Cooley Law School Announces Faculty Promotions and New Appointments at Tampa Bay Campus

TAMPA, Fla. — Cooley Law School has announced faculty promotions and new appointments at its Tampa Bay campus, recognizing outstanding academic leadership while welcoming accomplished legal educators and professionals to its faculty. Professor Joseline Hardrick has been promoted from associate professor of law to professor of law, recognizing her excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service to the law school and legal profession. Professor Matt Marin has been promoted from associate professor of law and director of academic support services to professor of law and director of academic support services in recognition of his leadership in student success, academic support, and legal education. Returning to the teaching ranks at Cooley's Tampa Bay campus are Professor of Law Stevie Swanson and Associate Professor of Law Carly McLaughlin. Together, they bring extensive experience in legal education, scholarship, and bar preparation. Swanson returns to Cooley after serving as a professor of law at Lincoln Memorial University Duncan School of Law in Knoxville, Tennessee. She brings more than 23 years of legal education experience, having previously taught at Cooley Law School, the University of Michigan Law School, and Mitchell Hamline School of Law. A graduate of Yale University and the University of Michigan Law School, Swanson teaches Property, Secured Transactions, Slavery & Human Trafficking, and Real Estate Discrimination. An award-winning educator, she has been recognized multiple times as Professor of the Year and is a respected scholar whose recent publications examine racial discrimination in real estate and housing law. After serving as managing editor for the National Conference of Bar Examiners, McLaughlin brings experience with legal assessment, bar examination development, and legal writing, which provides students with valuable insight into the skills and competencies needed for success in law school and beyond. At Cooley, she teaches Legal Research & Writing and brings extensive expertise in legal writing, editing, assessment, and attorney licensure. Her work at NCBE helped shape bar examination content and resources used by jurisdictions nationwide, giving students a unique perspective on the knowledge and skills expected of new lawyers. “At Cooley Law School, we are committed to providing our students with an exceptional legal education led by accomplished educators who are passionate about teaching, mentoring, and preparing future-ready attorneys,” said James McGrath, president and dean of Cooley Law School. “The promotions of Professors Hardrick and Marin recognize their outstanding contributions to our students and our institution, while the additions of Professors Swanson and McLaughlin strengthen an already exceptional faculty. Together, they bring a remarkable breadth of legal experience, scholarship, and practical knowledge that will greatly benefit our students and transform the legal profession.” Hardrick has established herself as a respected scholar and educator in constitutional law, criminal law, and civil rights. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she is a nationally recognized speaker and author whose work examines constitutional issues, criminal justice, and the intersection of law and public policy. Marin has played a key role in advancing Cooley's Academic Support Services program, helping students develop the skills and strategies necessary for academic success and bar examination preparation. Through his leadership, he has mentored countless students as they prepare for legal practice. The faculty appointments and promotions reflect Cooley Law School's continued investment in academic excellence and its commitment to preparing practice-ready graduates through experienced faculty who combine scholarly achievement with real-world legal experience.