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contents THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL BENCHMARK FALL 2012
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IN EVERY CONCEIVABLE MANNER,
THE TRUE LEGACY OF COOLEY IS ITS
PEOPLE
A COOLEY LEGACY FOUR DECADES IN THE MAKING
Larry Nolan (Cooley Class, 1976) has been on the law school’s board for 31 years, longer than any other board member.
8-21 MEET THE FAMILIES
Cooley celebrates the successes of its graduates. In four decades of educating legal professionals, it is no surprise that Cooley’s dedication to quality education has left behind a legacy of families that the law school is proud to feature.
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A FATHER-DAUGHTER LEGACY
The late Kenneth David Owens (Witherell Class, 1990) earned his J.D. degree at the age of 50 and expanded his business to include the practice of law where he hoped his daughter, Kele Bosaw (Adams Class, 2008), would one day join him.
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COOLEY GRADUATES SHINE AT THE STATE BAR OF MICHIGAN’S ANNUAL MEETING
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FIVE COOLEY GRADUATES HONORED AS WOMEN IN THE LAW
Five Cooley graduates were recently honored among 20 women recognized as standouts in Michigan’s legal profession by receiving Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2012 Women in the Law award.
The 2012 annual meeting of the State Bar of Michigan held in Grand Rapids, Mich., this year highlighted the achievements of a number of Cooley Law School graduates.
School News
pg. 18-20
• Ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorates the official opening of the Tampa Bay campus • Thousands of dollars raised for schools during Cooley Law School’s 5K Race for Education • Cooley Law School dedicates bronze sculpture of Justice Thomas M. Cooley in Ann Arbor
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Lawrence P. Nolan, (Cooley Class, 1976) President, Nolan, Thomsen & Villas, P.C.; Chair, Cooley Law School’s Board of Directors
A graduate of Cooley’s inaugural class, Larry Nolan serves as chair of Cooley’s Board of Directors after being elected to the post in June of this year. He has been on the board for 31 years, longer than any other board member. When Larry Nolan (Cooley Class, 1976) started law school as a member of Cooley’s inaugural class in January 1973, he quickly learned that the culture of this new law school was going to be unlike that of any other law school. “Justice Thomas Brennan, the school’s founder, kind of adopted me and treated me like his seventh child,” recalled Nolan. “He is such a wonderful, great man and icon in my mind for all he has done and the way he lives his life. He created an atmosphere of family among the faculty, staff, and students at Cooley.”
Today, Nolan serves as chair of Cooley’s Board of Directors after being elected to the post in June of this year. He has been on the board for 31 years, longer than any other board member. “When Justice Brennan nominated me to be on Cooley’s board in 1982, I was in good company. He also nominated Judge Benjamin Gibson of the U.S. Federal District Court, Western District of Michigan, and Judge Richard Maher of Michigan’s Court of Appeals,” Nolan recalled. “I was honored as a young attorney to be nominated to Cooley's board and to be nominated at the same time with such seasoned jurists; it showed me how much Justice Brennan thought of me.”
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RECENT BOARD MEMBER NEWS JUDGE LOUISE ALDERSON Elected Vice-Chair of Cooley’s Board of Directors The Cooley Board of Directors elected the Hon. Louise Alderson (Sherwood Class, 1986) to serve as vice-chair. Judge Alderson sits on the 54-A Judicial District Court in Lansing, Mich., where she is presiding judge of the 54-A Sobriety Court. She has served on Cooley's Board of Directors since 2005. CARRYING ON A CULTURE OF ACCESS
As a Cooley graduate, it has always been important for Nolan to give back to his school, not only by serving on the board, but financially.
Nolan believes it is essential to carry on the culture that Justice Brennan created when he founded Thomas M. Cooley Law School. “It was critical to Justice Brennan to expand access to legal education to a wider range of people,” said Nolan. “Brennan believed that individuals whose academic records indicated they could pass the bar exam and become contributing members of the legal profession should have access to legal education. I’m proud to say that I passed the Michigan bar on the first try.” A special bond exists among Cooley graduates, similar to the bond among family members, said Nolan. “It’s like being in a fraternity or sorority; we have something in common. You can go all over the country and see Cooley diplomas framed on office walls – and we are proud to display our diplomas; we are proud to have gone to Cooley, proud to teach, and proud to practice law.” Cooley’s impact goes beyond graduates and into the communities, Nolan said with a sense of pride. The leadership of Don LeDuc, Cooley’s president and dean, and Justice Brennan has had an impact in the communities in which Cooley’s campuses are located. In particular, the involvement of Cooley’s students, staff, and faculty has earned the respect of the entire legal community.
Before assuming the bench in 2001, Judge Alderson was the director of legislative affairs in the Office of the Governor, the federal legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of Transportation, and legal counsel to the Michigan House of Representatives Judiciary Committee. Previously, she was an assistant prosecuting attorney in Clinton County, Mich. Judge Alderson has long been an active board member of many charitable, civic, and judges organizations.
JUDGE BRENT DANIELSON Retires from Cooley’s Board of Directors Cooley’s Board of Directors announces that its long-standing former chair, Judge Brent Danielson (Cooley Class, 1976), has retired after having served on Cooley's board of directors for 23 years. Judge Danielson also recently retired from the 85th Judicial District Court in Manistee, Mich. “Judge Danielson has served his law school with uncommon dedication and skill. His efforts have directly benefitted thousands of Cooley students," said Cooley President and Dean Don LeDuc. "Although we will greatly miss Judge Danielson's able and effective leadership, we know that Mr. Nolan and Judge Alderson will continue to help guide Cooley through what has been a period of growth and progress that is unprecedented in U.S. legal education.”
