar, clients, and the public while adhering to and advancing the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession. The award recognizes skill and success in practicing one’s profession while at the same time exhibiting that civility and collegiality may co-exist and contribute to overall and long-term success. Cooley Law School was founded on a mission of equal access to a legal education and offers admission to a diverse group of qualified applicants across the country. Since the law school's founding in 1972, Cooley has provided a modern legal education to more than 21,000 graduates, teaching the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world. An independent, non-profit law school, accredited by both the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Cooley holds classes year-round at its Michigan and Florida campuses. Nov 18 2024

Kimble Center for Legal Drafting to Co-host Clear-Legal-Writing Webinar

The public may register for the Nov. 14 virtual event online. LANSING, Mich. and RIVERSIDE, Fla. – Cooley Law School’s Kimble Center for Legal Drafting, in partnership with Clarity International, will host a webinar, "Clear Legal Writing - New Resources, Technology, and Cases,” on Nov. 14. The webinar will be held from noon to 1:30 p.m. (ET). Cooley Distinguished Professor Emeritus Joseph Kimble, Cooley Professor Mark Cooney, and attorney Ivy Grey will be the speakers. Kimble will present “Dipping into a new, FREE Book on Legal Drafting,” highlighting portions of his new book with co-author Bryan Garner, “Essentials for Drafting Clear Legal Rules.” The techniques outlined in their book, many of which are not widely known, are applicable to any type of legal drafting. The book is free and available online at Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Cooney will speak about “How Legalese Jeopardizes Enforceability: New Court Cases,” discussing recent cases in which courts refused to enforce documents bogged down by legalese and poor design. The cases show that lawyers who think they’re playing it safe by recycling traditional legal forms are doing just the opposite: they’re taking on unnecessary risk. “When attorneys present cases loaded with legal jargon, they are really doing a disservice to themselves in the courtroom,” said Cooney. “Judges are swamped. They don’t have time to sift through cases cluttered with legal ambiguity and thoroughly review and understand them. Serving judges with clear and concise information – in plain language – will only strengthen your case to your advantage.” Grey is the creator of American Legal Style for PerfectIt, a proofreading software. She will focus on “Connecting Technology Training and Substantive Legal-Writing Skills,” providing a clearer view of generative AI’s potential – and limitations – for tomorrow’s legal writers, while sharing insights on other technologies and strategies for producing clear, forceful language. Media and the public may register for the event through Webex. WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 WHERE: Virtual Event REGISTER: Online Cooley Law School was founded on a mission of equal access to a legal education and offers admission to a diverse group of qualified applicants across the country. Since the law school's founding in 1972, Cooley has provided a modern legal education to more than 21,000 graduates, teaching the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world. An independent, non-profit law school, accredited by both the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Cooley holds classes year-round at its Michigan and Florida campuses. CONTACT: Tyler Lecceadone SeyferthPR 1-800-435-9539 Lecceadone@seyferthpr.com Oct 18 2024

Cooley Law School's Innocence Project Receives $600,000 Grant from the Department of Justice

LANSING, MICH. – The Office of Justice Programs at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has awarded the Cooley Law School Innocence Project (CLSIP) $600,000 in grant funding to screen post-conviction claims of innocence and provide community outreach and wrongful conviction education to underserved communities. The three-year grant will allow CLSIP to continue its partnerships with the Wayne County Conviction Integrity and the Attorney General's Conviction Integrity Units (CIU). In addition, the grant will expand partnerships with other agencies such as the State Appellate Defender Office (SADO) and the other local county conviction integrity units. The goal of CLSIP working with Wayne County’s and the Attorney General’s Conviction Integrity Units and other local CIUs is to review and investigate innocence claims involving unreliable forensic practices uniformly and efficiently for all of Michigan’s in 83 counties. “This continued funding will support timely case review and post-conviction DNA and forensic testing statewide. By tracking the factors that contribute to wrongful convictions, corrective policies can be developed, and the criminal justice system improved,” said Ann Garant, managing attorney for Cooley Law School’s Innocence Project. “We are pleased that the Department of Justice continues to recognize this important work and agrees to support our partnerships and help fund our efforts to free Michigan citizens who have been wrongfully convicted.” In 2019, CLSIP received funding through the Upholding the Rule of Law grant and received and additional $300,000 from the DOJ in 2021. Those original funds allowed for reviewing criminal convictions for forensic errors and tracking data to improve the criminal justice system. The new funds received will be used for a full-time attorney, file clerk, experts, investigators and forensic/DNA testing. Additionally, the CLISP will expand efforts to reach underserved communities and spread awareness about wrongful convictions, their impacts, and what can be done to help prevent wrongful convictions. Since 2017, CLSIP has partnered with the Wayne County Conviction Integrity Unit to screen cases in which unreliable forensic practices contributed to wrongful conviction. Established in 2001, CLSIP is the only post-conviction DNA innocence organization in the state. Since its inception, the office has screened over 6,000 cases and is responsible for the exoneration of nine individuals: Kenneth Wyniemko (2003), Nathaniel Hatchett (2008), Donya Davis (2014), LeDura Watkins (2017), Corey McCall (2021), Nixon, Gilbert Poole (2021), George DeJesus (2022), and Louis Wright (2023). It also helped to exonerate Lacino Hamilton and Ramon Ward, both in 2020, Terance Calhoun in 2022, and Crystal Mulherin in 2024. To learn more about the funding https://bja.ojp.gov/funding/awards/15pbja-24-gg-02891-wrng To learn more about the Cooley Law School Innocence Project https://www.cooley.edu/academics/experiential-learning/innocence-project Cooley Law School was founded on a mission of equal access to a legal education and offers admission to a diverse group of qualified applicants across the country. Since the law school's founding in 1972, Cooley has provided a modern legal education to more than 21,000 graduates, teaching the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world. An independent, non-profit law school, accredited by both the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Cooley holds classes year-round at its Michigan and Florida campuses. Oct 16 2024

