Recent Cooley Law School graduate Morgan Prybys is turning a longtime dream of becoming a lawyer into a career focused on helping others. Prybys, who began her professional journey working in security before becoming a paralegal, was recently recognized with the Cooley Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award at the law school’s Honors Convocation. The award recognized her academic journey, involvement and commitment to supporting those around her. During her time at Cooley, Prybys was involved with several student organizations and served as a teaching assistant. She also gained hands-on experience through Cooley’s SixtyPlus ElderLaw Clinic, building on her interest in estate planning and elder law. Her legal interests also include compliance, an area in which she earned a Certificate of Merit. Her journey from doubting whether law school was possible to earning her J.D. and receiving recognition for her accomplishments reflects the persistence and growth that shaped her legal education. Read more about Morgan Prybys and her journey in the Legal News.
Read More
As an attorney one for the Judiciary of Guam, Francesca Camacho (Scalia Class, 2024) hopes to someday be a trial prosecutor, advocating for the interests of justice and the people of Guam – something she’s been wanting to do since before law school.
The views expressed in this article are those of Samantha Hulliberger and do not reflect the official policy or position of the Department of Defense or the United States Air Force. Samantha Hulliberger (Scalia Class, 2024) didn’t just stumble upon the idea of military service or the law — her path was shaped by a deep commitment to public service, family influence, and a pandemic that gave her time to reflect.
If you’re just beginning your law school journey, now is the perfect time to focus on the skills that will support you well beyond your first semester. Setting clear boundaries doesn’t make you less committed; it helps you build a healthy, sustainable path forward. When you communicate openly about what you can deliver and when, you set professional standards that will earn the trust of classmates, professors, and future colleagues. You’ll also discover that adaptability is one of the most valuable traits you can bring to law school. Every classroom, clinic, and workplace will challenge you in new ways. The ability to adjust, collaborate, and thrive in unfamiliar environments will not only shape your student experience but also prepare you for a successful legal career. For more guidance, read the American Bar Association’s article "Essential Soft Skills You Must Develop During Law School," co-authored by Cooley Law School Professor Matthew Marin and Cooley Student Katelyn Hearn. Their perspective offers practical insights that every new student should carry into their studies. Read the full article here: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/law_students/resources/student-lawyer/professional-development/essential-soft-skills-you-must-develop-during-law-school/.
“Direct violation of the Insurrection Act,” says Ret. Brigadier General Michael McDaniel, who served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Homeland Defense Strategy, Prevention and Mission Assurance at the Pentagon.
The Schurr Murder trial commenced on Monday, April 28, 2025, in connection to the officer involved shooting resulting in the death of Patrick Lyoya. Former Grand Rapids Police Department Officer Christopher Schurr encountered Lyoya during an April 2022 traffic stop. Cooley Law School Professors Lewis Langham, Tracey Brame and Tonya Krause-Phelan have offered expert analysis through each phase of the trial, from jury selection, to prosecution and defense case presentation, and jury deliberation.
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.
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.
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."
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.
