fall 2012 benchmark alumni magazine

1BENCHMARK FALL 2012 COOLEY.EDU

contents

2A COOLEY LEGACY FOUR DECADESIN THE MAKINGLarry Nolan (Cooley Class, 1976) has been on the law school’s board for 31 years, longerthan any other board member.

6A FATHER-DAUGHTER LEGACYThe late Kenneth David Owens (WitherellClass, 1990) earned his J.D. degree at theage of 50 and expanded his business to includethe practice of law where he hoped hisdaughter, Kele Bosaw (Adams Class, 2008),would one day join him.

22FIVE COOLEY GRADUATES HONOREDAS WOMEN IN THE LAWFive Cooley graduates were recently honoredamong 20 women recognized as standouts in Michigan’s legal profession by receivingMichigan Lawyers Weekly’s 2012 Women inthe Law award.

Join your fellow alumni on LinkedIn®

8-21MEET THE FAMILIESCooley celebrates the successes of its graduates. In fourdecades of educating legal professionals, it is no surprise thatCooley’s dedication to quality education has left behind alegacy of families that the law school is proud to feature.

24COOLEY GRADUATES SHINE AT THE STATE BAR OF MICHIGAN’SANNUAL MEETINGThe 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.

IN EVERY CONCEIVABLE MANNER,

THE TRUE LEGACY OF COOLEY IS ITS

PEOPLE

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

THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL BENCHMARK FALL 2012


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When Larry Nolan (Cooley Class, 1976) started law school as a member of Cooley’sinaugural class in January 1973, he quicklylearned that the culture of this new law schoolwas going to be unlike that of any other lawschool. “Justice Thomas Brennan, the school’sfounder, kind of adopted me and treated melike his seventh child,” recalled Nolan. “He issuch a wonderful, great man and icon in mymind for all he has done and the way he liveshis life. He created an atmosphere of familyamong the faculty, staff, and students atCooley.”

Today, Nolan serves as chair of Cooley’sBoard of Directors after being elected to thepost in June of this year. He has been on theboard for 31 years, longer than any otherboard member. “When Justice Brennan nominated me to be on Cooley’s board in1982, I was in good company. He also nominated Judge Benjamin Gibson of theU.S. Federal District Court, WesternDistrict of Michigan, and Judge RichardMaher of Michigan’s Court of Appeals,”Nolan recalled. “I was honored as a youngattorney to be nominated to Cooley's boardand to be nominated at the same time withsuch seasoned jurists; it showed me how muchJustice Brennan thought of me.”

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.

Lawrence P. Nolan, (Cooley Class, 1976) President, Nolan, Thomsen & Villas, P.C.; Chair, Cooley Law School’s Board of Directors

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CARRYING ON A CULTURE OF ACCESSNolan believes it is essential to carry on theculture that Justice Brennan created when hefounded Thomas M. Cooley Law School. “Itwas critical to Justice Brennan to expandaccess to legal education to a wider range ofpeople,” said Nolan. “Brennan believed thatindividuals whose academic records indicatedthey could pass the bar exam and becomecontributing members of the legal professionshould have access to legal education. I’mproud to say that I passed the Michigan bar on the first try.”

A special bond exists among Cooley graduates, similar to the bond among familymembers, said Nolan. “It’s like being in a fraternity or sorority; we have something incommon. You can go all over the country andsee Cooley diplomas framed on office walls –and we are proud to display our diplomas; weare proud to have gone to Cooley, proud toteach, and proud to practice law.”

Cooley’s impact goes beyond graduates andinto the communities, Nolan said with a senseof pride. The leadership of Don LeDuc,Cooley’s president and dean, and JusticeBrennan has had an impact in the communitiesin which Cooley’s campuses are located. In particular, the involvement of Cooley’sstudents, staff, and faculty has earned therespect of the entire legal community.

As a Cooley graduate, it has always beenimportant for Nolan togive back to his school,not only by serving on the board, but financially.

JUDGE LOUISEALDERSONElected Vice-Chair of Cooley’s Board of Directors

The Cooley Board of Directors elected theHon. Louise Alderson (Sherwood Class, 1986)to serve as vice-chair. Judge Alderson sits on the54-A Judicial District Court in Lansing, Mich.,where she is presiding judge of the 54-ASobriety Court. She has served on Cooley'sBoard of Directors since 2005.

Before assuming the bench in 2001, JudgeAlderson was the director of legislative affairs in the Office of the Governor, the federal legisla-tive liaison for the Michigan Department ofTransportation, and legal counsel to theMichigan House of Representatives JudiciaryCommittee. Previously, she was an assistantprosecuting attorney in Clinton County, Mich.

Judge Alderson has long been an active boardmember of many charitable, civic, and judgesorganizations.

JUDGE BRENTDANIELSON Retires from Cooley’sBoard of Directors

Cooley’s Board of Directors announces thatits long-standing former chair, Judge BrentDanielson (Cooley Class, 1976), has retired afterhaving served on Cooley's board of directors for 23 years. Judge Danielson also recentlyretired from the 85th Judicial District Court inManistee, Mich.

