News (9)

Cooley Law School Innocence Project Celebrates the Release of Client After 35 Years of Wrongful Imprisonment

After serving 35 years for a crime he did not commit, Louis Wright was exonerated when Calhoun County Circuit Court Judge Sarah Lincoln set aside his conviction for criminal sexual conduct and breaking and entering. In September, DNA testing established that Wright was not the perpetrator. Mr. Wright is represented by Attorney Marla Mitchell-Cichon and the Cooley Law School Innocence Project (Cooley Innocence Project). “In 1988, there was no credible evidence pointing to Mr. Wright,” said Marla Mitchell-Cichon. “Mr. Wright’s false confession led to a no contest plea and decades of incarceration.” At sentencing, Wright asked to withdraw his guilty plea, but the court denied his request. Mr. Wright has always maintained his innocence. Through its collaboration with the Attorney General’s Conviction Integrity Unit, the Cooley Innocence Project was able to obtain DNA testing of evidence collected during the original investigation. “I commend the Michigan Attorney General’s Office for agreeing to DNA testing in this case,” Mitchell-Cichon said. ”Without their willingness to test the rape kit evidence, Mr. Wright may never have received justice.” In September 2023, the Michigan State Forensic Science Division (MSP) identified foreign DNA not consistent with Mr. Wright’s DNA profile. Michigan has had a post-conviction DNA testing law on the books since 2001, but those who pleaded guilty cannot request testing under the statute. House Bill 5271 proposes to change that. On January 18, 1988, a man broke into a home and sexually assaulted an eleven-year-old girl. Mr. Wright quickly became a suspect when an off-duty Albion police officer reported seeing Mr. Wright in the neighborhood five hours before the offense. Within 24-hours Mr. Wright was taken into custody and the police reported that Mr. Wright confessed to the crime. Mr. Wright’s interview was not recorded, nor did he write or sign a confession. The Albion Department of Public Safety found boot prints outside the victim’s home following the assault. Plaster castings were created of those prints. According to police, the boots Mr. Wright was wearing at the time of his arrest were “identical” to the boot prints found at the crime scene. However, the MSP determined that the “casts could not have been made by the suspect’s boots.” The original detective’s report noted that he attempted to collect fingerprints from the victim’s home: “Latent Fingerprint Examination of the exterior and interior of the residence was made with negative results.” However, the MSP was given a fingerprint for analysis and concluded that the print did not match Louis Wright. Both MSP reports were generated before Mr. Wright’s no contest plea on September 30, 1988. The police did not conduct any identification procedures in the case. There was no photo array or live line-up; the victim was never asked to identify anyone in or outside of court. The recent DNA testing established that a man other than Wright is the perpetrator. The Calhoun County Prosecutor has committed to reopening the investigation and determining the identity of the true perpetrator. “I commend the attorneys and investigators in my office, the local agencies, and the Cooley Law School Innocence Project for their hard work,” said Attorney General Dana Nessel. Left, Darlene Hall (Wright’s sister); Right, Louis Wright. In 2021, the Cooley Innocence Project received an Upholding the Rule of Law grant from the Department of Justice. The grant provides support to review cases in which unreliable forensics played a role in the conviction. Since 2018 the Cooley Innocence Project has partnered with Michigan Attorney General’s Conviction Integrity Unit on DNA and other forensic casework. This partnership led to Louis Wright’s release after 35 long years. About the Cooley Innocence Project: The Cooley Law School Innocence Project is part of the Innocence Network, which has been credited with the release of over 375 wrongfully accused prisoners through the use of DNA testing. The Cooley Innocence Project has screened over 6,000 cases and is responsible for the exoneration of eight men: Kenneth Wyniemko (2003), Nathaniel Hatchett (2008), Donya Davis (2014) LeDura Watkins (2017), Kenneth Nixon (2021), Gilbert Poole (2021), Corey McCall (2021), and George DeJesus (2022). The Cooley Innocence Project supported the exonerations of Ramon Ward, Lacino Hamilton, and Terance Calhoun by contributing its DNA expertise and grant resources to obtain testing. The 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 do so at https://www.cooley.edu/academics/experiential-learning/innocence-project About Cooley Law School: Cooley Law School was founded on a mission of equal access to a legal education and offers admission to a diverse group of qualified applicants across the country. Since the law school's founding in 1972, Cooley has provided a modern legal education to more than 20,000 graduates, teaching the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world. Cooley enrolls classes year-round at its Michigan and Florida campuses. Cooley is an independent, non-profit law school, accredited by both the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Nov 09 2023

State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section Meets with Cooley Law School Students

On Nov. 2, Cooley Law School’s Organization of Women Law Students (OWLS) and the Career and Professional Development office hosted the State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Section (FLS) to discuss various career paths. Panelists included Attorneys Cara Willing of the Law Offices of Griffiths & Willing who chairs the FLS membership education committee; Jordan Ahlers, associate attorney at Speaker Law Firm, PLLC; and Julie Griffiths of the Law Offices of Griffiths & Willing. The panelists shared the broad opportunities available for those interested in practicing family law, including appellate advocacy, trial court practice, and alternative dispute resolution. Additionally, panelists discussed the value of joining the State Bar sections as a law student. “The State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Section provided Cooley Law School students with great advice, as they learned about future practice areas through mentorship and experience,” said Karen Poole, director of career and professional development at Cooley. Panelists during Cooley Law School’s recent discussion by the State Bar of Michigan’s Family Law Section included (left-right) attorneys Julie Griffiths, Jordan Ahlers, and Cara Willing. Nov 03 2023

WMU-Cooley's Lansing Campus Holds Honors Convocation

On July 13, WMU-Cooley Law School’s Lansing campus held its summer term honors convocation recognizing students for their achievements. Alexandra Calzaretta 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 Westminster, Colorado, Calzaretta earned her bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University. While at WMU-Cooley she was a member of the Student Bar Association where she served as a senator and member of the executive board. Calzaretta was a member of the Law Review, Mock Trial and Organization of Women Law Students. In addition to the Leadership Achievement Award, Calzaretta was honored with the Student Bar Association Fitzgerald Award for significant commitment towards the improvement of the school’s various student organizations. During the convocation, the Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award was presented to Melissa Bianchi. The award is given to selected graduating students based on academic accomplishments, professionalism and ethics, leadership, 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. Bianchi, who is originally from Midland, Texas, earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas Christian University. She served as an associate editor for the WMU-Cooley Law Review, treasurer for the Organization of Women Lawyers, and participated in the Sixty Plus Estate Planning Clinic. Bianchi was chosen as a fellow to the ABA Legal Education Police Practices Consortium, and served as a teaching assistant for professors Tonya Krause-Phelan and Monica Nuckolls. In addition to the Alumni Distinguished Student Award, Bianchi was presented with the Student Bar Association's Distinguished Student Award and the Law Review's John D. Voelker Award, which recognizes a law student who made significant contributions to furthering the purpose of the publication. Zhanna Mendolia also was presented the Alumni Distinguished Student Award during the Tampa Bay campus Honors Convocation. Mendolia is originally from Stavropol, Russia where she earned a foreign law degree before immigrating to the United States. She is a Dean’s List student who is active in the Young Lawyers Division of the Florida Bar "Health and Wellness Olympics 2023,” and has intentions to open her own practice in the future. Jul 19 2023

Cooley Law School Associate Dean Tonya Krause-Phelan and Four Graduates Receive Influential Women of the Law Award

Cooley Law School Associate Dean of Academics and Professor Tonya Krause-Phelan, along with four Cooley graduates, Stephanie Arndt (2004, Cross Class), Jennifer Hetu (2006, Edwards Class), Mary Pat Meyers (1982, Brooke Class), and Lori K. Smith (2008, Sharpe Class) were honored during Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2023 Class of Influential Women of the Law award ceremony. The awards were presented on Friday, Sept. 22, at Petruzzello’s in Troy. Each year, the Women of the Law program honors 35 women attorneys and judges for their excellent work on behalf of the justice system and for their clients, their commitment to their communities, and their service to the profession. “I am honored to be recognized as an Influential Women of the Law by Michigan Lawyers Weekly and be among these remarkable women lawyers who selflessly dedicate themselves and their work to the legal profession,” said Krause-Phelan. “As a leader in the law, it is not only about the work we do, but about inspiring and mentoring those around us to improve the law school community.” In addition to Criminal Law, Krause-Phelan teaches Criminal Procedure, Defending Battered Women, Criminal Sentencing, and Ethics in Criminal Cases. As associate dean for academics, she is currently working with faculty to make Cooley a visible and respected national leader in the development and delivery of modern legal education. Before joining the ranks of academia, Krause-Phelan began her legal career working as an assistant public defender at the Kent County Office of the Defender. While a defender, she handled and tried all types of felony cases ranging from shoplifting to murder. After three years as a defender, she moved to private practice, specializing in criminal defense where she represented both appointed and retained clients in both state and federal courts. While still practicing, she began her teaching career as an adjunct professor at Ferris State University where she taught both Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure to criminal justice majors Arndt graduated from Cooley Law School in 2004 and is an appellate specialist with Christensen Law, where her practice largely focuses on nursing home negligence and medical malpractice cases. She is a member of the Michigan Bar Association and is admitted to the U.S. District Courts for both the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan as well as the U.S. Supreme Court. Hetu, a 2006 graduate of Cooley Law School, focuses on trademark and brand protection for businesses of all sizes in the U.S. and international markets at the Bodman, PLC’s Troy office. A former trademark attorney with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Hetu is a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Intellectual Property Law Section Council, International Trademark Association, Michigan Intellectual Property Law Association, and Michigan Intellectual Property American Inn of Court. Myers, who graduated from Cooley Law School in 1982, is a partner with the Meyers Law Firm in Dearborn. She focuses her practice on medical negligence and other personal injury litigation. Meyers participates in the University of Detroit Law School Chapter of the American Inns of Court as a master of the bench and was adjunct faculty for the Medical/Legal internship rotation at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. In 2022, Meyers received the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Michigan State Bar Association-Negligence Section. A 2008 Cooley Law School graduate and a shareholder at Sterling Heights-based O’Reilly Rancilio, P.C., Smith’s practice focuses on all aspects of family law. She is president of the Macomb County Bar Association, former president and current director of the Macomb County Bar Foundation, and is secretary for the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan Macomb Region. Photo 1: Women attorneys and judges were honored during Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2023 Influential Women of the Law ceremony on September 22. Pictured (left-right) are WMU-Cooley Associate Dean Tonya Krause-Phelan and Cooley Law School graduates Jennifer Hetu, Stephanie Arndt, Mary Pat Meyers, and Lori Smith. Sep 26 2023

Michigan Supreme Court Reappoints Cooley Senior Director Jacqueline Freeman to Commission on Fairness and Public Trust

The Michigan Supreme Court reappointed Jacqueline Freeman to the Commission on Fairness and Public Trust in the Michigan judiciary. Freeman, who represents Michigan ABA-Accredited law schools, is senior director and special advisor to the president for engagement, civil rights, and Title IX at Cooley Law School. The Commission on Fairness and Public Trust in the Michigan Judiciary was first created in 2021 to assess and work towards elimination of demographic and other disparities within the Michigan judiciary and justice system. The 24-member commission is comprised of Michigan’s legal professionals and stakeholders, including judges from various courts, members of judicial associations, ABA-accredited law schools, and others. At Cooley Law School, Freeman works to promote the law school’s mission of advancing diversity of the legal profession through professional exploration programs, which provides the opportunity to study law, prepare to pass the bar, and become lawyers. “The legal profession must have a diverse bar that is representative of the world we inhabit,” said Freeman. “This belief was foundational in the establishment of Cooley Law School and continues today to be a core guiding principle.” Originally appointed for a one-year term in early 2023 to the Commission on Fairness and Public Trust in the Michigan judiciary, Freeman’s reappointment allows her to serve through 2026. Jan 25 2024

