Sept. 9, 1929 - April 20, 2026 Few individuals have embodied the story and spirit of Cooley Law School more profoundly than Polly Brennan. While generations of graduates have come to know the vision and determination of Cooley’s founder, the late Michigan Supreme Court Justice Thomas E. Brennan Sr., those closest to the law school recognize that behind that vision stood a steadfast partner whose belief, sacrifice, and encouragement helped turn an ambitious dream into a lasting institution. To many in the Cooley community, Polly was far more than the wife of the school’s founder. She was a witness to the law school’s earliest moments, a trusted advisor during its most uncertain days, and a constant source of encouragement for those who supported her husband’s vision. Judge Brennan himself often referred to her lovingly as his “sainted wife, Polly,” a tribute that reflected both his affection and his deep appreciation for her unwavering support. Polly understood better than anyone the motivation behind her husband’s determination to establish a new law school in Michigan during the early 1970s. At a time when law school admissions were extraordinarily competitive and opportunities were limited to only a select few, Judge Brennan believed deeply that legal education should not be reserved exclusively for the privileged or traditional student. He envisioned a law school that would open doors to working adults, first-generation students, and aspiring lawyers who otherwise might never have had the opportunity to pursue the profession. As a family raising six children, the Brennans took a leap of faith and opened Cooley Law School in 1972. From that moment forward, Polly became one of Cooley’s earliest champions.
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Throughout its development and growth, Cooley Law School has been fortunate to engage the services of very gifted and dedicated adjunct (part-time) professors. Twenty years ago, the school initiated a way to honor one outstanding adjunct professor each year with an award recognizing them before their students and peers.
Cooley Law School is not cut from the same cloth as traditional law schools; rather it’s fashioned to be a little unconventional—like many of our students—providing the structured flexibility other law schools can’t.
Attending law school gets to be like living in a vacuum, with little time allowed for anything beyond attending classes and studying. At Cooley Law School, however, faculty go to great lengths to make law school a broadening, inclusive experience. They feel strongly that immersion in the law must include immersion in the world, and understand how essential that experience is.
In effect for almost a year, Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Facility Licensing Act (MMFLA) is under the auspices of the new Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation, which also oversees administration of the 2008-initiated Michigan’s Medical Marihuana Licensing Act. Activities delegated to the Bureau include licensing medical marihuana growing, processing, transporting, provisioning (selling,) and safety compliance.
Cooley Law School student Christy Hauter-Nichols never thought study abroad was an option because of her hectic schedule as a wife, mother of five, businesswoman and law student. However, a chat with Valerie, her good friend, fellow law student, and a mom herself, changed everything.
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For some people, excelling in law school is enough to keep their plate full. For others–Kyona McGhee included–their plate is never full enough; so, they keep piling it on. McGhee, of Flint, Michigan, a third-year student at Cooley Law School's Auburn Hills campus, was recently chosen to attend the National Women’s Law Students Organization’s (NWLSO) inaugural Ms. JD Leadership Academy at Harvard Law School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Described as an “initiative created to further the mission of supporting and improving the experiences of women law students,” the Academy admitted just 50 students nationwide to attend the intensive workshop in September.
Cooley Law School student Charles Hickman found new meaning in the real estate adage, location, location, location. After spending his summer traveling, studying and experiencing the incredible cities of Toronto and Oxford, he had a lot to share about the experience. "Toronto was absolutely amazing,"exclaimed Hickman. "As a global city, it really encompasses and captures the interests of professionals and students. Plus I got to spend three weeks at the lovely St. Michael's College, a location straight out of a novel." Hickman relished every moment.
This blog was originally posted January 27, 2017. Cooley, as a certified veteran-friendly school, talks to its military students, faculty and graduates about their journey from the military to law school and about their career goals. January 2017’s feature is Cooley graduate Zaneta Adams, a U.S. Army Retired PFC. She served eight years in the military, including her time with the U.S. Army National Guard, the Army Reserves, and Active Duty. After being severely injured during active duty, she made it her purpose to get a legal degree and serve so her fellow brothers and sisters could get the veteran benefits they deserve.
This blog was originally posted July 11, 2016. Cooley Law School faculty have brought their scholarship and practice expertise to help students and the public understand the tragic events of Louisiana and Minnesota arising from police shootings of civilians they had stopped. They have recently appeared in media in Michigan and Florida on the circumstances under which deadly force may be used in self-defense or during an arrest. Here are some of their thoughts, with links to their media appearances.