“Judge Danielson has served his law school withuncommon dedication and skill. His efforts havedirectly benefitted thousands of Cooley stu-dents," said Cooley President and Dean DonLeDuc. "Although we will greatly miss JudgeDanielson's able and effective leadership, weknow that Mr. Nolan and Judge Alderson willcontinue to help guide Cooley through what hasbeen a period of growth and progress that isunprecedented in U.S. legal education.”

RECENT BOARDMEMBER NEWS

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TIME, TALENTS, TREASURESAs a Cooley graduate, it has always beenimportant for Nolan to give back to hisschool, not only by serving on the board, butfinancially. “Each year, I have made it a pointto make a financial contribution to the school.When I was starting out, my contribution wasas little as $100; in some years I was able togive $10,000. In the early years after gradua-tion, it was my way of letting Justice Brennanknow that I appreciated the opportunity to goto law school.”

Nolan is also quick to point out that there are other ways to get involved with Cooleybeyond financial support. “Alumni can stayinvolved in many ways, such as by being a mootcourt judge, mentoring a student, or assisting inCooley's volunteer programs. Graduates arelimited only by their imagination.”

The future of the legal profession is a majorconcern for Nolan. “We need to look towardthe future. As many of us know, law schooladmissions are down around the country; asin all industries, the law profession sufferedduring the economic downturn.” He believesthat Cooley’s reputation of educating prac-tice-ready attorneys who are able to pass thebar exam helps students get jobs and attractsstudents who will be the future of the lawprofession. “Even if our graduates choose notto practice law, it is still our hope that theywill use their legal education to contribute tosociety,” Nolan added.

“Cooley’s reputation is that it produces hardworkers who are passionate about the prac-tice of law. Today’s leaders in the legal fieldknow about Cooley’s successful students. Law firms in Michigan and all around thecountry know the value of a Cooley graduate– the work ethic and reputation for professionalism,” said Nolan with pride.

AN AMBASSADOR OFPROFESSIONALISMAs soon as Nolan passed the bar exam, he hung out the shingle for his own lawNolan, Thomsen & Villas, P.C. in EatonRapids, Mich. The firm represents individualsin civil litigation, personal injury and wrongfuldeath 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 officerof the State Bar of Michigan Board ofCommissioners, the State Bar of MichiganYoung Lawyers Section, the MichiganSupreme Court Historical Society, theIngham County Bar Association, InghamCounty Bar Foundation, Catholic LawyersGuild Diocese of Lansing, Island City Academy,the Sixty Plus, Inc./Elderlaw Clinic, the JacksonPrison Paralegal Project, the State of MichiganYMCA Youth in Government, and the EatonRapids Rotary Club. He is a Master of theBench and past president of the Cooley Inn ofthe American Inns of Court, and a Fellow ofthe State Bar of Michigan.

Nolan and his wife Laurel have been marriedfor 32 years. They have two children, Bridget,a practicing psychologist, and Patrick, who is inhis fourth year of medical school.

Looking back, Nolan is certain that the valueshe promotes in the legal profession and hispersonal life are, in part, because of the rolemodel of Justice Brennan. “He has been ahero for me, and I will never forget how hehas impacted my life.

Cooley’s reputation of educating practice-readyattorneys who are able topass the bar exam helpsstudents get jobs andattracts students who will be the future of the law profession.

6 BENCHMARK FALL 2012 COOLEY.EDU

featureCharles Hamel, Cooley Law School Student

COOLEY’S LEGACY BY THE GENERATIONSFor 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 aculture of professionalism so that each member of the community thinks about, is exposed to, and is challenged to adoptprofessionalism as a way of life, every single day. It is with these attributes, and mindful of this culture, that Cooley celebratesthe successes of its graduates. In four decades of educating legal professionals, it is no surprise that Cooley’s dedication toquality education has left behind a legacy of families that the law school is proud to feature.

Leticia Owens, Kenneth David Owens, Kele Bosaw

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BENCHMARK FALL 2012 COOLEY.EDU

K E N N E T HD A V I D O W E N S

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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 ofsoutheastern Missouri. By the time he turned 6, he was picking cotton with the best of them in order to supplementhis family’s income after the early death of his father. For 18 years, he balanced his school work with the fieldwork necessary to support his family, and when he graduat-ed from high school in 1958, he joined the Army.

His career in the Army led him into the field of law, thoughhe wouldn’t become a lawyer for some 25 years. Instead,Owens began his law career as a police officer in Missouriand 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 ofHargrave 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 gradu-ated from Indiana University in 1984, but he yearned forsomething more. Knowing that law school was a key nextstep for his future, he decided to obtain his legal educationat Cooley.

For three years, Owens commuted from Indianapolis to Lansing, often making the trek between cities in the earlyhours of the morning so he could continue to run his busi-ness and teach a private investigation class at IndianaUniversity-Purdue University/Indianapolis. His latenights, 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 lawwhere he hoped his daughter, Kele Bosaw (Adams Class,2008), would one day join him.