Cooley Law School's Innocence Project Recognizes National Wrongful Conviction Day with Exoneree Event

LANSING, Mich. – On Thursday, Oct. 3, the Cooley Law School Innocence Project commemorated the 11th annual National Wrongful Conviction Day with a panel discussion. The event featured the stories of exonerees Kenneth Nixon and Darrell Siggers; and Duane Williams, whose conviction was vacated in 2024. Moderated by Cooley student Kara Rosengren, additional panelists included Innocence Project Director and Associate Dean Tracey Brame, and Innocence Project Managing Attorney Ann Garant. Wrongful Conviction Day began in 2013 as an effort of the Innocence Network, an affiliation of organizations dedicated to providing pro-bono legal and investigative services to individuals seeking to prove innocence of crimes for which they have been convicted, working to redress the causes of wrongful convictions, and supporting exonerees after they are freed. Nixon was represented by Cooley’s Innocence Project and exonerated in 2021, while Siggers was exonerated in 2017. Williams awaits a decision on whether his case will be retired. They remain active in the Innocence movement, working with those who remain incarcerated as well as other exonerees. Nixon has been instrumental in the vital work of the Organization of Exonerees, an exoneree support organization, and currently serves as the organization’s president. During the presentation, panelists discussed what is considered suspect-first investigations. “I was arrested before any investigation had taken place,” said Nixon. “My name came up, they immediately arrested me and then they sought to look for the evidence to prove I did it. I didn’t know what to do. My family didn’t know what to do. After the conviction, we were completely lost. Totally lost faith in the system.” While speaking to students, Nixon shared it was because of the Innocence Project he was able to participate in the presentation. “Because it was people that never gave up on us, we’re standing here today,” said Nixon. Brame spoke about the importance of working on behalf of the wrongfully convicted, stating: “If you look in the news in a given day, somewhere in some state, someone's being exonerated, which is encouraging that there's so much work being done in this space to get people out. It also lets you know how many people are still there waiting for help.” Additionally, Marla Mitchell-Cichon, former Cooley Innocence Project director, shared information about some of the work she is continuing on behalf of the law school. She gave an overview of the posthumous pardon she is working on in the case of Maurice Carter. In 1987, Carter was wrongfully convicted of a non-fatal shooting in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He was sentenced to life without parole. In 2004, his sentence was commuted due to his health, but his name was never cleared. Maurice died within three months of his release from prison. Established in 2001, the Cooley Law School Innocence Project is the only post-conviction DNA innocence organization in the state. Since its inception, the office has screened over 6,000 cases and is responsible for the exoneration of nine individuals: Kenneth Wyniemko (2003), Nathaniel Hatchett (2008), Donya Davis (2014), LeDura Watkins (2017), Corey McCall (2021), Nixon, Gilbert Poole (2021), George DeJesus (2022), and Louis Wright (2023). It also helped to exonerate Lacino Hamilton and Ramon Ward, both in 2020, Terance Calhoun in 2022, and Crystal Mulherin in 2024. Cooley’s Innocence Project is staffed by students who work under the supervision of attorneys. Those interested in donating and supporting the work of the Cooley Innocence Project can do so at cooley.edu/academics/experiential-learning/innocence-project. Cooley Law School was founded on a mission of equal access to a legal education and offers admission to a diverse group of qualified applicants across the country. Since the law school's founding in 1972, Cooley has provided a modern legal education to more than 21,000 graduates, teaching the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world. An independent, non-profit law school, accredited by both the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Cooley holds classes year-round at its Michigan and Florida campuses. Oct 10 2024

Last of Cooley Family Lineage Donates Scroll from President Cleveland To Cooley Law School