Cooley Lansing Campus Holds Honors Convocation

On Nov. 9, Cooley Law School’s Lansing campus held its fall term honors convocation recognizing students for their achievements. Adam Ostrander and Hannah Murphy 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 Cooley. Ostrander was also presented with the Alumni Association Distinguished Student Award. The award is given to selected graduating students based on academic accomplishments, professionalism and ethics, leadership, extracurricular activities, and post-graduation plans. The recipients are selected by the past presidents and executive committee of the Cooley Alumni Association. Recipients are presented a diploma frame from the law school. Originally from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Murphy earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Florida. While at Cooley she was a member of the Student Bar Association (SBA) where she served as secretary and as a member of the mentorship program. She also served as president of the Organization of Women Law Students (OWLS), American Bar Association Law Student Division Senator, executive publicity editor for the Cooley Law Review, and a member of the Health Law Society. In addition to the Leadership Achievement Award, Murphy was honored with the Student Bar Association Robert E. Krinock Memorial Award for loyalty to the SBA and the student body through their dependable involvement and positive attitude; the SBA Fitzgerald Award for significant commitment towards the improvement of the school’s various student organizations; and the SBA Distinguished Student Award, which goes to an individual who dedicated their time at Cooley serving the student body through continuous dedication to the SBA. Ostrander, who is originally from Marshall, Michigan, earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. He served as editor in chief of the Cooley Law Review, treasurer for Mock Trial, Student Bar Association Senator, and as a member of the Health Law Society and Phi Delta Phi International Legal Honor Society. Ostrander was part of the Moot Court National Team and Mock Trial competition winner. Nov 16 2023

Cooley Law School Holds MLK Day Social Justice Discussion

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, WMU-Cooley Law School held its annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day commemoration by hosting a virtual panel discussion. The event was open to the community and part of the law school’s Community Conversations series. Attorney and advocate Robyn McCoy was the keynote presenter for the event. McCoy, who has received numerous awards for her commitment to social justice, has traveled extensively to promote equal justice for all people. She was mentored by first lady Michelle Obama. McCoy is a part-time lecturer at Eastern Michigan University and teaches the course “Law and the African American Experience.” She was a legislative assistant to State Representative Ronnie Peterson and is currently a partner with McCoy & Associates, PLLC located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She specializes in criminal defense, family law, education advocacy, estate planning, probate, wrongful death, and personal injury. During her presentation, McCoy shared how she was raised Afrocentric and socially conscious, and has remained firmly rooted in her upbringing. She encouraged the audience to read about social justice issues, watch videos and visit museums. “I believe that we're all put here for a purpose and that we can each play a part in solving the problems of the world,” said McCoy. “There are museums all over the nation. It's very important not just to read about the stuff and watch videos, but to also be a visual learner. Go see these places and activities to ensure a brighter future for ourselves and our children.” McCoy explained how her experience working with first lady Michelle Obama inspired her to be a mentor to aspiring lawyers and law students. “If you feel compelled in some way to be involved with social justice movements, just do what your heart compels you to do, and go from there,” said McCoy. “It's like an instant reward and if you're helping people to get a second chance; I think that is what it's all about – helping people.” WATCH THE VIRTUAL EVENT HERE Jan 20 2023

Joseph Rivet Named WMU-Health Law Society’s Health Lawyer of the Year

Western Michigan University Cooley Law School’s Health Law Society awarded Attorney Joseph Rivet as Health Lawyer of the Year during a ceremony on March 30. The award was presented in partnership with the State Bar of Michigan Health Law Section. “We are pleased to present Attorney Rivet with the inaugural Health Lawyer of the Year Award,” said Angela Hammoud, president, WMU-Cooley Health Law Society. “We awarded Mr. Rivet as the Health Lawyer of the Year for his exceptional legal expertise, commitment to client advocacy, and demonstrated leadership in the health law industry.” Rivet is founder of the Rivet Health Law, PLC in Norton Shores, Michigan. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration from Baker College, and a J.D. from WMU-Cooley. His practice specializes in health care reimbursement, serves as an arbitrator through the American Health Law Association, and is an approved arbitrator for the State of Michigan for surprise billing. Rivet began his career in emergency medicine coding with expertise as a manager in varied health care provider and payor settings. Rivet expressed his appreciation for being honored when accepting the award. He spoke on his tireless work to provide the best legal representation and making a meaningful impact in the healthcare industry. He advised the students in attendance to keep pushing towards their goals, and to believe in themselves even when things feel challenging. Rivet was nominated by members of WMU-Cooley’s Health Law Society and members of the State Bar of Michigan Health Law Section. “Joe is at the top of the list for his enthusiasm for and dedication to health care law,” said Mark Mosby, chief legal counsel for Fallon Community Health Plan, Inc, while nominating Rivet. “Another thing that distinguishes Joe form other health care lawyers I know is his long career in health care compliance before he became a lawyer.” The WMU-Cooley Health Law Society promotes student awareness of health law careers, elevates awareness of health law, health policy, and health justice issues for both student and practicing attorneys. The organization helps nurture career opportunities for WMU-Cooley Students interested in health law careers. Pictured (left-right) are WMU-Cooley Health Law Society board members Thomas McKee, Miguel Cardenas, Caroline Quandt, Angela Hammoud, Lakshay Kumar, Ramon Garcia. Apr 05 2023