For Kele, following in her father’s footsteps seemed secondnature. She began working in his office as a senior in highschool and helped run the business as a private investigatorwhile 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 campusfrom Indianapolis. In 2008, after graduating with her J.D.,Kele was thrilled. She would finally be able to join her fatherin the practice of law. But fate had other plans.

Shortly after Kele’s graduation from Cooley, Owens wasdiagnosed with a kidney disease that left him in need ofdialysis treatments three days a week. For Kele, this meanther plans for taking the bar exam would have to wait. Fortwo years, Kele helped her father juggle doctor visits, courtappointments, trial proceedings, and client meetings, whilemanaging her own growing family. When Owens underwenta successful kidney transplant that got him back on his feet inearly 2010, the future finally started looking up. Kele madeplans with her father to get the business back on track afterthe 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 Owenstaught 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 yearsafter obtaining her J.D., and passed on her first attempt.

Kele can still be found in Indianapolis where she practices lawwith Dillman & Associates LLC, and holds admission to theU.S. District Courts for the Northern and Southern Districtsof Indiana. The firm’s primary focus is family law.

KELE BOSAW Favorite memory from Cooley: “Watching the bondbetween my father and me grow as I went through thelaw school experience. He was my mentor.”

Motivation to pursue a career in law: “My father. He was such a hardworking, determined individual. Hewas, and always will be, my guiding light in all things.”

How Cooley influenced your career: “Cooley helpedshape how I approach things, not just legal issues, buteverything in life. Law school teaches you a different wayof thinking.”

A FATHER, DAUGHTER

LEGACY


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Charles Hamel (left) and climbing partner Allen Zeitlin

DEFINING A LEGACY

Lansing, Michigan natives Jerry Sutton (Cooley Class,1976), his wife Linda (Dethmers Class, 1981), andtheir daughter Jordan (currently in her seventh termat Cooley) have witnessed firsthand the impactCooley has had on their community. That impact, coupled with Cooley’s legacy of high-quality educa-tion, is why the Suttons have remained activelyinvolved as supporters over the years.

The Suttons own and operate SuttonAdvisors, PLC, astrategic advising firm in Lansing that helps clients plantheir financial future. The center of their practicerevolves 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 Iam today,” said Jerry. “He encouraged me to pursuea law degree at Cooley when the school opened in 1973, and it’s one of the best decisions I haveever made.”

After graduating, Jerry practiced law with this brother.For three years Jerry represented clients in civil andcriminal actions, but he decided to make a change inhis career. “My law school education gave me theskills I needed to branch into the area of strategicadvising,” said Jerry. “Those skills have allowed me tosee potential pitfalls in the future, and to counselclients on how to prepare for them.”

Linda, having a background in finance, supportedJerry’s decision, and the couple openedSuttonAdvisors, PLC in the late 1970s. Knowing a lawdegree would enhance her own skills as a financialadvisor, Linda decided to obtain her J.D. degree fromCooley as well. While there, the couple welcomedtheir daughter Jordan into the world. “I have an informal Dethmers Class photo where I’m holdingJordan in my arms,” said Linda. “Seeing her follow inour footsteps is such a rewarding experience.”

Jordan, who plans to obtain her LL.M. in Tax fromCooley after completing her J.D. degree, also has astrong connection to Cooley that extends far beyondher current student status. Growing up, Jordan oftentagged along with her parents to Cooley events anddonor activities. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in economics from Centre College, and a master’sdegree in business administration from University ofKentucky. In 2011, she co-authored Being in Business is a Funny Thing - Getting Out is Not: A Business Owner’sGuide to Growing and Transitioning a Business, a bookthat has been so well received that it is used in aCooley class. All of the book’s proceeds supportCooley’s Howard Soifer Memorial Lecture in Sportsand Entertainment Law. “I take pride in the connec-tion we have with Cooley,” said Jordan. “My parents’actions taught me the importance of giving back topeople and my community. For us, giving back is away of life.”

For more than 30 years, the Suttons have watched asCooley founded a legacy in the city they call home. It is a legacy rooted in community, the opportunity fora better future, and high-quality education and service,a legacy the Suttons have carried into their ownpractice. “Giving our philanthropic dollars to Cooleyis about so much more than being donors,” saidJerry. “It’s about investing in the future of those whowish to follow us into the field of law, and givingback to the community we call home.”

Jerry Sutton (Cooley Class, 1976), his wife Linda (Dethmers Class, 1981), and their daughter Jordan (currently in her seventh term at Cooley)

PHILANTHROPYMATTERS

INVESTING IN OTHERSFUTURES

MEET THE

SUTTONFAMILY


“It’s about investing in the future of those who wish tofollow us into the fields of law, and giving back to thecommunity we call home.”

“It’s about investing in the future of those who wish tofollow us into the field of law, and giving back to thecommunity we call home.” JERRY SUTTON

Jordan Sutton, Jerry Sutton, Linda Sutton


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“My first summer job was working at my uncle’s law office. I was soinspired, not only by his abilities in the courtroom, but the generosityand kindness he gave to his clients. Observing someone who was ableto balance a successful practice and family, while remaining true tohimself, motivated me even at a young age.” ERICA VICARI

COOLEY GRADUATE

INSPIRES HIS TWIN NIECES TO PURSUE

A LAW DEGREE

Erica Vicari, Albert Zerka, Amira Vicari


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Erica and Amira Vicari (Witherell Class,2010) always knew they wanted a careerthat was purposeful and challenging, but itwasn’t until they started working withtheir uncle, Albert Zerka (Johnson Class,1990), in his law office during college thatthey realized a profession in law was the answer.