feature TIME, TALENTS, TREASURES
As a Cooley graduate, it has always been important for Nolan to give back to his school, not only by serving on the board, but financially. “Each year, I have made it a point to make a financial contribution to the school. When I was starting out, my contribution was as little as $100; in some years I was able to give $10,000. In the early years after graduation, it was my way of letting Justice Brennan know that I appreciated the opportunity to go to law school.” Nolan is also quick to point out that there are other ways to get involved with Cooley beyond financial support. “Alumni can stay involved in many ways, such as by being a moot court judge, mentoring a student, or assisting in Cooley's volunteer programs. Graduates are limited only by their imagination.” The future of the legal profession is a major concern for Nolan. “We need to look toward the future. As many of us know, law school admissions are down around the country; as in all industries, the law profession suffered during the economic downturn.” He believes that Cooley’s reputation of educating practice-ready attorneys who are able to pass the bar exam helps students get jobs and attracts students who will be the future of the law profession. “Even if our graduates choose not to practice law, it is still our hope that they will use their legal education to contribute to society,” Nolan added. “Cooley’s reputation is that it produces hard workers who are passionate about the practice of law. Today’s leaders in the legal field know about Cooley’s successful students. Law firms in Michigan and all around the country know the value of a Cooley graduate – the work ethic and reputation for professionalism,” said Nolan with pride. AN AMBASSADOR OF PROFESSIONALISM
As soon as Nolan passed the bar exam, he hung out the shingle for his own law Nolan, Thomsen & Villas, P.C. in Eaton Rapids, Mich. The firm represents individuals in civil litigation, personal injury and wrongful death cases. This year, Nolan was named by Best Lawyers in America as personal injury lawyer of the year for the Lansing area.
Nolan has been a board member or officer of the State Bar of Michigan Board of Commissioners, the State Bar of Michigan Young Lawyers Section, the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society, the Ingham County Bar Association, Ingham County Bar Foundation, Catholic Lawyers Guild Diocese of Lansing, Island City Academy, the Sixty Plus, Inc./Elderlaw Clinic, the Jackson Prison Paralegal Project, the State of Michigan YMCA Youth in Government, and the Eaton Rapids Rotary Club. He is a Master of the Bench and past president of the Cooley Inn of the American Inns of Court, and a Fellow of the State Bar of Michigan. Nolan and his wife Laurel have been married for 32 years. They have two children, Bridget, a practicing psychologist, and Patrick, who is in his fourth year of medical school. Looking back, Nolan is certain that the values he promotes in the legal profession and his personal life are, in part, because of the role model of Justice Brennan. “He has been a hero for me, and I will never forget how he has impacted my life.
Cooley’s reputation of educating practice-ready attorneys who are able to pass the bar exam helps students get jobs and attracts students who will be the future of the law profession.
feature Charles Hamel, Cooley Law School Student
Leticia Owens, Kenneth David Owens, Kele Bosaw
COOLEY’S LEGACY BY THE GENERATIONS
For 40 years, Cooley Law School has been a leader in innovative legal education, guided by three important attributes: high-quality people, an excellent legal education program, and first-class facilities. Cooley has committed to creating a culture of professionalism so that each member of the community thinks about, is exposed to, and is challenged to adopt professionalism as a way of life, every single day. It is with these attributes, and mindful of this culture, that Cooley celebrates the successes of its graduates. In four decades of educating legal professionals, it is no surprise that Cooley’s dedication to quality education has left behind a legacy of families that the law school is proud to feature.
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A FATHER, DAUGHTER
LEGACY Life for the late Kenneth David Owens (Witherell Class, 1990) was always about hard work and determination. At the age of 4, he began working in the cotton fields of southeastern Missouri. By the time he turned 6, he was picking cotton with the best of them in order to supplement his family’s income after the early death of his father. For 18 years, he balanced his school work with the field work necessary to support his family, and when he graduated from high school in 1958, he joined the Army. His career in the Army led him into the field of law, though he wouldn’t become a lawyer for some 25 years. Instead, Owens began his law career as a police officer in Missouri and later transitioned into the field of private investigation in Illinois. There he met his wife Leticia, began his family, and continued to build his reputation working as one of Hargrave Secret Service’s (HSS) private investigators. Eventually, he purchased the Indiana offices of HSS and renamed the company Ken Owens & Associates. Owens decided to pursue his bachelor’s degree and graduated from Indiana University in 1984, but he yearned for something more. Knowing that law school was a key next step for his future, he decided to obtain his legal education at Cooley. For three years, Owens commuted from Indianapolis to Lansing, often making the trek between cities in the early hours of the morning so he could continue to run his business and teach a private investigation class at Indiana University-Purdue University/Indianapolis. His late nights, early mornings, hard work, and determination paid off. He obtained his J.D. three years later at the age of 50 and expanded his business to include the practice of law where he hoped his daughter, Kele Bosaw (Adams Class, 2008), would one day join him. For Kele, following in her father’s footsteps seemed second nature. She began working in his office as a senior in high school and helped run the business as a private investigator while he commuted to and from Lansing for law school. When the time came for her to begin her law school education she, too, commuted to Cooley’s Lansing campus from Indianapolis. In 2008, after graduating with her J.D., Kele was thrilled. She would finally be able to join her father in the practice of law. But fate had other plans.
KENNETH DAV I D OW E N S 1940-2010
Shortly after Kele’s graduation from Cooley, Owens was diagnosed with a kidney disease that left him in need of dialysis treatments three days a week. For Kele, this meant her plans for taking the bar exam would have to wait. For two years, Kele helped her father juggle doctor visits, court appointments, trial proceedings, and client meetings, while managing her own growing family. When Owens underwent a successful kidney transplant that got him back on his feet in early 2010, the future finally started looking up. Kele made plans with her father to get the business back on track after the holidays. But tragedy soon struck the family when Kenneth David Owens passed away unexpectedly on Dec. 1, 2010. Losing her father was extremely hard on Kele. She contemplated giving up her dream to follow the legacy he left behind. But of all the things Kenneth David Owens taught his daughter, giving up wasn’t one of them. Determined to beat the odds and finish what she started, Kele sat for the bar exam in February of 2012, four years after obtaining her J.D., and passed on her first attempt. Kele can still be found in Indianapolis where she practices law with Dillman & Associates LLC, and holds admission to the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of Indiana. The firm’s primary focus is family law. KELE BOSAW
Favorite memory from Cooley: “Watching the bond between my father and me grow as I went through the law school experience. He was my mentor.” Motivation to pursue a career in law: “My father. He was such a hardworking, determined individual. He was, and always will be, my guiding light in all things.” How Cooley influenced your career: “Cooley helped shape how I approach things, not just legal issues, but everything in life. Law school teaches you a different way of thinking.”
