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Isabel Zagazeta: From Toronto to Tampa, Building a Future in Law

Isabel Zagazeta: From Toronto to Tampa, Building a Future in Law

Isabel Zagazeta is a 3L J.D. candidate and Dean’s Fellow at Cooley Law School in Tampa, Florida. Originally from Canada, she earned her undergraduate degree at Wilfrid Laurier University before moving to Florida to study law at Cooley. She has earned book awards, served on Law Review, mentored incoming students, and was part of Cooley’s Moot Court team that recently won first place at the 2026 Robert Orseck Moot Court Competition. With a passion for legal writing and healthcare compliance, Isabel is building a strong foundation for a future in law at Cooley.

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  • 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.

  • Cooley Innocence Project Featured on WGVU's Mutually Inclusive
    Cooley Innocence Project Featured on WGVU's Mutually Inclusive

    Cooley Innocence Project Featured on WGVU's Mutually Inclusive

    The latest episode of WGVU's Mutually Inclusive takes an in-depth look at Kenneth Nixon's powerful story and the transformative work of the Cooley Law School Innocence Project.

  • Ret. Brigadier General Michael C. H. McDaniel discusses the impact of a potential federal funding pause (WZZM Grand Rapids)
    Ret. Brigadier General Michael C. H. McDaniel discusses the impact of a potential federal funding pause (WZZM Grand Rapids)

    Ret. Brigadier General Michael C. H. McDaniel discusses the impact of a potential federal funding pause (WZZM Grand Rapids)

    Michael C. H. McDaniel, a retired professor at Cooley Law School and Director of Homeland Law LL.M., was recently featured on WZZM13, discussing the legal implications of a potential pause on federal assistance and the impact it could have on Grand Rapids. General McDaniel provided critical insight into a 1974 congressional act requiring the president to provide lawmakers with an advanced warning about proposed deferrals of budget authority.

  • Professor Jeffrey Swartz Provides Insight on Immigration Enforcement Changes (FOX 17)
    Professor Jeffrey Swartz Provides Insight on Immigration Enforcement Changes (FOX 17)

    Professor Jeffrey Swartz Provides Insight on Immigration Enforcement Changes (FOX 17)

    In a recent story by FOX 17 News, Professor Jeffrey Swartz offered his expertise on the evolving landscape of U.S. immigration enforcement. As a former federal prosecutor and defense attorney, Professor Swartz noted that agents must follow procedures but believes mistakes will inevitably happen, leaving courts to shape future enforcement. Read the full article here: https://www.fox17online.com/news/local-news/you-still-have-rights-understanding-the-changes-in-immigration-enforcement.

  • Kalamazoo County recognizes Cooley supporter, the late Judge Pratt
    Kalamazoo County recognizes Cooley supporter, the late Judge Pratt

    Kalamazoo County recognizes Cooley supporter, the late Judge Pratt

    Kalamazoo County celebrated the dedication of their brand-new justice center on Saturday, September 7. The center will be named in honor of the late Charles A. Pratt, a World War II veteran and the first black judge in Kalamazoo county when he was elected in 1969. Judge Pratt had 50 years of experience as a lawyer before he moved to the bench, where he is remembered for his unwavering commitment to justice, community service, and mentorship. After 12 years on the bench, Judge Pratt retired, but continued to give back to his community through his work with local organizations. Most notably, Judge Pratt was a strong advocate in Cooley’s long-lasting legacy, often carrying applications to the school wherever he went during Cooley’s fledgling era.