Zerka, who has a private practice in Flint,Mich., holds admissions to the Michiganstate and appellate courts as well as theU.S. District Court, Eastern District ofMichigan, and practices with Erica, primarily in family and criminal law.

Amira, who works for Vonachen, Lawless,Trager & Slevin in Peoria, Ill., practices inthe areas of creditors’ rights, as well ascredit union and financial institution law.She holds admission to all Illinois statecourts and the U.S. District Court for theCentral District of Illinois.

ALBERT ZERKAFavorite memory from Cooley:Graduation day

Motivation to pursue a career in law: “I have always held a desire tohelp others. I was also the first personin my family to pursue a degree in highereducation as my father emigrated fromLebanon 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 well-prepared and efficient.”

ERICA VICARIFavorite memory from Cooley:“Watching my sister, Amira, walk acrossthe stage to receive her degree as I waitedto receive mine. I have never felt moreproud of my sister than at that moment.I thought to myself how we individuallyaccomplished our goals but experiencedthe journey together. Receiving bookawards for my very first and last lawschool exams was quite memorable as well.”

Motivation to pursue a career inlaw: “My first summer job was workingat my uncle’s law office. I was so inspired,not only by his abilities in the courtroom,but the generosity and kindness he gave tohis clients. Observing someone who wasable to balance a successful practice andfamily, while remaining true to himself,motivated me even at a young age.”

How Cooley influenced yourcareer: “The diligence and discipline Ilearned in the classroom while at Cooleyhas been transferable to the real world of practicing law. The excellent legalresearch and writing classes have helpedme tremendously in practice. Because of my education, I am confident in my critical thinking, problem solving and communication skills. Cooley taught mehow to have confidence in my abilities andto be a lawyer people trust and respect.”

Extracurricular: Delta Theta Phi LawFraternity, Assistant Board of Editors(Scholarly Writing Editor) for the LawReview. Volunteered at the 7th CircuitCourt in Genesee County (Mich.) forJudge Joseph J. Farah.

AMIRA VICARIFavorite memory of Cooley:“Graduation day. It was such a surrealmoment when I received my degree. Butwatching my sister, Erica, walk across thestage to receive hers made it a reality. Icouldn’t have been more proud or blessedto have been able to go through the lawschool experience with her at my side andto succeed in achieving our dreams.”

Motivation to pursue a career inlaw: “While working in my uncle’s lawoffice throughout college, I quickly beganto realize that practicing law was morethan just helping people; it was having theability to make a significant impact insomeone’s life. I wanted to have a careerwith a sense of purpose where I would be able to make a positive contribution to society.”

Extracurricular: Associate Editor,Thomas M. Cooley Journal of Practicaland Clinical Law, Delta Theta Phi LawFraternity

How Cooley influenced yourcareer: “My experience at Cooley signifi-cantly influenced my career because itgave me the skills and knowledge to thinklike a lawyer. It taught me the value of diligence and preparedness and gave methe confidence to succeed inside and outside of the courtroom; it also gave me the ability to handle the rigors of practicing law.”

Albert Zerka (Johnson Class, 1990), Erica Vicari, and Amira Vicari (Witherell Class, 2010)

MEET THE

VICARI SISTERS & ZERKATHEIR UNCLE ALBERT


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For more than five decades, the men ofthe Collison family have been serving thecommunity through law. Founded byCharles C. Collison, Sr. in Saginaw, Mich.,in 1960, Collison & Collison P.C. special-izes in the litigation of personal injury,and insurance claims. The Collisons holdadmission to all Michigan courts, the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern andWestern Districts of Michigan, the U.S.Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, and theU.S. Supreme Court. Now a third-generation law firm, Collison & Collisonhas more than a century of trial experi-ence combined, and, as the Collison menwill tell you, it was Cooley Law School thatprepared them for the courtroom.

JEFFEREY C. COLLISON(son of Charles C. Collison, Sr.)Goodwin Class, 1982Areas of practice: Personal injury, a variety of insurance claims, and appellateproceedings

Motivation to pursue a career inlaw: “My father. The stories he told andthe pure enjoyment he displayed whilerepresenting his clients were inspiring.”

Favorite memory from Cooley:“The lasting relationships with classmates.”

How Cooley influenced yourcareer: “Cooley’s emphasis on the real-world application of the law, rules ofevidence, and civil procedure made mytransition from law student to practicingattorney much less traumatic than for mypeers from other well-known institutions.”

JOSEPH T. COLLISON (son of Charles C. Collison, Sr.)Goodwin Class, 1982Areas of practice: Personal injury,insurance claims and property damage

Motivation to pursue a career inlaw: “My father was the primary reason I considered law as a career.”

Favorite memory from Cooley:“The intramural sports I was involved inand Law Review.”

How Cooley influenced yourcareer: “The relationships I establishedwith classmates and others during my timeat Cooley have endured over the past 30 years. I have more grads from Cooleyinvolved with the cases I handle than any other Michigan law school. Having a common base with opposing or co-counselmakes the litigation process easier.”

DANIEL G. COLLISON (son of Charles C. Collison, Sr.)Blair Class, 1983Areas of practice: Personal injury

Motivation to pursue a career in law:Family tradition and the prospect of agood 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 DeltaTheta Phi law fraternity.

How Cooley influenced yourcareer: 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 inlaw: “A career in law provided theopportunity to pursue a noble professionand work with family members.”

Favorite memory from Cooley:“My first year and first class with ProfessorOtto Stockmeyer. He is everything anew law student would imagine a lawprofessor to be.”

How Cooley influenced yourcareer: “Cooley provides a solid founda-tion upon which one can build a career.The glimpses of real-world situations provided by professors became invaluableas I was starting in the field. “

NATHAN J. COLLISON (son of Jeffrey C. Collison)Chipman Class, 2011Areas of practice: Personal injury, avariety of insurance claims, and appellateproceedings

Motivation to pursue a career in law:“The outstanding examples of profes-sionalism and decorum provided by mygrandfather, my father and my uncles.Without their hard work and dedicationto the profession, I could never havebecome the third generation of my familyto practice law.”

Favorite memory from Cooley:“The birth of my daughter, Penelope RoseCollison (who was born while Nathan wasa Cooley student).”

How Cooley influenced yourcareer: “Cooley provided me with thereal-world experience I needed to easethe transition from my role as a student to my role as a professional. Cooley’sexternship program granted me theopportunity to spend my final trimester as a full-time judicial extern for the Hon.William C. Whitbeck at the MichiganCourt of Appeals. My participation in thisprogram gave me the unique ability toparticipate in the process through whichappellate level cases are decided.”

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

Visit our website at www.saginaw-law.com

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“It’s about investing in the future of those who wish tofollow us into the fields of law, and giving back to thecommunity we call home.”

FAMILY LAW PRACTICE

GENERATIONS OF COOLEY GRADUATES

“A career in law provided the opportunity to pursue a noble profession and work withfamily members.” CHARLES C. COLLISON JR.

Jefferey C. Collison

Charles C. Collison Jr. Nathan J. Collison

Joseph T. Collison Daniel G. Collison

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14 BENCHMARK SPRING 2012 COOLEY.EDU

John N. Scott, Professor / Brendan Beery, Professor / Ronald Sutton, Professor

“I grew up in the field of law watching myfamily in action. It was my dream to one dayopen a general practice of my own.” ELISHA FINK

FOLLOWING IN THEIR

FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS

Mariah Fink, Elisha Fink, Naomi Fink


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Siblings Elisha Fink (Flannigan Class, 1999), Mariah(Woodward Class, 2010), and Naomi (WilkinsClass, 2011) always knew they wanted to follow intheir father’s footsteps, but the sisters also have abrother, numerous uncles and cousins in the field oflaw. When Elisha graduated magna cum laude in1999, she decided she wanted to start her own gen-eral practice. Six years later, her dream came true andFink Law PLLC opened its doors in Dexter, Mich.Shortly after Mariah graduated in 2010, she joinedElisha.

Naomi, who works with her father in Ann Arbor,Mich., holds admission to all Michigan state courts andpractices in commercial litigation, condemnation, andestate planning and probate.

Though in a general practice, Elisha and Mariah primarily work in family law, litigation and businesslaw. They hold admission to all Michigan state courts,the District Courts for the Eastern and WesternDistricts of Michigan, and the U.S. Court of Appealsfor the Sixth Circuit.

ELISHA FINKFavorite memory from Cooley: “The experience and knowledge I gained as a student.”

Motivation to pursue a career in law: “I grewup in the field of law watching my family in action. Itwas my dream to one day open a general practice ofmy own.”

Extracurricular: Teaching assistant to ProfessorOtto Stockmeyer, assistant to Professors Joe Kimbleand Gerald Boston, and Law Review.

How Cooley influenced your career: “Cooleyprepared me for living my dream, which was to openmy own general practice. I had excellent professorswho taught me more than I ever thought possible.I still keep in touch with them today.”

MARIAH FINKFavorite memory from Cooley: “Studying withmy sister, Naomi, on the fifth floor of the CooleyCenter, and every class I had with Chris Shafer.”

Motivation to pursue a career in law: “It’s afamily business. As a fourth-generation attorney, lawwas a career that I was familiar with and thought Iwould enjoy.”

How Cooley influenced your career: “As soonas I walked out of Cooley and passed the bar, I felt Iwas ready to start practicing. Cooley made me feelprepared and confident in my knowledge, skills, andabilities. I still have a lot of questions and am learningall of the time, but Cooley gave me an excellent foundation to build upon.”

