News (8)

Cooley Student Awarded Inaugural DEI Scholarship from Plunkett Cooney

A Cooley Law School student is the recipient of Plunkett Cooney’s inaugural diversity scholarship award. Frances Silney-Bah, a rising 3L at Cooley, received a $2,500 scholarship based on her submission to the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) essay program. “I would like to thank Plunkett Cooney for voting my essay to the top amid strong competition and a rigorous selection process,” said Silney-Bah. “I believe that by continuing to invest in diverse law students, we will achieve equity in the profession.” Plunkett Cooney’s scholarship program is an extension of the law firm’s DEI goals, which include attracting and retaining law school students from diverse backgrounds. To qualify, “diverse student” applications included, but were not limited to, based on race, ethnicity, nationality, gender identity, LGBTQIA+ identity, disability and neurodivergence. The law firm’s essay review panel members were tasked with selecting finalists from a significant number of high-quality essays. When reviewing submissions, panel members considered the essays based on each author’s response to a prompt about life experiences, challenges, triumphs and/or background that influenced their career choice and impacted their approach to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion as they enter the legal profession. Plunkett Cooney’s DEI Committee members help coordinate the firm’s related activities, which include a focus on recruitment, retention, training, mentoring and community involvement. Each year, Plunkett Cooney supports numerous affinity groups, community organizations and law school student organizations that are focused on advancing DEI. Aug 10 2023

WMU-Cooley Celebrates Pride Month with Community Conversation

WMU-Cooley Law School recognized Pride Month with a virtual Community Conversation on Monday, June 5, featuring Preston Mitchum, an attorney, advocate, and activist for Black and LGBTQ+ rights. During the event, Mitchum, founder and CEO of PDM Consulting, a multi-purpose consulting firm focused on the power of Black people, LGBTQ+ people, and youth, spoke on the history of Pride Month, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, and how law students and lawyers can take action in support of LGBTQ+. “Nothing is wrong with being a LGBTQ+ person,” said Mitchum, who is gay. “Something is wrong with how society responds. There are many LGBTQ people, even if they don't use that that terminology, who really want to be confident in who they are. But they understand just how ostracized, stigmatized, and criminalized LGBTQ people are. So, for some of them, they stay in this proverbial closet, and for many others, even when they do come out or invite people into their personal lives, they're still met with a stigmatic and oftentimes visceral responses, and so I find it very important to always start with nothing is wrong with being LGBTQ. The problem that we're solving for and the problem that's being identified is how society responds. How is that society responding to people? How do we create a braver or more safer spaces for people to show up and be fully authentic in who they are?” Mitchum gave an overview of the Pride Month landscape, which started in 1970 – a year after the Stonewall Riot in New York City – by and with community as a protest specifically against decades of police violence and uprisings. “Pride, in its purest form, was a riot,” he said. “It is, it was and it should always be recognized as a riot so we can also recognize the many assets associated with it and why that riot was necessary in the first place. It’s especially important that we recognize that not only is June a celebration regarding LGBTQ people, it is also a time that we recognize the last freed Black people in the United States and what we now know to be Juneteenth.” Mitchum explained anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is being pushed at an alarming rate throughout the country with over 300 bills in 2022, and a record over 540 bills already in 2023. He went on to share the many ways lawyers, law students and the public can take action to support LGBTQ+ people, including youth: educate yourself, listen and learn from others, speak up against injustice, support marginalized communities and build coalitions. “One thing I do want to underscore is the importance of really challenging case law, the importance of really challenging what we see,” said Mitchum. “And it takes time. You don't just take a case to court because you're angry. There are decades of jurisprudence. You have to review it, research it, figure out what makes sense. Is this the right court? Is this the right circuit? There are a lot of dynamics at play so you don't do decades-long of damage. That is something I want to say to law students and legal professionals: challenge the profession, challenge the law, and be very mindful and thoughtful who could be negatively impacted if you don’t.” With over 10 years of legal and policy experience, Mitchum has served nonprofit organizations in a variety of leadership roles to help bring out the voices of historically oppressed audiences, including director of Federal Advocacy and Government Affairs at The Trevor Project; URGE: Unite for Reproductive & Gender Equity; Advocates for Youth; the Center for Health and Gender Equity; Center for American Progress; and the National Coalition for LGBTQ Health. Additionally, he has served as an adjunct professor of law at Georgetown University Law Center and American University Washington College of Law, where he taught LGBTQ Health Law and Policy, and Sexuality, Gender Identity, and the Law, respectively. Jun 06 2023

