Recent Cooley Law School graduate Aimee Lorencz is turning years of professional experience and a passion for justice into a future career in criminal law. In a feature published by Legal News, Lorencz reflects on her journey from working as a correctional officer and CPS investigator to earning her law degree while balancing family, work, and leadership responsibilities. As a weekend/blended student, Lorencz immersed herself in hands-on learning opportunities including externships, moot court competitions, the Cooley Innocence Project, and student leadership roles. Her experiences strengthened her passion for criminal law, ethics, and advocacy. Read more about Aimee's story here: https://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1606383.
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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.
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:
