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Derek Matthews gives next generation of Cooley Law School students a start in legal profession in Tampa

Derek Matthews gives next generation of Cooley Law School students a start in legal profession in Tampa

Derek Matthews (Vinson Class, 2017) is no stranger to giving back to Cooley Law School in the Tampa Bay region. Outside of legal practice, Matthews sponsors the annual Cooley Alumni Golf Outing in Tampa and participates in alumni events and mentoring programs to build relationships with faculty and fellow graduates.

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  • Cooley Graduate Russ Kavalhuna, J.D., Appointed as President of Western Michigan University
    Cooley Graduate Russ Kavalhuna, J.D., Appointed as President of Western Michigan University

    Cooley Graduate Russ Kavalhuna, J.D., Appointed as President of Western Michigan University

    On July 1, Russ Kavalhuna, J.D. (Gerald W. Boston Class, 2007), will take the reins as Western Michigan University’s (WMU) president. He will fill the position being vacated by Dr. Edward Montgomery who is retiring. Kavalhuna will be WMU’s 10th president and is currently president at Henry Ford College (HFC). He earned his bachelor's degree in aviation science from WMU and juris doctor from Cooley Law School. He and his wife, Courtney, have two children.

  • Cooley Organization of Women Law Students (OWLS) Hosts International Women’s Day Event
    Cooley Organization of Women Law Students (OWLS) Hosts International Women’s Day Event

    Cooley Organization of Women Law Students (OWLS) Hosts International Women’s Day Event

    The Cooley Organization of Women Law Students (OWLS) hosted an International Women’s Day Event on March 11, 2025, featuring the Honorable Ana C. Viscomi, former Asbestos Special Master and current Superior Court Judge, as their keynote speaker.

  • Cooley Hosts National Association of Women Judges MentorJet Program
    Cooley Hosts National Association of Women Judges MentorJet Program

    Cooley Hosts National Association of Women Judges MentorJet Program

    On Wednesday, March 12, 2025, Cooley Law School's Lansing campus held its annual MentorJet program, co-sponsored with the National Association of Women Judges. The program matches law students with leading lawyers and judges to learn about law practice and job opportunities. The event included representatives from the Michigan Department of the Attorney General, 54-A District Court, Oakland County Circuit Court, Ingham County Circuit Court, Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, and many private practice law firms. "It was inspiring to see our students get the opportunity to meet with various professionals to learn about legal career opportunities," said Karen M. Poole, Cooley Law School director of Career & Professional Development. "We're grateful to all the judges and attorneys who volunteered their time to engage with our students."

  • Associate Dean and Professor Tracey Brame Featured on WGVU's Powerful Women: Let's Talk Podcast
    Associate Dean and Professor Tracey Brame Featured on WGVU's Powerful Women: Let's Talk Podcast

    Associate Dean and Professor Tracey Brame Featured on WGVU's Powerful Women: Let's Talk Podcast

    Tracey Brame, Associate Dean of Experiential Learning and Practice Preparation at Cooley Law School, was recently featured on WGVU's Powerful Women: Let's Talk podcast. A passionate legal advocate and educator, Brame shared her journey, commitment to justice, and the impact of her work. From her time at Legal Aid of Western Michigan to leading the Cooley Innocence Project, Brame has dedicated her life to advocating for justice for individuals and within legal systems. Her recognition as Michigan Lawyers Weekly's 2020 Lawyer of the Year reflects her deep commitment to public service. You can listen to the episode below or find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR One, or anywhere else you listen to podcasts.

  • Professor Emeritus Gerald Fisher Provides Legal Analysis on Michigan Legislature's Dispute (Law360 & Detroit Free Press)
    Professor Emeritus Gerald Fisher Provides Legal Analysis on Michigan Legislature's Dispute (Law360 & Detroit Free Press)

    Professor Emeritus Gerald Fisher Provides Legal Analysis on Michigan Legislature's Dispute (Law360 & Detroit Free Press)

    Professor Emeritus Gerald Fisher was recently featured in the Detroit Free Press and Law360. He offered expert insight into a dispute over bills passed by the Michigan Legislature last year but not presented to the governor for consideration. A state judge recently ruled that the House should have presented the legislation. At Cooley, Professor Fisher taught Property, Secured Transactions, Constitutional Law, Zoning and Land Use Law, and State and Local Government Law. He also served as general counsel for cities, villages, and townships in southeast Michigan and as special counsel for governmental entities throughout Michigan. He appeared on 21 occasions in cases presented to the Michigan Supreme Court. To learn more about the legal complexities of this issue, read the full articles here:

  • Professor Mark Dotson Offers Insight on Detroit Water Main Break Legalities (Detroit Free Press)
    Professor Mark Dotson Offers Insight on Detroit Water Main Break Legalities (Detroit Free Press)

    Professor Mark Dotson Offers Insight on Detroit Water Main Break Legalities (Detroit Free Press)

    In a recent Detroit Free Press article, Professor Mark Dotson provided an expert analysis of the legal complexities arising from a water main break in Detroit. The incident caused extensive property damage, leading to questions about a liability waiver the city asked residents to sign. Professor Dotson noted that the city's primary concern is securing legal access to affected properties before conducting repairs. His main message for residents was: "Regardless of what the city is doing, regardless of requirements of the waiver, they need to notify their insurance company." He said they should do it now. Professor Dotson's expertise offers valuable guidance to Detroit residents navigating the legal aftermath of the water main break, highlighting the intersection of law and public infrastructure management. For a more in-depth understanding of Professor Dotson's analysis and the legal considerations surrounding this incident, read the full article: "Detroit asking water main flood victims to sign a waiver. We had 2 lawyers take a look."

  • Professor Mark Cooney Weighs in on Michigan Supreme Court's Political Shift (Bloomberg Law)
    Professor Mark Cooney Weighs in on Michigan Supreme Court's Political Shift (Bloomberg Law)

    Professor Mark Cooney Weighs in on Michigan Supreme Court's Political Shift (Bloomberg Law)

    Professor Mark Cooney recently shared his legal expertise in a Bloomberg Law article examining the impact of Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement’s decision to step down. Professor Cooney discussed how the court’s leftward shift is part of a swing he's noticed over nearly a decade. Professor Cooney’s insights provide critical perspective on how court composition influences legal outcomes. To read the full article and Professor Cooney’s analysis, visit "Michigan Chief Justice's Exit Fortifies Court's Leftward Swing."

  • Professor Jeffrey Swartz provides legal analysis of NYC Mayor Eric Adams' case (CNN Newsroom)
    Professor Jeffrey Swartz provides legal analysis of NYC Mayor Eric Adams' case (CNN Newsroom)

    Professor Jeffrey Swartz provides legal analysis of NYC Mayor Eric Adams' case (CNN Newsroom)

    Professor Jeffrey Swartz recently appeared on CNN Newsroom with Fredricka Whitfield to provide legal analysis on the Justice Department's decision to drop corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Professor Swartz has made numerous appearances on national and local television, providing expert commentary.

  • Michael C.H. McDaniel Analyzes Legal Debate Over Sanctuary Communities (WILX 10)
    Michael C.H. McDaniel Analyzes Legal Debate Over Sanctuary Communities (WILX 10)

    Michael C.H. McDaniel Analyzes Legal Debate Over Sanctuary Communities (WILX 10)

    Professor Emeritus Michael C.H. McDaniel recently provided legal insight on WILX 10 regarding proposed funding cuts to sanctuary communities.