WMU-Cooley’s Tampa Bay Campus Holds Virtual Honors Convocation

On March 9, an honors convocation was held for students at WMU-Cooley Law School’s Tampa Bay campus who will be graduating following the law school’s winter term. Eric Hall, Tyrone Laury, Elpiniki Roussos, Jessica Sivillo, and Sharon Woodbury were presented with the Leadership Achievement Award, which acknowledges those students who have consistently, comprehensively, and effectively provided leadership in a variety of capacities. The award is intended to be the culmination of the recipients’ participation in leadership activities at WMU-Cooley. Additionally, Laury and Sivillo were presented with the Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award. The award is given to selected graduating students based on academic accomplishment, professionalism, and ethics, demonstrated leadership at WMU-Cooley, meaningful extracurricular activities, and post-graduation plans. The recipients are selected by the past presidents and executive committee of the WMU-Cooley Alumni Association. The recipients were presented a diploma frame from the law school. Pictured: Tyrone Laury Hall, originally from Detroit, Michigan, earned his bachelor’s degree from Siena Heights University. While at WMU-Cooley he chair of the Student Bar Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee, vice president for the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Student Association, treasurer of the law school’s Federal Bar Association, and a member of the Black Law Students Association. Hall was also a member of the Moot Court team and the served as a student ambassador. Originally from El Paso, Texas, Laury earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. While at WMU-Cooley, he served as president and secretary for the Black Law Students Association, served as president and vice president of the campus’ American Constitution Society, and was associate editor for the WMU-Cooley Law Review. He served chief justice and council member of the Moot Court’s executive team, and was a member of the Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society and the Federal Bar Association. Roussos, who hales from Nassau, Bahamas, earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Florida. She served as parliamentarian, senator-at-large and was a member of the By-Law Committee for the Student Bar Association. She was a staff writer for The Pillar, the law school’s student-run newsletter; and executive board member and membership chair of the Mock Trial Board. Roussos was also a member of Real Property & Trust Law Student Association, the National Mock Trial Competition Team, and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. Sivillo, from Mayfield Heights, Ohio, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University Tampa. She served as secretary for the Student Bar Association, vice president and secretary of the law school’s chapter of Help Save the Next Girl, and president and treasurer of the WMU-Cooley Florida Association for Women Lawyers. Sivillo was a member of the National Moot Court Team and the Florida Bar Young Lawyers Law School Affiliate. Originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Woodbury earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Regent University. While at WMU-Cooley, Woodbury served as president of the Christian Legal Society and of WMU-Cooley’s chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. She was a member of the law school’s chapter of the Florida Association for Women Lawyers and of the Black Law Students Association. Mar 14 2023

Cooley Law School Students Receive Alumni Memorial Scholarship

Four Cooley Law School students were honored as recipients of the 2024 Alumni Memorial Scholarship. Charles Bloomfield (Top left) of the Lansing campus, and Troy Conti (Bottom right), Kyndal Midkiff (Top right), and Sarah Tanner (Bottom left), of the Tampa Bay campus were awarded the scholarship based on their character and the potential to become an outstanding lawyer. The Alumni Memorial Scholarship is funded by the yearly interest income generated from the principal balance of the Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund. Eligibility is limited to second-year and third-year students in good standing who have earned between 30 and 80 credit hours and who demonstrate good character as a future lawyer. Since establishing the scholarship in 1989, the Alumni Association has awarded more than $130,000 in scholarships through this award. “On behalf of the Alumni Association Executive Committee, we congratulate these four Cooley Law School Alumni Memorial Scholarship recipients on their fine accomplishments and dedication to Cooley,” said Alumni Association President Bradley Merritt. “Charles Bloomfield of the Lansing campus, and Troy Conti, Kyndal Midkiff, and Sarah Tanner, of the Tampa Bay campus, have each displayed the strong values and commitment that exemplify this award. We look forward to following their accomplishments as they complete law school and enter the legal profession.” Mar 26 2024

WMU-Cooley’s Lansing Campus Holds Honors Convocation

On March 9, WMU-Cooley Law School’s Lansing campus held a convocation honoring students who will be graduating following the law school’s winter term. The Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award was presented to Samira Montlouis. The award is given to selected graduating students based on academic accomplishment, professionalism, and ethics, demonstrated leadership at WMU-Cooley, meaningful extracurricular activities, and post-graduation plans. The recipients are selected by the past presidents and executive committee of the WMU-Cooley Alumni Association. Recipients are presented a diploma frame from the law school. Montlouis, who was originally from Detroit, Michigan, earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She served as executive articles editor for the WMU-Cooley Law Review, vice president of Moot Court, and mentorship chair for the Student Bar Association. She was a member of the Organization of Women’s Law Students, the Cooley Volunteer Corps, and Phi Delta Phi International Society. Montlouis was co-founder and vice president of WMU-Cooley’s Scribes-The American Society of Legal Writers chapter. Pictured, left-right, Samira Montlouis and her son, Jalen Montlouis. In addition to the Alumni Distinguished Student Award, Montlouis was presented with the Student Bar Association Distinguished Student Award; and the organization’s Fitzgerald Award, which recognizes a student who has shown a significant commitment towards the improvement of the school’s various organizations; and the Krinock Memorial Award, which recognizes a student who has risen above expectations and proven extreme loyalty to the law and the student body. Miguel Cardenas was presented with the Leadership Achievement Award, which acknowledges those students who have consistently, comprehensively, and effectively provided leadership in a variety of capacities. The award is intended to be the culmination of the recipients’ participation in leadership activities at WMU-Cooley. Originally from Harrison Township, Michigan, Cardenas earned his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University, While at WMU-Cooley he was a member of Student Bar Association where he served as a senator and as academic chair. Cardenas served as treasurer of the Health Law Society and participated in Moot Court, Cooley’s Volunteer Corps, and as a member of the Organization of Women Law Students. Mar 14 2023

Cooley Health Law Society Hosts Panel Discussion on Careers in Healthcare Law

On Jan. 29, Cooley Law School’s Health Law Society hosted a panel discussion on exploring careers in healthcare law, featuring health law professionals from Michigan. Attendees had the opportunity to learn from the attorney panelists involved in health law corporate settings, and gain an understanding in health law as a career and what life is like as an in-house counsel in the corporate world. The expert panelists provided tips and insights for those seeking a career path in the healthcare field. Panelists included, Julie Janeway of Advize Health, Liz Callahan Morris of Henry Ford Health, Jennifer Dewane of Elevance Health, Tim Gutwald of Mentavi Health and ADHD Online, Julie Janeway of Advize Health, and Nicole Stratton of Corewell Health. “Healthcare comprises one-fifth of the U.S. economy,” Janeway said during the panel discussion. She is general counsel, director, and healthcare administration/operations support at Advize Health. “It is one of the most regulated industries in the nation and it is engaged in a plethora of business and commercial aspects. Clinicians keep healthcare running, while health lawyers keep the business of healthcare running. No matter what your area of legal interest, there is very likely a place for you in health law. If you are looking to pursue your passion as a lawyer but would like a new environment in which to pursue it, join the State Bar of Michigan Healthcare Law Section. We would love to meet you!” Featured panelists pictured in the front row from left to right: Julie Janeway of Advize Health, Nicole Stratton of Corewell Health, and Liz Callahan Morris of Henry Ford Health; in back row: Jennifer Dewane of Elevance Health, and Tim Gutwald of Mentavi Health and ADHD Online. Feb 01 2024

Cooley and WMU End 10-Year Affiliation

In 2013, Cooley Law School and Western Michigan University entered into a 10-year affiliation agreement, which ended effective November 10. Both institutions agreed not to seek an extension in order to focus more on their own core mission and values. During the affiliation, each institution had retained independent governance, as overseen by separate boards and the agreement did not involve an exchange of funds or financial support. The dissolution does not affect the operations of either entity. Cooley President and Dean James McGrath is enthusiastic about the future of Cooley Law School and everything it has to offer students going forward. "The end of the affiliation will not affect our ability to continue to prepare our students for the practice of law, as we have over the course of our over 50-year history," said McGrath. "We are very excited about the launch of our new curriculum which the faculty have been working on for months now. We are making sure our curriculum is not only ready to meet the challenges of today but is nimble enough to shift as the law continues to change. I am confident our new curriculum will enhance our program and ensure our graduates continue to be practice-ready upon graduation.” Nov 10 2023

Cooley Law School's Innocence Project and Warner Recognize National Wrongful Conviction Day with Exoneree Panel Event

