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 Elizabeth Joy Fossel, of counsel, Varnum Attorneys at Law, imparts words of wisdom and sage advice to new Cooley graduates during their commencement ceremony on May 20, 2018. Read excerpts from her keynote address and #FromWhereIStand story below.
Rosemarie E. Aquilina, Ingham County, Michigan, Circuit Court Judge and adjunct Cooley professor, made news worldwide for her work presiding over the sentencing of disgraced former sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar. Yet, for those from the Lansing area, her reputation for outspoken advocacy was already solid. For Aquilina, giving those in her courtroom a voice was simply business as usual.
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We live in turbulent times that often try our patience and make us wonder what could possibly be next. But under the choppy surface waters of daily life, good people are going about the business of making change — for the good. They ignore that which detracts from their mission while steadily moving toward their goals. Eaton County 56th Circuit Court Judge Janice Cunningham is one of those steadfast crusaders. Cunningham, a long-time Cooley adjunct professor, was the second judge to sentence disgraced sports medicine doctor Larry Nassar.
Going on a hunt for real treasure is something most of us will only ever do through a book or a movie. Then, with a wistful sigh, we will resume our day-to-day regime, sharing only a fraction of the pleasure that real hunters enjoy.
Cooley Law School graduate Gadiel Espinoza can't say life has been easy, but will tell you, unequivocally, that there is no obstacle or barrier that can stand in his way of finding success.
John Mallul (O’Hara Class, 1983) was born and raised in Detroit. His father worked at the local Cadillac car plant as a machine repairman on the factory floor for 44 years. As much as his father never was in jeopardy of being laid off or let go, Mallul and his family felt the devastating effect the troubles in the car industry had on the city of Detroit.
At just two years of age Ahmed Salim moved with his family from their homeland in Pakistan to the United States, into the south suburbs of Chicago. Salim’s parents wanted what every other immigrant family wanted – a better life for their children.
Growing up, Erica Kirkwood (Souris Class, 2009) was surrounded by family in law enforcement. Her dad is a sheriff. Her sister is a sheriff. Her grandmother is a retired sheriff. She even has an uncle and aunt who are sheriffs. Plus two sheriff cousins. Kirkwood even took the sheriff’s exam and passed it.
Cooley Professor EmilyHorvath, along with five Cooley Law School graduates, were named as 2017 Michigan Lawyers Weekly Women in the Law honorees during a luncheon on September 7, 2017 at the Detroit Marriott in Troy, Michigan. We are very proud of all their accomplishments and this deserved honor. Congratulations Susan M. Cook, Laura J. Genovich, Emily Horvath, Sara L. Ostahowski, Mary R. Pigorsh, and Cinnamon Rice.