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feature Jerry Sutton (Cooley Class, 1976), his wife Linda (Dethmers Class, 1981), and their daughter Jordan (currently in her seventh term at Cooley)
MEET THE
SUTTON
INVESTING IN OTHERS FUTURES PHILANTHROPY MATTERS
FAMILY
DEFINING A LEGACY Lansing, Michigan natives Jerry Sutton (Cooley Class, 1976), his wife Linda (Dethmers Class, 1981), and their daughter Jordan (currently in her seventh term at Cooley) have witnessed firsthand the impact Cooley has had on their community. That impact, coupled with Cooley’s legacy of high-quality education, is why the Suttons have remained actively involved as supporters over the years. The Suttons own and operate SuttonAdvisors, PLC, a strategic advising firm in Lansing that helps clients plan their financial future. The center of their practice revolves around the message, “define your journey.” Jerry’s journey was defined after his brother introduced him to the challenges of studying law. “If it weren’t for my brother, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” said Jerry. “He encouraged me to pursue a law degree at Cooley when the school opened in 1973, and it’s one of the best decisions I have ever made.” After graduating, Jerry practiced law with this brother. For three years Jerry represented clients in civil and criminal actions, but he decided to make a change in his career. “My law school education gave me the skills I needed to branch into the area of strategic advising,” said Jerry. “Those skills have allowed me to see potential pitfalls in the future, and to counsel clients on how to prepare for them.” Linda, having a background in finance, supported Jerry’s decision, and the couple opened SuttonAdvisors, PLC in the late 1970s. Knowing a law degree would enhance her own skills as a financial advisor, Linda decided to obtain her J.D. degree from Cooley as well. While there, the couple welcomed their daughter Jordan into the world. “I have an informal Dethmers Class photo where I’m holding Jordan in my arms,” said Linda. “Seeing her follow in our footsteps is such a rewarding experience.”
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Charles Hamel (left) and climbing partner Allen Zeitlin
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Jordan, who plans to obtain her LL.M. in Tax from Cooley after completing her J.D. degree, also has a strong connection to Cooley that extends far beyond her current student status. Growing up, Jordan often tagged along with her parents to Cooley events and donor activities. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in economics from Centre College, and a master’s degree in business administration from University of Kentucky. In 2011, she co-authored Being in Business is a Funny Thing - Getting Out is Not: A Business Owner’s Guide to Growing and Transitioning a Business, a book that has been so well received that it is used in a Cooley class. All of the book’s proceeds support Cooley’s Howard Soifer Memorial Lecture in Sports and Entertainment Law. “I take pride in the connection we have with Cooley,” said Jordan. “My parents’ actions taught me the importance of giving back to people and my community. For us, giving back is a way of life.” For more than 30 years, the Suttons have watched as Cooley founded a legacy in the city they call home. It is a legacy rooted in community, the opportunity for a better future, and high-quality education and service, a legacy the Suttons have carried into their own practice. “Giving our philanthropic dollars to Cooley is about so much more than being donors,” said Jerry. “It’s about investing in the future of those who wish to follow us into the field of law, and giving back to the community we call home.”
Jordan Sutton, Jerry Sutton, Linda Sutton
“It’s about about investing investing in “It’s in the the future future of of those those who who wish wish to to follow us us into into the law,and andgiving givingback backto tothe the follow the fields field ofoflaw, community we we call call home.” home.” community JERRY SUTTON
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Erica Vicari, Albert Zerka, Amira Vicari
COOLEY GRADUATE INSPIRES HIS TWIN NIECES TO PURSUE A LAW DEGREE
“My first summer job was working at my uncle’s law office. I was so inspired, not only by his abilities in the courtroom, but the generosity and kindness he gave to his clients. Observing someone who was able to balance a successful practice and family, while remaining true to himself, motivated me even at a young age.” ERICA VICARI
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feature Albert Zerka (Johnson Class, 1990), Erica Vicari, and Amira Vicari (Witherell Class, 2010)
MEET THE
VICARI ZERKA
THEIR UNCLE ALBERT Erica and Amira Vicari (Witherell Class, 2010) always knew they wanted a career that was purposeful and challenging, but it wasn’t until they started working with their uncle, Albert Zerka (Johnson Class, 1990), in his law office during college that they realized a profession in law was the answer. Zerka, who has a private practice in Flint, Mich., holds admissions to the Michigan state and appellate courts as well as the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Michigan, and practices with Erica, primarily in family and criminal law. Amira, who works for Vonachen, Lawless, Trager & Slevin in Peoria, Ill., practices in the areas of creditors’ rights, as well as credit union and financial institution law. She holds admission to all Illinois state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois. ALBERT ZERKA
Favorite memory from Cooley: Graduation day Motivation to pursue a career in law: “I have always held a desire to help others. I was also the first person in my family to pursue a degree in higher education as my father emigrated from Lebanon to the United States in 1956.” How Cooley influenced your career: “The skills and abilities I learned while at Cooley taught me how to be wellprepared and efficient.”
SISTERS &
ERICA VICARI
AMIRA VICARI
Favorite memory from Cooley: “Watching my sister, Amira, walk across the stage to receive her degree as I waited to receive mine. I have never felt more proud of my sister than at that moment. I thought to myself how we individually accomplished our goals but experienced the journey together. Receiving book awards for my very first and last law school exams was quite memorable as well.”
Favorite memory of Cooley: “Graduation day. It was such a surreal moment when I received my degree. But watching my sister, Erica, walk across the stage to receive hers made it a reality. I couldn’t have been more proud or blessed to have been able to go through the law school experience with her at my side and to succeed in achieving our dreams.”