On Monday, Oct. 2, the Cooley Law School Innocence Project, in partnership with Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, recognized National Wrongful Conviction Day with a panel discussion featuring Project exonerees at Warner’s Grand Rapids office. Panelists included exonerees Kenneth Nixon, Gilbert Poole, George DeJesus, and his brother, Melvin DeJesus. Nixon and Poole were exonerated in 2021, while the DeJesus brothers were exonerated in 2022. During the event, several panel attendees asked questions, expressed sympathies to the exonerees and their families, and applauded their perseverance and hard work. Exonerees shared the circumstances surrounding their false convictions, what helped them get through their sentences, and their hardships and successes after their exonerations. “Once the charges were processed, my faith went right out the window,” said Nixon. “I didn’t understand how I could be in this situation by no will of my own, no wrongdoing of my own. The logical mind thinks that truth and honesty will play itself out in the courtroom; that’s what we’re taught to believe – that once it makes it to the courtroom, they’ll get it right. In reality, it’s a gut-punch after gut-punch after gut-punch. It was bigger than just fighting for my freedom. I had to prove to my sons that no matter what, when you’re right, you stand up for yourself.” Nixon, who has started his own non-profit called the Organization of Exonerees, added: “It was hard, but I’m thankful that I’m here and trying to make change within the system.” “Sometimes the zealousness for conviction gets in the way of the actual truth of the matter,” said Poole, who spent 32 years in prison – the longest of the featured panelists. “That’s where I fill in the cracks, because everybody wanted a conviction, wanted to resolve the case so badly, that the rules took over the actual facts.” Melvin DeJesus, who was arrested at the hospital while his daughter was being born, shared how his perseverance while in prison helped him on his path to freedom. “How can I stop fighting when my daughter is still out there? Anything that came at me, I thought there was a choice: I can go home to my family or I can go down that other road, and it’s not a nice road.” George DeJesus, one of the exonerated brothers, added: “It’s a long process. We’ve been out a year and a half, two years, and the only time I’m not thinking about it is when I’m with my family.” In its 10th year, Wrongful Conviction Day began as an effort of the Innocence Network, an affiliation of organizations dedicated to providing pro-bono legal and investigative services to individuals seeking to prove innocence of crimes for which they have been convicted. They work to redress the causes of wrongful convictions and support he exonerated after they are freed. “The last few years there have been conviction integrity units that have been working statewide and at the attorney general’s office, as well as several local prosecutor’s offices,” said Tracey Brame, director of Cooley Law School’s Innocence Project. “What’s important is how they streamline the process for investigating these cases instead of our deficient appellate system. The leaders of those units have done a really good job of changing the mindset of even the prosecutors in their offices because there’s the notion that they never make a mistake, and they must’ve been guilty or it’s too late. There are strong leaders in conviction integrity units that are helping us take another look at these cases.” Established in 2001, the Cooley Law School Innocence Project is the only post-conviction DNA innocence organization in the State of Michigan. Since its inception, the office has screened over 6,000 cases and is responsible for the exoneration of eight individuals: Kenneth Wyniemko (2003), Nathaniel Hatchett (2008), Donya Davis (2014), LeDura Watkins (2017), Corey McCall (2021), Kenneth Nixon (2021), Gilbert Poole (2021) and George DeJesus (2022). The Project also helped to exonerate Lacino Hamilton and Ramon Ward, both in 2020, and Terance Calhoun and Melvin DeJesus, both in 2022. “Treating people with dignity and making sure that we’re doing justice for everybody involved in our justice system; if we don’t get those things right, then we’re screwed,” said Warner Partner Christopher E. Tracy. “A social contract of a country like ours, a democracy like ours, if it's going to work, it has to do these things correctly. When you get it wrong, then something like the Cooley Innocence Project thankfully is there to rectify that.” The Cooley Innocence Project is staffed by Cooley Law School students, who work under the supervision of Cooley Innocence Project attorneys. Those interested in donating and supporting the work of the Cooley Innocence Project can GIVE HERE. Oct 03 2023

Cooley Law School Graduate Kellen A. Dotson Celebrates Investiture to 61st District Court in Grand Rapids

On Tuesday, Sept. 26, Cooley Law School graduate Kellen A. Dotson, celebrated his investiture to the 61st District Court in Grand Rapids. Judge Dotson is the son of Cooley Professor Mark Dotson, his wife, Laura Dotson, both Cooley Law School graduates; and Lucia Williams. “It is an honor to be among the many Cooley Law School graduates who now uphold the law as judges in Michigan and our country,” said Judge Dotson. “It was an extremely proud and humbling moment to have so many of my Cooley law family from near and far attend my investiture to celebrate this accomplishment, especially my father – a Cooley graduate himself, who placed the judge’s robe on me during the event. My parents have always been there to support me in my law career, and I deeply appreciate everything they have taught me along the way.” Numerous Cooley professors who had Judge Dotson as a student, as well as Cooley graduates and staff, and area judges attended the investiture in person and virtually, including Cooley Dean Tracey Brame, professors Tonya Krause-Phelan, Richard Henke, and Mable Martin-Scott; Judge Cynthia Ward, Judge Curt Benson, as well as former Cooley professors Christopher Hastings, Kevin Scott, and Polly Brennan, wife of the late Thomas Brennan, founder of Cooley Law School. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Dotson’s appointment on July 7, 2023. Previously, he served as an attorney in the Kent County Office of the Public Defender, an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School, a trial skills trainer for the Michigan Indigent Defense Trial Skills Training Program, and a mediator with the Kent County Friend of the Court. Following the murder of George Floyd, Dotson undertook the role of managing attorney with the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office in Minneapolis for a two-year period before returning to Grand Rapids to serve the 61st District. Sep 28 2023

Cooley Law School Holds Fall Honors Convocation in Tampa Bay