News (9)

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 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission

The Michigan Supreme Court reappointed Jacqueline Freeman to the Commission on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 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

WMU-Cooley Hosts Attorney General for Discussion on Social Justice

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and Department of Attorney General Chief Operating Officer Veneshia Cezil participated in a town hall discussion at WMU-Cooley Law School on March 20. The AG Social Justice Townhall allowed an opportunity for those in attendance to network and learn about career opportunities, internships, externships and job shadowing with the AG’s office. During the event, Nessel and Cezil spoke about premier cases the department has handled and new initiatives that are being planned. Pictured, from left: WMU-Cooley President and Dean James McGrath, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, and WMU-Cooley Professor and Assistant Dean Erika Breitfeld. Nessel made a strong case for working in government and being a part of the change. She talked about the many options a law degree opened in a career, like going into private practice or working in non-profit. She asserted that you can also work to fight the injustices in the world by running for office or working in an office like hers. “My staff regularly has the opportunity to bring matters to my attention and others,” stated Nessel. “Then we decide how the department can best use its resources to help the most people in the state.” As an example, Nessel spoke about working with WMU-Cooley’s Innocence Project and her office’s efforts to start an expungement unit. “The most well-intentioned investigators and prosecutors get it wrong, and when that happens we shouldn’t just be resigned to say ‘well, I guess someone was convicted and sentenced to spend their entire life in prison,’” said Nessel. She explained how new evidence is important to changing the lives of those who have been wrongly convicted. Nessel also shared the importance of the Expungement Unit. She said it is important to understand the significant impact that having a conviction on one’s record can have on their life. “You have served your time. You have gone a lengthy period of time without any new convictions. It’s important to understand how that conviction plays like an anchor, and weighs down people for the rest of their life. It makes it hard to get a job, makes it hard to find a place to live, makes it difficult to get student loans, and people are literally held back in every way, shape and form to progress in life,” said Nessel. “We put together a division that does nothing other than expedite and process expungements for people with these convictions all over the state. We went from two years ago processing about 2,000 expungements, to about 14,000 the next year.” While talking about her position with the AG’s office, Cezil, a WMU-Cooley graduate said, “I sat right here at the law school and I am here today to tell you ‘Don’t put yourself in a box.’ I was a litigator, that was my concentration. I still love it. When a staff member says that they can’t work on a case, I raise my hand as COO and say ‘I’ll cover it for you.’” Cezil told law students to keep an open mind while attending law school and look for opportunities beyond what they believe they are looking for. “I went to law school because I didn’t like numbers. As chief of operations I am now responsible for maintaining an over $100 million budget,” said Cezil. “When we talk about giving a voice to the voiceless, you are in such an excellent position because this is what your law degree and law license are going to do; you are going to be speaking on behalf of others.” Mar 30 2023

Cooley Innocence Project and Warner to 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 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, will recognize National Wrongful Conviction Day with a free panel discussion featuring Innocence Project exonerees. Panelists will include 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. The event will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Warner’s Grand Rapids office, 150 Ottawa Ave. NW. Seating is limited. Attendees must register in advance online. “Our commitment to helping those wrongfully convicted has been and will continue to be the cornerstone of our work,” said Tracey Brame, director of Cooley Law School’s Innocence Project. “It is important we work within local communities to raise awareness for the estimated 975 innocent individuals who are locked up every year.” Established in 2001, the Cooley Law School Innocence Project is the only post-conviction DNA innocence organization in the state. 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), Nixon, Poole and DeJesus. It also helped to exonerate Lacino Hamilton and Ramon Ward, both in 2020, and Terance Calhoun and Melvin DeJesus, both in 2022. “We are proud to host this event and support the work of Cooley's Innocence Project to create change and impact the lives of those our justice system has wronged,” said Warner Partner Christopher E. Tracy. “We look forward to the experiences and insights the panelists will share as we collectively strive to raise awareness and create a lasting impact on the lives of those who have been wrongly convicted.” 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 DONATE HERE. 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, working to redress the causes of wrongful convictions and supporting the exonerated after they are freed. Registration for the free event on Oct. 2 is available ONLINE. Limited seating available. Sep 20 2023

Cooley Law School Student Bar Association Hosts "Old Hollywood" Barrister's Ball

Cooley Law School’s Lansing Student Bar Association held its 33rd annual Barristers’ Ball on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Eli and Edy Broad Art Museum in East Lansing. The Barristers’ Ball is an opportunity for students and legal professionals to network and socialize with others from the community. Nearly 150 law students, faculty, staff, attorneys and business leaders attended the “Old Hollywood”-themed formal black-tie optional event. All funds raised went back to the Cooley’s Student Bar Association in Lansing. Pictured from left to right are: Ramon Garcia, Alex Siao, Norelle Miranda, Francesca Camacho, and Samantha Hulliberger. Pictured from left to right are: Sukayna Almusawi, Cooley Law School Professor Emily Horvath, and Elizabeth Tobias. Pictured from left to right are: Kristin Babbie, Ramon Garcia, Hannah Murphy, and Slade Stafford. Noah and Juliana Bowers attend the 33rd annual Barristers’ Ball on Saturday, Sept. 30, at the Eli and Edy Broad Art Museum in East Lansing. Cooley President James McGrath (right) enjoyed the 33rd annual Barristers’ Ball at the Eli and Edy Broad Art Museum with his family. Oct 12 2023

Cooley Law School found in compliance with American Bar Association’s Section 316