LANSING, Mich. — Cooley Law School has received a 136-year historic artifact tied to its namesake, Justice Thomas M. Cooley. Hilary Cooley, the great-granddaughter of Thomas M. Cooley and last of the Cooley lineage, donated a scroll from President Grover Cleveland, the nation’s 22nd and 24th president, appointing Thomas M. Cooley to chair the newly-established Interstate Commerce Commission in 1887. “I am the last of the Cooley lineage and so am distributing keepsakes that I think are of interest to the world, lest they get lost in the shuffle,” Hilary Cooley wrote in her letter to the law school. “I enclose the scroll from President Grover Cleveland that declares Thomas Cooley to the Interstate Commerce Commission. I believe he was the first chair of this commission. I hope you will put this in your collection of articles from the Cooley family and that it will enhance your history of Mr. Cooley and his legacy.” Created by the Interstate Commerce Act of 1887, the ICC was the first regulatory commission in U.S. history. It was established to regulate railroads ensure fair rates, and eliminate rate discrimination, and in later years, regulate other aspects of common carriers, including interstate bus lines, trucking and telephone companies. Thomas M. Cooley served on the ICC for four years from 1887-1891, after having served on the Michigan Supreme Court from 1864-1885. ICC’s jurisdiction for rail safety, including hours of service rules, equipment and inspection standards, was transferred to the Federal Railroad Administration following the Federal Railroad Safety Act of 1970. Congress abolished the ICC in 1995 as the evolution of technology made the commission obsolete. “We are honored to be the recipients of this historic document,” said Cooley Law School President and Dean James McGrath. “As new students enter the law school, they are taught about our namesake’s distinguished record associated with Thomas M. Cooley’s time as a Michigan Supreme Court Justice and being chosen to head the newly created federal Interstate Commerce Commission. This scroll will allow our students to better understand the importance of Thomas M Cooley to the legal community, State of Michigan, and the United States of America.” Cooley Law School was founded on a mission of equal access to a legal education and offers admission to a diverse group of qualified applicants across the country. Since the law school's founding in 1972, Cooley has provided a modern legal education to more than 21,000 graduates, teaching the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world. An independent, non-profit law school, accredited by both the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Cooley holds classes year-round at its Michigan and Florida campuses. Oct 07 2024

Cooley Law School Distinguished Professor Emeritus Marla Mitchell-Cichon And Two Graduates Honored As Influential Women Of Law

TROY, Mich. – Cooley Law School Distinguished Professor Emeritus Marla Mitchell-Cichon, along with two Cooley graduates, Amanda Barfield Fopma (2012, Marion Hilligan Class) and Valerie Anne Kutz-Otway (2010, Augustus B. Woodward Class), have been inducted into Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2024 Class of Influential Women of Law. The recognition ceremony was held on Sept. 27, at Petruzzello’s in Troy. Each year, the Influential Women of Law program honors 35 women attorneys and judges for their excellent work on behalf of the justice system and for their clients, their commitment to their communities, and their service to the profession. In addition to teaching professional responsibility at Cooley, Mitchell-Cichon served as director of Cooley Law School’s Innocence Project, which she currently serves of counsel. Before joining academia, Mitchell-Cichon served as a public defender for two years in Stark County, Ohio. In this role, she practiced extensively in criminal and poverty law. She has litigated cases before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the Ohio Supreme Court, the Michigan Supreme Court, and trial and appellate courts in both Ohio and Michigan, and worked on legislative reform to improve the criminal justice system. “It is an honor to see Marla’s achievements recognized,” said Cooley Law School Associate Dean Tracey Brame, who also serves as director of the law school’s Innocence Project. “Marla has dedicated much of legal career fighting for the release of Michigan’s wrongfully incarcerated and making sure those individuals are provided with proper compensation. Her impact is felt throughout the legal community and at Cooley Law School.” Fopma, who earned two master of law degrees at Cooley, is executive managing partner at Secrest Wardle in Grand Rapids. As the first female to hold the position, Fopma provides representation for regional and national insurers in matters involving insurance claims and liability issues. Fompa is a member of the firm’s general negligence, insurance coverage, premises liability, property, fire and casualty practice groups. Kutz-Otway practices with Chalgian & Tripp Law Office in Saginaw. She focuses her practice in the areas of probate litigation and estate planning, with a special emphasis on assisting persons with disabilities or mental illness. She is also the inclusion and lawyer development director for the firm. Kutz-Otway recently obtained her license to practice in the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. She serves on the board of directors for HIS Restoration Ministries, an organization that supports homeless expectant mothers. Cooley Law School was founded on a mission of equal access to a legal education and offers admission to a diverse group of qualified applicants across the country. Since the law school's founding in 1972, Cooley has provided a modern legal education to more than 21,000 graduates, teaching the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world. An independent, non-profit law school, accredited by both the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, Cooley holds classes year-round at its Michigan and Florida campuses. Oct 02 2024

Cooley Law School Partners with Michigan Attorney General’s Office to Host Expungement Fair on Oct. 17