NAOMI FINKFavorite memory from Cooley: “My extern-ship 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 havealways loved learning, and I figured a career in lawwas a great way to remain a lifelong student. I feltthat being a lawyer would always be interesting andengaging. My father has been an attorney for morethan 46 years, and he still says that each day at workhe 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: “Cooleyprepared me to be an attorney. I learned so many things about the practice of law that youcannot learn from a book or in the classroomalone. My judicial externship and pre-trial skillscourse helped me to be comfortable in a court-room and in front of a judge.”

Elisha Fink (Flannigan Class, 1999), Mariah Fink (Woodward Class, 2010), Naomi Fink (Wilkins Class, 2011)

MEET THE

FINK SISTERS

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Life for David and Janice Whipple (Butzel Class,1979) has always been about helping others, whichis why they have been actively involved in numer-ous leadership roles in their communities, and whya career in law was so fitting.

David practices in the areas of business law, estateand 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, presi-dent and CEO, and chair of the board of Woman’sLife 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 WHIPPLEFavorite memory from Cooley: “All of thegreat 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 somany ways.”

How Cooley influenced your career: “Thelegal education at Cooley in the early days was verypersonal and team-oriented; everyone was helpingeach other to succeed. On reflection, the fact thatwe were a new school with limited resources andan unlimited vision for the future made the legaleducation very special, especially because you aremore affected by something you have to fight for.”

JANICE WHIPPLE Favorite memory from Cooley: “Day One,dinner with Justice Brennan, Contracts withProfessor Jason and watching the Cooley facilitiesexpand (while trying not to trip over old carpetremnants 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’tbelieve how hard it was and well, I took that as achallenge. I’ve never been one to let others tell me I couldn’t do something without proving themwrong, so I decided to take the LSAT and enroll at Cooley. Needless to say, I loved law school. Itwas one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

How Cooley influenced your career:“Cooley prepared me to assume legal responsibilitiesin insurance law, an area of law in which I had nobackground, by equipping me with research andwriting skills that gave me the confidence to addressnew legal questions.”

David Whipple, Janice Whipple (Butzel Class, 1979)

MEET THE

WHIPPLES


featurefeature

SOUL MATESAND

COOLEY GRADUATES

“Law is a wonderful way to be of service toothers. Law school gives you the tools to dothat in so many ways.” DAVID WHIPPLE

David Whipple Janice Whipple


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“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

SIBLINGSCHILDHOOD

DREAMS REALIZED

Vassal Johnson II, Doris Johnson, Krystal Johnson, Vassal Johnson


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Siblings Krystal (Boston Class, 2007) and Vassal(Sharpe Class, 2008) Johnson II grew up dreaming— and somehow knowing — they would somedaybe lawyers. Vassal was driven by the prospect ofhelping others, and Krystal, by an unwavering fasci-nation with the law. Both siblings knew they wouldend 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 probateand estate planning. He holds admission to allMichigan state courts and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Krystal joined her brother for a year in privatepractice before returning to the federal court toclerk for U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Randon.She holds admissions to the State Bar of Michiganand the U.S. District Court for the Eastern Districtof Michigan.

VASSAL JOHNSON IIFavorite memory from Cooley: “My class-mates, my professors and spending time with them.To this day, I still keep in contact with many formerclassmates and professors. They are great people.”

Motivation to pursue a career in law: “I havealways been interested in helping others, and I’vealways found the law to be interesting. It seemedfitting that a career in law would be the answer.”

Extracurricular: Student Bar Association, BlackLaw Students Association, Wolverine Bar Association,D. Augustus Straker Bar Association, the OaklandCounty Bar Association, and intramural basketball

How Cooley influenced your career: “Myexperience at Cooley has been very helpful in mylaw practice. The classes I took, coupled with theexternships Cooley offers, provided me invaluabletraining. Having first-hand knowledge of how toconduct a deposition, draft an interrogatory andother legal paperwork granted me tremendousinsight into the workings of the field and helped me form a skill set that has been invaluable to mywork today.”

KRYSTAL JOHNSON Favorite memory from Cooley: “The relation-ship between the professors and students provideda positive learning environment, and I will alwaysremember Cooley as the law school that providedme with the opportunity to achieve my dream ofbecoming a lawyer.”

Motivation to pursue a career in law: “Lawhas always been fascinating to me. Ever since I wasa little girl, I have known I wanted to be a lawyer.”

Extracurricular: Black Law Students Association,Law Review, Cooley Student Ambassador, andGrade Appeal Magistrate

How Cooley influenced your career:“During my time at Cooley, I was able to participatein an internship with U.S. District Court ChiefJudge Gerald Rosen. From that internship, FederalDistrict Judge Victoria A. Roberts hired me for oneyear as a death penalty law clerk. Due to the skillsand abilities I learned while at Cooley, Judge Robertsextended my clerkship both in time and responsibility.The experience was incredible.”