Motivation to pursue a career in law: “My first summer job was working at my uncle’s law office. I was so inspired, not only by his abilities in the courtroom, but the generosity and kindness he gave to his clients. Observing someone who was able to balance a successful practice and family, while remaining true to himself, motivated me even at a young age.” How Cooley influenced your career: “The diligence and discipline I learned in the classroom while at Cooley has been transferable to the real world of practicing law. The excellent legal research and writing classes have helped me tremendously in practice. Because of my education, I am confident in my critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. Cooley taught me how to have confidence in my abilities and to be a lawyer people trust and respect.” Extracurricular: Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity, Assistant Board of Editors (Scholarly Writing Editor) for the Law Review. Volunteered at the 7th Circuit Court in Genesee County (Mich.) for Judge Joseph J. Farah.
Motivation to pursue a career in law: “While working in my uncle’s law office throughout college, I quickly began to realize that practicing law was more than just helping people; it was having the ability to make a significant impact in someone’s life. I wanted to have a career with a sense of purpose where I would be able to make a positive contribution to society.” Extracurricular: Associate Editor, Thomas M. Cooley Journal of Practical and Clinical Law, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity How Cooley influenced your career: “My experience at Cooley significantly influenced my career because it gave me the skills and knowledge to think like a lawyer. It taught me the value of diligence and preparedness and gave me the confidence to succeed inside and outside of the courtroom; it also gave me the ability to handle the rigors of practicing law.”
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feature Jefferey C. Collison (Goodwin Class, 1982), Joseph T. Collison (Goodwin Class, 1982), Daniel G. Collison (Blair Class, 1983), Charles C. Collison Jr. (Krinock Class, 1991), Nathan J. Collison (Chipman Class, 2011)
MEET THE
, COLLISONS For more than five decades, the men of the Collison family have been serving the community through law. Founded by Charles C. Collison, Sr. in Saginaw, Mich., in 1960, Collison & Collison P.C. specializes in the litigation of personal injury, and insurance claims. The Collisons hold admission to all Michigan courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, the U.S. Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, and the U.S. Supreme Court. Now a thirdgeneration law firm, Collison & Collison has more than a century of trial experience combined, and, as the Collison men will tell you, it was Cooley Law School that prepared them for the courtroom. JEFFEREY C. COLLISON
(son of Charles C. Collison, Sr.) Goodwin Class, 1982 Areas of practice: Personal injury, a variety of insurance claims, and appellate proceedings Motivation to pursue a career in law: “My father. The stories he told and the pure enjoyment he displayed while representing his clients were inspiring.” Favorite memory from Cooley: “The lasting relationships with classmates.” How Cooley influenced your career: “Cooley’s emphasis on the real-world application of the law, rules of evidence, and civil procedure made my transition from law student to practicing attorney much less traumatic than for my peers from other well-known institutions.” JOSEPH T. COLLISON
(son of Charles C. Collison, Sr.) Goodwin Class, 1982 Areas of practice: Personal injury, insurance claims and property damage Visit our website at www.saginaw-law.com 12
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Motivation to pursue a career in law: “My father was the primary reason I considered law as a career.” Favorite memory from Cooley: “The intramural sports I was involved in and Law Review.” How Cooley influenced your career: “The relationships I established with classmates and others during my time at Cooley have endured over the past 30 years. I have more grads from Cooley involved with the cases I handle than any other Michigan law school. Having a common base with opposing or co-counsel makes the litigation process easier.” DANIEL G. COLLISON
(son of Charles C. Collison, Sr.) Blair Class, 1983 Areas of practice: Personal injury Motivation to pursue a career in law: Family tradition and the prospect of a good career Favorite memory from Cooley: Graduation day and the satisfaction of having accomplished a major milestone in my life in addition to my time in Delta Theta Phi law fraternity. How Cooley influenced your career: Cooley taught me the value of hard work and organizational skills. Both have helped me throughout my career. CHARLES C. COLLISON JR.
(son of Charles C. Collison, Sr.) Krinock Class, 1991 Areas of practice: Personal injury Motivation to pursue a career in law: “A career in law provided the opportunity to pursue a noble profession and work with family members.”
Favorite memory from Cooley: “My first year and first class with Professor Otto Stockmeyer. He is everything a new law student would imagine a law professor to be.” How Cooley influenced your career: “Cooley provides a solid foundation upon which one can build a career. The glimpses of real-world situations provided by professors became invaluable as I was starting in the field. “ NATHAN J. COLLISON
(son of Jeffrey C. Collison) Chipman Class, 2011 Areas of practice: Personal injury, a variety of insurance claims, and appellate proceedings Motivation to pursue a career in law: “The outstanding examples of professionalism and decorum provided by my grandfather, my father and my uncles. Without their hard work and dedication to the profession, I could never have become the third generation of my family to practice law.” Favorite memory from Cooley: “The birth of my daughter, Penelope Rose Collison (who was born while Nathan was a Cooley student).” How Cooley influenced your career: “Cooley provided me with the real-world experience I needed to ease the transition from my role as a student to my role as a professional. Cooley’s externship program granted me the opportunity to spend my final trimester as a full-time judicial extern for the Hon. William C. Whitbeck at the Michigan Court of Appeals. My participation in this program gave me the unique ability to participate in the process through which appellate level cases are decided.”
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Jefferey C. Collison
Joseph T. Collison
Charles C. Collison Jr.
Daniel G. Collison
Nathan J. Collison
“It’s about investing in theinfuture of thosethe who wish to “A career law provided opportunity FAMILY follow us into the fields ofalaw, andprofession giving back towork the with LAW PRACTICE to pursue noble and GENERATIONS OF community call home.” COOLEY GRADUATES wefamily members.” CHARLES C. COLLISON JR.
