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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Being given a chance to excel, to find your own path and be encouraged every step of the way is a "gift" that can last a lifetime. When those who have received this gift pass it on to someone up and coming, its value is increased manyfold.
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Early in his career, even before law school at the University of Michigan, recently retired Professor John Scott taught junior high English and decided it wasn’t for him. Looking back, Scott realizes it wasn’t the teaching part he didn’t enjoy, it must have been the subject matter.
When considering law schools, everyone has different hopes, expectations and needs. But one desire all potential students have in common is to be taught by great legal minds who put education first — people who are expert attorneys in good standing, who have already spent years in the legal trenches, and who are committed to preparing each and every student to be superior attorneys and outstanding citizens.
Victoria Cruz-Garcia has returned to Cooley Law School’s Tampa campus with a wealth of legal experience and a bottomless bucket of enthusiasm for legal education. Add to that a heart for the underdog and you have an ideal person for instructing future lawyers.
Blog contributor Otto Stockmeyer is a Cooley Law School Distinguished Professor Emeritus. This is one of a series taking a fresh look at famous cases.
What’s more important to a successful legal education and career than brains, drive or love for the law? If you ask Professor Carly Wolf at Cooley’s Tampa Bay campus, it’s planning, pure and simple.