Vassal Johnson II (Sharpe Class, 2008), Krystal Johnson (Boston Class, 2007)

MEET THE

JOHNSONS


featureThe 13th Annual Cooley 5K Race for Education

For the Callaghans, Cooley wasn’t just a law school; itwas a stepping stone to a successful future and theplace their lives together began. Steve and JuliaCallaghan (Williams Class, 1994) met in a LawyeringBefore Trial class at Cooley, graduated in 1994,started practicing with Steve’s family’s business, and were married two years later. In 2003, soonafter they welcomed their son, Brooks, into theworld, disaster struck the new family. Little Brookswas 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 thatBrooks has been cancer-free for seven years. Eventhough he has lost sight in his left eye, his right eye is in perfect condition and he excels in baseball andgolf, and loves to play outside. Every June, Julia and Steve host a large pool party in celebration ofBrooks’ 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 VirginiaSupreme Court of Appeals, and the U.S. DistrictCourts for the Northern and Southern Districts of West Virginia.

STEPHEN O. CALLAGHANAreas 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. CALLAGHANAreas of practice: Coal, oil and gas, real estate, litigation and child abuse and neglect

Motivation to pursue a career in law: “I wasone of only a few in my family to graduate fromhigh school, let alone from college. I knew I wantedsomething better for myself, and Cooley was thespringboard I needed.”

Favorite memory from Cooley: “Steve and I were fortunate enough to be able to travel andexperience much of what Michigan has to offerwhile we were in school. Fall in Michigan is a great time of year.”

“Our experience at Cooley has given us an outstanding foundationfor the practice of law, and we often find ourselves bragging aboutour education and experiences at Cooley. The quality of educationwas top-notch and the professors were knowledgeable, involved,and made sure they were available for students.”

Stephen O. Callaghan, Julia R. Callaghan (Williams Class, 1994)

MEET THE

CALLAGHANS


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HUSBAND & WIFE

MEET AT COOLEY

For the Callaghans, Cooley wasn’t just a lawschool; it was a stepping stone to a successfulfuture and the place their lives together began.

Stephen Callaghan Brooks & Julia Callaghan

Stephen & Brooks Callaghan Julia Callaghan


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Five Cooley graduates were recently honored among 20 women recognized asstandouts in Michigan’s legal profession by receiving Michigan Lawyers Weekly’s2012 Women in the Law award. The award recognizes and acknowledgestheir meaningful and inspiring contributions to the legal community and theirexcellence in the practice of law.

JUDGE LOUISE ALDERSON (Sherwood Class, 1986), 54-A District Court, Lansing

Judge Alderson graduated from Michigan State Universitybefore attending Cooley. After receiving her juris doctor,she worked for the Michigan Senate and as legal/legislativecounsel to former State Sen. Rudy J. Nichols. In 1989, she accepted the post of assistant prosecuting attorney inClinton County working in the district, circuit and probatecourts. In 1992, she joined the Michigan House ofRepresentatives as legal counsel to the House JudiciaryCommittee. She accepted an appointment as the federallegislative liaison for the Michigan Department ofTransportation in 1995 and, in 1996, joined the staff of theGovernor's Office of Legislative Affairs as associate directorbecoming director in 1997. In 2001, Judge Alderson wasappointed to the 54-A District Court. She was elected to theposition in 2002 and re-elected in 2004 and 2010. As part of her duties, Judge Alderson presides over the specializedSobriety Court for the 54-A District Court. Judge Aldersonis an active board member of Cooley Law School, now serving as vice chair, and is a member of the MichiganDistrict Judges Association. (See sidebar story on page 4.)

WOMENIN THELAW

< From Upper Left: Rebecca Walsh, Judge Susan DobrichFrom Lower Left: Judge Louise Alderson, Amy Timmer, Audrey Forbush

FIVE COOLEY GRADUATES HONORED AS

at the Michigan Lawyers Weekly 2012 Women in the Law awards


featureLouise Alderson (Sherwood Class, 1986), Amy Timmer (Pratt Class, 1988), Audrey Forbush (Pratt Class, 1988), Rebecca Walsh (Lawrence Class, 1991), Susan Dobrich (Bushnell Class, 1980)

AUDREY FORBUSH(Pratt Class, 1988), partner, Plunkett Cooney PC, Flint

Ms. Forbush has been practicing law for 24 years. Before earningher juris doctor, she attended Central Michigan University whereshe earned her bachelor’s degree in both political science andEnglish. Forbush is a partner with Plunkett Cooney PC in Flintwhere she is a member of the firm’s Labor and Employment Lawand Governmental Law practice groups. She representsmunicipalities in litigation and also trains city employees onlegal matters that affect their jobs such as police officer liabili-ty and employment law. She has tried cases in the civil rightsarena regarding the use of force, search and seizure, falsearrest, wrongful conviction, and cases involving death anddenial of medical care while in custody.

Before working at Plunkett Cooney, Ms. Forbush was employedby O’Connor, DeGrazia, Tamm and O’Connor for 15 years. She was the first female participant in the Michigan MunicipalLeague’s Law Enforcement Action Forum and is currently theorganization’s legal advisor. She is a recognized speaker in lawenforcement issues related to use of force, search and seizure,taser usage, and social media and is a featured speaker for suchgroups as the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police and theMichigan Sheriffs’ Association. She also belongs to the PublicCorporation Section of the Genesee County Bar Association,the State Bar of Michigan and the Defense Research Institute.