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feature John N. Scott, Professor / Brendan Beery, Professor / Ronald Sutton, Professor
Mariah Fink, Elisha Fink, Naomi Fink
FOLLOWING IN THEIR
FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS
“I grew up in the field of law watching my family in action. It was my dream to one day open a general practice of my own.” ELISHA FINK
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feature Elisha Fink (Flannigan Class, 1999), Mariah Fink (Woodward Class, 2010), Naomi Fink (Wilkins Class, 2011)
MEET THE
FINK SISTERS Siblings Elisha Fink (Flannigan Class, 1999), Mariah (Woodward Class, 2010), and Naomi (Wilkins Class, 2011) always knew they wanted to follow in their father’s footsteps, but the sisters also have a brother, numerous uncles and cousins in the field of law. When Elisha graduated magna cum laude in 1999, she decided she wanted to start her own general practice. Six years later, her dream came true and Fink Law PLLC opened its doors in Dexter, Mich. Shortly after Mariah graduated in 2010, she joined Elisha. Naomi, who works with her father in Ann Arbor, Mich., holds admission to all Michigan state courts and practices in commercial litigation, condemnation, and estate planning and probate. Though in a general practice, Elisha and Mariah primarily work in family law, litigation and business law. They hold admission to all Michigan state courts, the District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. ELISHA FINK
Favorite memory from Cooley: “The experience and knowledge I gained as a student.” Motivation to pursue a career in law: “I grew up in the field of law watching my family in action. It was my dream to one day open a general practice of my own.” Extracurricular: Teaching assistant to Professor Otto Stockmeyer, assistant to Professors Joe Kimble and Gerald Boston, and Law Review. How Cooley influenced your career: “Cooley prepared me for living my dream, which was to open my own general practice. I had excellent professors who taught me more than I ever thought possible. I still keep in touch with them today.”
MARIAH FINK
Favorite memory from Cooley: “Studying with my sister, Naomi, on the fifth floor of the Cooley Center, and every class I had with Chris Shafer.” Motivation to pursue a career in law: “It’s a family business. As a fourth-generation attorney, law was a career that I was familiar with and thought I would enjoy.” How Cooley influenced your career: “As soon as I walked out of Cooley and passed the bar, I felt I was ready to start practicing. Cooley made me feel prepared and confident in my knowledge, skills, and abilities. I still have a lot of questions and am learning all of the time, but Cooley gave me an excellent foundation to build upon.” NAOMI FINK
Favorite memory from Cooley: “My externship at the Court of Appeals with Judge Amy R. Krause. I really enjoyed being exposed to so many different types of law and unique cases. It was also a great opportunity to develop my research and writing skills.” Motivation to pursue a career in law: “I have always loved learning, and I figured a career in law was a great way to remain a lifelong student. I felt that being a lawyer would always be interesting and engaging. My father has been an attorney for more than 46 years, and he still says that each day at work he learns something new about the law and himself. I hope that in 45 years I will feel the same.” Extracurricular: Law Review How Cooley influenced your career: “Cooley prepared me to be an attorney. I learned so many things about the practice of law that you cannot learn from a book or in the classroom alone. My judicial externship and pre-trial skills course helped me to be comfortable in a courtroom and in front of a judge.”
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feature David Whipple, Janice Whipple (Butzel Class, 1979)
MEET THE
WHIPPLES Life for David and Janice Whipple (Butzel Class, 1979) has always been about helping others, which is why they have been actively involved in numerous leadership roles in their communities, and why a career in law was so fitting. David practices in the areas of business law, estate and trust planning, and health care with Kelly, Whipple, Zick & Keyes PLLC in Port Huron, Mich. He holds admission to all Michigan courts, the U.S. District Court, and U.S. Tax Court. Janice, who has served as general counsel, president and CEO, and chair of the board of Woman’s Life Insurance Society since 1979 in Port Huron, Mich., retired from her presidency in May 2012 but can still be found actively serving as chair of the board. DAVID WHIPPLE
Favorite memory from Cooley: “All of the great people, including classmates and faculty, and the Capitol Lounge.” Extracurricular: Student Bar Association, Grade Appeals Board Motivation to pursue a career in law: “Law is a wonderful way to be of service to others. Law school gives you the tools to do that in so many ways.” How Cooley influenced your career: “The legal education at Cooley in the early days was very personal and team-oriented; everyone was helping each other to succeed. On reflection, the fact that we were a new school with limited resources and an unlimited vision for the future made the legal education very special, especially because you are more affected by something you have to fight for.”
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JANICE WHIPPLE
Favorite memory from Cooley: “Day One, dinner with Justice Brennan, Contracts with Professor Jason and watching the Cooley facilities expand (while trying not to trip over old carpet remnants in Gray’s Inn).” Extracurricular: Grade Appeals Board Motivation to pursue a career in law: “A friend of mine in law school told me I wouldn’t believe how hard it was and well, I took that as a challenge. I’ve never been one to let others tell me I couldn’t do something without proving them wrong, so I decided to take the LSAT and enroll at Cooley. Needless to say, I loved law school. It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.” How Cooley influenced your career: “Cooley prepared me to assume legal responsibilities in insurance law, an area of law in which I had no background, by equipping me with research and writing skills that gave me the confidence to address new legal questions.”