WMU-Cooley Law School Holds Hurricane Disasters Forum in Florida

WMU-Cooley Law School’s Tampa Bay campus student chapter of the Florida State Bar Real Property, Probate, and Trust Section, (RPPTS) and the 10CORE® Law Society hosted the virtual forum “Redevelopment After Destruction for Tenants and Homeowners” on March 18. The two-part forum featured sessions for homeowners and tenants. In September 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated families living in Florida, particularly along its southwestern coast, causing many individuals to need access to recovery services. “The purpose of forums like this are to provide individuals with basic information about their rights before, during, and after the disaster,” said WMU-Cooley Professor Florise Neville-Ewell. Pictured: Professor Florise Neville-Ewell The forum was moderated by Neville-Ewell and RPPTS President Jacob Goss. Participating panelists who have experience in providing information on FEMA rights, filing insurance claims, and how to avoid being defrauded included Jason Fletcher, Fletcher Legal Group; John Lawless, disaster relief attorney, Bay Areal Legal Services; Julie Torrez, Law Office of Richard D. Saba; and Yveline Dalmacy, Eviction Defense Unit of Nassau Suffolk Law Services. While sharing information about proper insurance coverage for those living in disaster-prone areas, Fletcher said, “It’s important to know what sort of protections you have in Florida when it comes to homeowner’s insurance.” He also spoke about the importance of preparedness prior to a disaster and how efforts in protecting your proper can help later. “If you can show the insurance companies what you did prior to the storm it is extremely important and helps when filing a claim.” Lawless who spoke on what homeowners should do immediately to make sure they have easier access to disaster recovery services said, “It sounds like a basic thing, but it comes up often, make sure that you check to confirm if you own your home on your county’s appraisal site. If you see someone else’s name – including a family member – according to the county this belongs to the estate of that individual. You see this often with multigenerational homes or mobile homes.” After a disaster happens, many individuals are faced with legal questions and concerns. Dalmacy, whose own home was destroyed during a disaster, explained that there are legal services to help individuals who face being evicted from their property because of damages that have been sustained. Having also worked as a FEMA contractor, Dalmacy stated “when I go into somebody’s home, I tell them ‘I was once like you’ and let them know that they can rebuild; I bring them hope.” While rebuilding many homeowners are victims of individuals who claim they can help in the recovery efforts and rebuilding their homes. “We need to inquire and hire licensed contracts only, said Torrez. “Homeowners should require 3 bids when searching for any job.” In addition to homeowners being faced with adversities from disaster, Neville-Ewell explained that tenants are also at risk. “It’s also important for us to show them (tenants) how much we care by providing them with information before they are affected by a disaster,” said Neville-Ewell. Fletcher also shared that tenants need to realize that there are support mechanisms in place for them. “It’s important to get help and don’t just accept the denial of failure to cooperate because of forces outside of your control.” Founded by WMU-Cooley Law School Professor Florise Neville-Ewell, the 10CORE® Law Society is a 501(c)(3) organization that has provided public outreach in Michigan, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, and is also providing innovative housing literacy programs for youth through high schools and community colleges. Neville-Ewell teaches Property and Ethics and hosts the Housing Gap Podcast, a podcast dedicated to educating tenants and homeowners. The full forum can be viewed on WMU-Cooley’s YouTube channel. Mar 24 2023

Cooley Law School Holds Fall Honors Convocation in Tampa Bay