A Partner’s Perspective on Working with Our Students

Warner Norcross + Judd LLP is a valuable partner in our Work Experience Program. Recently, they featured a story in their “Diversity, Equity + Inclusion Annual Report” that underscores their commitment to developing career opportunities for people entering the workforce. The article also addresses the role Loyola’s Work Experience Program plays in helping them fulfill that commitment. The article is reprinted here with permission.

Forging A Path For Our Future Leaders

Within Warner’s framework, mentoring and creating pathways to career opportunities have always been part of the firm’s core values. A strong associate mentorship program has been in place since Warner’s inception and, to further our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we are stretching our reach beyond our firm’s walls.

Continuing Our Commitment to Loyola Work Experience Program

Warner was proud to continue participation in the Loyola High School Work Experience Program in 2022. Founded in 1993 in Detroit, Loyola helps develop young men who give back to their communities and are equipped to thrive in their next phase of life and education. As part of this mission, the Work Experience Program gives Loyola juniors and seniors the unique opportunity to complement their academic achievements with valuable experience in the workplace and the ability to build connections with individuals in the business community.

This year, the firm welcomed Loyola senior Victor Robinson back to Warner for his second and final year in the Work Experience Program. Victor works one full day a week and the third Friday of each month in our Detroit office, contributing to various projects throughout the firm.

“My favorite project was working with [Warner Research Manager] Kim Koscielniak to assist [Of Counsel] Jay Yelton on filing Eastern Michigan court case information within the past five years,” Victor said.

Cassandra Tucker, regional office administrator for Warner’s Detroit, Bloomfield Hills, and Macomb County offices, was instrumental in bringing the Work Experience Program to Warner. She works closely with Victor to ensure both he and members of the firm receive the full benefits of participating in the program.

“We are providing these young men with tangible work experience and career and life skills as they gain exposure to a real-world work environment,” Cassandra said. “As a corporate partner, we are making an investment in diverse leaders of the future in the communities where we reside and serve.”

“I have benefited from my work experience at Warner in many ways. I am more comfortable taking instruction from someone who is not my parent or teacher, and I have improved my communication skills with others in an office setting. I plan to major in computer engineering and become a successful computer hardware engineer.”

Loyola is still in need of Work Experience Program Partners, and you can help. Do you know any business owners who might be interested in learning more about this truly rewarding working relationship? Or, do you know an employee at corporations who you believe would want to hear more about the value our program offers? If so, please contact our Work Experience Director Kenneth Gardner at (313) 861-2407, ext. 526. Or reach him by email at kgardner@loyolahsdetroit.org.