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David Whipple
SOUL MATES AND
COOLEY GRADUATES
Janice Whipple
“Law is a wonderful way to be of service to others. Law school gives you the tools to do that in so many ways.” DAVID WHIPPLE
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Vassal Johnson II, Doris Johnson, Krystal Johnson, Vassal Johnson
SIBLINGS CHILDHOOD DREAMS REALIZED
“Law has always been fascinating to me. Ever since I was a little girl, I have known I wanted to be a lawyer.” KRYSTAL JOHNSON
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feature Vassal Johnson II (Sharpe Class, 2008), Krystal Johnson (Boston Class, 2007)
MEET THE
JOHNSONS Siblings Krystal (Boston Class, 2007) and Vassal (Sharpe Class, 2008) Johnson II grew up dreaming — and somehow knowing — they would someday be lawyers. Vassal was driven by the prospect of helping others, and Krystal, by an unwavering fascination with the law. Both siblings knew they would end up in the courtroom. Vassal founded the Law Office of Vassal N. Johnson II, PLLC in Southfield, Mich., upon graduation. He practices in criminal law, family law, and probate and estate planning. He holds admission to all Michigan state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Krystal joined her brother for a year in private practice before returning to the federal court to clerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Randon. She holds admissions to the State Bar of Michigan and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. VASSAL JOHNSON II
Favorite memory from Cooley: “My classmates, my professors and spending time with them. To this day, I still keep in contact with many former classmates and professors. They are great people.” Motivation to pursue a career in law: “I have always been interested in helping others, and I’ve always found the law to be interesting. It seemed fitting that a career in law would be the answer.” Extracurricular: Student Bar Association, Black Law Students Association, Wolverine Bar Association, D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, the Oakland County Bar Association, and intramural basketball
How Cooley influenced your career: “My experience at Cooley has been very helpful in my law practice. The classes I took, coupled with the externships Cooley offers, provided me invaluable training. Having first-hand knowledge of how to conduct a deposition, draft an interrogatory and other legal paperwork granted me tremendous insight into the workings of the field and helped me form a skill set that has been invaluable to my work today.” KRYSTAL JOHNSON
Favorite memory from Cooley: “The relationship between the professors and students provided a positive learning environment, and I will always remember Cooley as the law school that provided me with the opportunity to achieve my dream of becoming a lawyer.” Motivation to pursue a career in law: “Law has always been fascinating to me. Ever since I was a little girl, I have known I wanted to be a lawyer.” Extracurricular: Black Law Students Association, Law Review, Cooley Student Ambassador, and Grade Appeal Magistrate How Cooley influenced your career: “During my time at Cooley, I was able to participate in an internship with U.S. District Court Chief Judge Gerald Rosen. From that internship, Federal District Judge Victoria A. Roberts hired me for one year as a death penalty law clerk. Due to the skills and abilities I learned while at Cooley, Judge Roberts extended my clerkship both in time and responsibility. The experience was incredible.”
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feature Stephen Callaghan, Julia Callaghan (Williams Class, 1994) The 13thO. Annual Cooley 5KR.Race for Education
MEET THE
CALLAGHANS For the Callaghans, Cooley wasn’t just a law school; it was a stepping stone to a successful future and the place their lives together began. Steve and Julia Callaghan (Williams Class, 1994) met in a Lawyering Before Trial class at Cooley, graduated in 1994, started practicing with Steve’s family’s business, and were married two years later. In 2003, soon after they welcomed their son, Brooks, into the world, disaster struck the new family. Little Brooks was diagnosed with a rare form of childhood eye cancer that would leave him blind in one eye. Nine years later, the couple is happy to report that Brooks has been cancer-free for seven years. Even though he has lost sight in his left eye, his right eye is in perfect condition and he excels in baseball and golf, and loves to play outside. Every June, Julia and Steve host a large pool party in celebration of Brooks’ cancer-free life. The couple practices law in the family business, Callaghan & Callaghan PLLC, founded in 1933 by the late Brooks B. Callaghan, in Summersville, W.V. The Callaghans hold admission to the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, and the U.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia.
STEPHEN O. CALLAGHAN
Areas of practice: Coal, oil and gas, real estate, litigation, and child abuse and neglect Motivation to pursue a career in law: ”My late grandfather, father and brother are all attorneys. It runs in the family. “ Favorite memory from Cooley: “Lansing, the surrounding areas and the lively entertainment options.” JULIA R. CALLAGHAN
Areas of practice: Coal, oil and gas, real estate, litigation and child abuse and neglect Motivation to pursue a career in law: “I was one of only a few in my family to graduate from high school, let alone from college. I knew I wanted something better for myself, and Cooley was the springboard I needed.” Favorite memory from Cooley: “Steve and I were fortunate enough to be able to travel and experience much of what Michigan has to offer while we were in school. Fall in Michigan is a great time of year.”
“Our experience at Cooley has given us an outstanding foundation for the practice of law, and we often find ourselves bragging about our education and experiences at Cooley. The quality of education was top-notch and the professors were knowledgeable, involved, and made sure they were available for students.”
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Stephen Callaghan
Brooks & Julia Callaghan
Stephen & Brooks Callaghan
Julia Callaghan
HUSBAND & WIFE MEET AT COOLEY
For the Callaghans, Cooley wasn’t just a law school; it was a stepping stone to a successful future and the place their lives together began. BENCHMARK FALL 2012 COOLEY.EDU
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FIVE COOLEY GRADUATES HONORED AS
WO M E N IN THE L AW
at the Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2012 Women in the Law awards Five Cooley graduates were recently honored among 20 women recognized as standouts in Michigan’s legal profession by receiving Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2012 Women in the Law award. The award recognizes and acknowledges their meaningful and inspiring contributions to the legal community and their excellence in the practice of law. JUDGE LOUISE ALDERSON (Sherwood Class, 1986), 54-A District Court, Lansing Judge Alderson graduated from Michigan State University before attending Cooley. After receiving her juris doctor, she worked for the Michigan Senate and as legal/legislative counsel to former State Sen. Rudy J. Nichols. In 1989, she accepted the post of assistant prosecuting attorney in Clinton County working in the district, circuit and probate courts. In 1992, she joined the Michigan House of Representatives as legal counsel to the House Judiciary Committee. She accepted an appointment as the federal legislative liaison for the Michigan Department of Transportation in 1995 and, in 1996, joined the staff of the Governor's Office of Legislative Affairs as associate director becoming director in 1997. In 2001, Judge Alderson was appointed to the 54-A District Court. She was elected to the position in 2002 and re-elected in 2004 and 2010. As part of her duties, Judge Alderson presides over the specialized Sobriety Court for the 54-A District Court. Judge Alderson is an active board member of Cooley Law School, now serving as vice chair, and is a member of the Michigan District Judges Association. (See sidebar story on page 4.)
< From Upper Left: Rebecca Walsh, Judge Susan Dobrich From Lower Left: Judge Louise Alderson, Amy Timmer, Audrey Forbush
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feature Louise Alderson (Sherwood Class, 1986), Amy Timmer (Pratt Class, 1988), Audrey Forbush (Pratt Class, 1988), Rebecca Walsh (Lawrence Class, 1991), Susan Dobrich (Bushnell Class, 1980)
AMY TIMMER (Pratt Class, 1988), Associate Dean of Students and Professionalism, Cooley Law School
REBECCA WALSH (Lawrence Class, 1991), partner, Reiter & Walsh PC, Bloomfield Hills
Dean Timmer earned her bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and worked in various positions in Michigan’s state government. After earning her juris doctor, Dean Timmer began work as an associate attorney in the Lansing office of the national law firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP. She became a full-time faculty member teaching Torts, and Equity and Remedies at Cooley in 1992. In 1996, she became the Associate Dean of Students. In 2000, her title changed to Associate Dean of Students and Professionalism in keeping with Cooley’s emphasis on creating a culture of professionalism and civility in the practice of law. Dean Timmer helped design and now oversees the implementation of Cooley’s professionalism plan, which has garnered national acclaim as one of the broadest and most innovative professionalism programs among U.S. law schools. Dean Timmer is also a national expert on mentoring programs for law students and is a founding member for the National Legal Mentoring Consortium. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and for the Eastern and Western Districts of Michigan.
Ms. Walsh earned a bachelor of science degree in business administration from Central Michigan University before attending Cooley. She began her career working in the insurance industry as a claims adjuster and as defense counsel. For nearly 20 years, she has worked as a trial lawyer prosecuting highprofile, personal-injury lawsuits. Shortly after the terrorist attack of Sept. 11, 2001, Ms. Walsh joined a group of attorneys from around the nation in forming Trial Lawyers Care. This group became the largest private, civil, pro bono program in the history of American law. The team of attorneys helped individuals affected by the events of Sept. 11, 2001 receive funds from proceeds set aside for victims and their families. Ms. Walsh has taught Legal Methods as an adjunct professor at Cooley and served on Cooley’s Alumni Association Board of Governors. She is also a student mentor and extern supervisor. As a sustaining member of the Michigan Association for Justice, she serves on the executive board and on several committees, including the Amicus Committee, chairing the Daubert section since 2006. Ms. Walsh is a member of American Association for Justice and its Birth Trauma Litigation Group.
AUDREY FORBUSH (Pratt Class, 1988), partner, Plunkett Cooney PC, Flint
JUDGE SUSAN DOBRICH (Bushnell Class, 1980), Cass County Probate Court, Cassopolis
Ms. Forbush has been practicing law for 24 years. Before earning her juris doctor, she attended Central Michigan University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in both political science and English. Forbush is a partner with Plunkett Cooney PC in Flint where she is a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Law and Governmental Law practice groups. She represents municipalities in litigation and also trains city employees on legal matters that affect their jobs such as police officer liability and employment law. She has tried cases in the civil rights arena regarding the use of force, search and seizure, false arrest, wrongful conviction, and cases involving death and denial of medical care while in custody.
Judge Dobrich earned her bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College. Following graduation from Cooley, she worked as a clerk with the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court before she was hired by the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office. She was appointed to the prosecutor position in 1983 and was elected in 1984 as the county’s first woman prosecutor. Judge Dobrich became a partner in the law firm of Westrate, Holmstrom and Dobrich in 1987. She left the firm in 1994 when she was elected as a Probate Court judge. She was also appointed as a judge to the Cass County Family Court in 1997 and currently holds both positions.
Before working at Plunkett Cooney, Ms. Forbush was employed by O’Connor, DeGrazia, Tamm and O’Connor for 15 years. She was the first female participant in the Michigan Municipal League’s Law Enforcement Action Forum and is currently the organization’s legal advisor. She is a recognized speaker in law enforcement issues related to use of force, search and seizure, taser usage, and social media and is a featured speaker for such groups as the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and the Michigan Sheriffs’ Association. She also belongs to the Public Corporation Section of the Genesee County Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Defense Research Institute.
In 2003, Judge Dobrich was instrumental in starting the family dependency treatment court program, a program that works to treat drug defendants so that they can be reunited with their children. Judge Dobrich serves on several boards and committees, including the Governor’s Task Force on Neglect and Abuse, Michigan Probate Judges Association, Michigan Women’s Commission, the Michigan Association of Drug Court Professionals, State Bar Judicial Crossroads Task Force, and the Pro Se Litigant Task Force.
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school news
COOLEY GRADUATES SHINE AT THE
STATE BAR OF MICHIGAN’S ANNUAL MEETING
The 2012 annual meeting of the State Bar of Michigan held in Grand Rapids, Mich., this year highlighted the achievements of a number of Cooley Law School graduates. Thomas Rombach (Morse Class, 1987) was elected vice president of the State Bar of Michigan. He is two years from assuming the role as president, following closely after Cooley graduate Charles Toy (Kavanagh Class, 1981) served as the 75th president from 2009-2010. Lawrence P. Nolan (Cooley Class, 1976) was elected treasurer of the State Bar of Michigan, which puts him in line to serve as president of the State Bar in 2016, making him the third Cooley graduate to hold this position.
Sister Ann M. Ozog (Chandler Class, 1983) was presented the State Bar of Michigan’s highest pro bono recognition, the John W. Cummiskey Pro Bono Award. The award promotes awareness of the need for the private bar to deliver legal services to the poor by giving public recognition each year to a Michigan lawyer who has made a significant pro bono contribution. Sister Ann earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with dual minors in physics and chemistry from Madonna College, a master’s degree in mathematics from the University of Notre Dame and, ultimately, a law degree from Cooley. After passing the bar in 1983, she devoted her legal career to working with Lakeshore Legal Aid. She fought for teachers’ pay and for victims of domestic violence.
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Since her retirement in 2003, Sister Ann has traveled more than 30,000 miles to educate more than 1,200 senior citizens about their legal rights at more than 50 community legal education events. She has also provided free legal services to nearly 1,800 needy clients. The award was established in the name of John W. Cummiskey, a leading advocate and activist in the cause for making legal services available to all without regard to economic status. Phillip J. DeRosier (Moody Class, 1996) was elected chair of the State Bar of Michigan’s Appellate Practice Section during the bar’s annual meeting in September. He is also chair of the Appellate Practice Section of the Detroit Metropolitan Bar Association. Before attending Cooley, DeRosier graduated from Michigan State University earning a bachelor of arts degree in political science and pre-law. He is a member of Dickinson Wright PLLC in Detroit where his primary area of practice is state and federal civil appeals. Previously, DeRosier served as a law clerk for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Young Jr. DeRosier is recognized in the area of appellate litigation in Michigan Super Lawyers as well as for his appellate practice in Best Lawyers. In 2009, he received the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review’s Distinguished Brief Award.
school news
Cooley students look from above as a bronze sculpture of the school’s namesake, Thomas M. Cooley, was unveiled at the Ann Arbor campus on October 16. Pictured to the left of the sculpture (left to right) Don LeDuc, Cooley president and dean; Matt Large, artist and sculptor; Layne Maloney, Cooley assistant vice president for operations; and to the right of the sculpture (left to right) Marjorie Gell, Cooley professor; and Jim Robb, Cooley associate dean of development and alumni relations. Sculptures of Thomas M. Cooley were dedicated at the Auburn Hills, Grand Rapids and Lansing campuses earlier this summer.
COOLEY’S ANN ARBOR CAMPUS DEDICATES
SCULPTURE OF JUSTICE THOMAS M. COOLEY Thomas M. Cooley Law School held a formal unveiling and special dedication of a bronze casting of the school's namesake on Tuesday, October 16, at the school's Ann Arbor campus. The lifelike sculpture was created by Grand Rapids, Mich. sculptor and artist Matt Large. "The Thomas M. Cooley Law School was founded in 1972 by a group of lawyers and judges led by then-Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court Thomas Brennan. The school was named for Thomas McIntyre Cooley, Michigan's greatest jurist, a man whose work in the mid-1800s as Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court and as a legal scholar is still cited today," said Don LeDuc, Cooley Law School president and dean.
“The dedication of this sculpture is our way of honoring our namesake and providing our faculty, staff and students with a constant reminder of the school's guiding principles.” Don LeDuc, Cooley president and dean
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From left to right: Al Higginbotham, Hillsborough County Commissioner; Haile Spratt, Tampa Bay Student Bar Association president; Sharon Hanlon, attorney Zelman & Hanlon P.A. and Cooley Board member; Hon. Thomas E. Brennan, Cooley founder and president emeritus; Hon. Emiliano Jose Salcines; Jeff Martlew, associate dean of the Cooley Tampa Bay campus; Don LeDuc, Cooley president and dean; Gwynne Young, president of the Florida State Bar; and Robert Nader, president of the Hillsborough County Bar Association
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY COMMEMORATES THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE
TAMPA BAY
CAMPUS “This campus is an exceptional learning environment because it has been tailored to meet the educational needs of today’s law students. We are pleased with the enthusiastic reception of the local bench and bar and we look forward to building a strong relationship with the Tampa Bay community.” Jeff Martlew, associate dean of Cooley’s Tampa Bay campus
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school news
“We’re excited to begin a new chapter for Cooley Law School in Tampa Bay and dedicate a campus for our growing student population outside of Michigan.” President Don LeDuc
Cooley formally marked the opening of its new Tampa Bay, Fla., campus with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 31. The new campus is Cooley’s fifth campus and the first outside of Michigan. Renovations to turn an existing building into a state-of-the-art law school began last year. Now complete, the 132,000-square-foot building can accommodate approximately 700 students and includes a 25,000-squarefoot law library, 336-seat auditorium and 24 classrooms. The 13.3 acre Riverview, Fla., property also contains on-site parking for more than 500 cars. “We’re excited to begin a new chapter for Cooley Law School in Tampa Bay and dedicate a campus for our growing student population outside of Michigan,” said President Don LeDuc, during the ceremony. “Florida has the second largest population of Cooley graduates, which offers excellent networking and externship opportunities for our students.”
The Tampa Bay campus began offering evening classes to 109 students in May. Morning classes began in September and afternoon classes will start in January 2013. Currently, 275 students are enrolled. The full curriculum for the campus will be rolled out over a three-year period. Once it is in place, Cooley will employ approximately 53 full-time faculty and staff and about 35 part-time faculty. "This campus is an exceptional learning environment because it has been tailored to meet the educational needs of today’s law students,” said Jeff Martlew, associate dean of Cooley’s Tampa Bay campus. “We are pleased with the enthusiastic reception of the local bench and bar and we look forward to building a strong relationship with the Tampa Bay community."
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school news
Thousands of Dollars Raised for Schools During Cooley Law School’s 5K Race for Education On Sunday, Sept. 16, runners and walkers hit the streets of downtown Lansing to raise money for education during the Capital City River Run Weekend of Races. Cooley Law School’s 5K Race for Education gave runners the chance to win money for his or her school of choice. Cooley’s 5K Race for Education donates race proceeds to schools that are selected at random from nominations made by race participants. In addition, the School Competition Award honors the three schools with the most nominations with cash prizes from Cooley. This year, nearly $17,000 was distributed to the winning schools. Cooley Law School’s 5K Race for Education has raised over $125,000 for educational institutions across the state since the inaugural event in 2000.
5-year-old Zane Perrault from Mason, Mich. crosses the finish line during Cooley’s 5K Race for Education.
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CAPITAL CITY RIVER RUN
Participating in Cooley’s 5K Race for Education were three generations from the Flahie family. Pictured (left to right) are Patrick, his son Brian and Brian’s grandfather John. Patrick and his son live in Holt, John lives in Monclova, Ohio. The Flahie family also had two other children participate in the Sohn Kids’ Races held on Saturday morning, which was also part of the Capital City River Run Weekend of Races.
1/2 MARATHON IMPRESSION 5 U 5K COOLEY RACE FOR EDUCATION U SOHN KIDS’ RACES