JUDGE SUSAN DOBRICH(Bushnell Class, 1980), Cass County Probate Court, Cassopolis

Judge Dobrich earned her bachelor’s degree from KalamazooCollege. Following graduation from Cooley, she worked as aclerk with the Kalamazoo County Circuit Court before she washired by the Cass County Prosecutor’s Office. She was appoint-ed to the prosecutor position in 1983 and was elected in 1984as the county’s first woman prosecutor. Judge Dobrich becamea partner in the law firm of Westrate, Holmstrom and Dobrichin 1987. She left the firm in 1994 when she was elected as aProbate Court judge. She was also appointed as a judge tothe Cass County Family Court in 1997 and currently holdsboth positions.

In 2003, Judge Dobrich was instrumental in starting the familydependency treatment court program, a program that worksto treat drug defendants so that they can be reunited with theirchildren. Judge Dobrich serves on several boards and commit-tees, including the Governor’s Task Force on Neglect and Abuse,Michigan Probate Judges Association, Michigan Women’sCommission, the Michigan Association of Drug CourtProfessionals, State Bar Judicial Crossroads Task Force, and the Pro Se Litigant Task Force.

REBECCA WALSH(Lawrence Class, 1991), partner, Reiter & Walsh PC, Bloomfield Hills

Ms. Walsh earned a bachelor of science degree in businessadministration from Central Michigan University before attend-ing Cooley. She began her career working in the insuranceindustry as a claims adjuster and as defense counsel. For nearly20 years, she has worked as a trial lawyer prosecuting high-profile, personal-injury lawsuits. Shortly after the terrorist attackof Sept. 11, 2001, Ms. Walsh joined a group of attorneys fromaround the nation in forming Trial Lawyers Care. This groupbecame the largest private, civil, pro bono program in the historyof American law. The team of attorneys helped individuals affect-ed by the events of Sept. 11, 2001 receive funds from proceedsset aside for victims and their families.

Ms. Walsh has taught Legal Methods as an adjunct professor atCooley and served on Cooley’s Alumni Association Board ofGovernors. 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 sectionsince 2006. Ms. Walsh is a member of American Association forJustice and its Birth Trauma Litigation Group.

AMY TIMMER(Pratt Class, 1988), Associate Dean of Students andProfessionalism, Cooley Law School

Dean Timmer earned her bachelor’s degree from MichiganState University and worked in various positions in Michigan’sstate government. After earning her juris doctor, Dean Timmerbegan work as an associate attorney in the Lansing office of thenational law firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP.She became a full-time faculty member teaching Torts, andEquity and Remedies at Cooley in 1992. In 1996, shebecame the Associate Dean of Students. In 2000, her titlechanged 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. DeanTimmer helped design and now oversees the implementationof Cooley’s professionalism plan, which has garnered nationalacclaim as one of the broadest and most innovative profes-sionalism programs among U.S. law schools. Dean Timmer isalso a national expert on mentoring programs for law studentsand is a founding member for the National Legal MentoringConsortium. She is a member of the State Bar of Michigan and isadmitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and for theEastern and Western Districts of Michigan.


school news

Thomas Rombach (Morse Class,1987) was elected vice president of theState Bar of Michigan. He is two yearsfrom assuming the role as president,following closely after Cooley graduateCharles Toy (Kavanagh Class, 1981)served as the 75th president from2009-2010.

Lawrence P. Nolan (Cooley Class,1976) was elected treasurer of theState Bar of Michigan, which puts himin line to serve as president of the StateBar in 2016, making him the thirdCooley graduate to hold this position.

Sister Ann M. Ozog (ChandlerClass, 1983) was presented the StateBar of Michigan’s highest pro bonorecognition, the John W. CummiskeyPro Bono Award. The award promotesawareness of the need for the privatebar to deliver legal services to the poorby giving public recognition each year

to a Michigan lawyer who has made a significant pro bonocontribution.

Sister Ann earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics withdual minors in physics and chemistry from Madonna College,a master’s degree in mathematics from the University ofNotre Dame and, ultimately, a law degree from Cooley.After passing the bar in 1983, she devoted her legal career toworking with Lakeshore Legal Aid. She fought for teachers’pay and for victims of domestic violence.

Since her retirement in 2003, Sister Ann has traveledmore than 30,000 miles to educate more than 1,200 senior citizens about their legal rights at more than 50community legal education events. She has also providedfree 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 causefor making legal services available to all without regard to economic status.

Phillip J. DeRosier (Moody Class,1996) was elected chair of the StateBar of Michigan’s Appellate PracticeSection during the bar’s annualmeeting in September. He is alsochair of the Appellate PracticeSection of the Detroit MetropolitanBar Association.

Before attending Cooley, DeRosier graduated from MichiganState University earning a bachelor of arts degree in politicalscience and pre-law. He is a member of Dickinson WrightPLLC in Detroit where his primary area of practice is stateand federal civil appeals. Previously, DeRosier served as a lawclerk for Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Young Jr.

DeRosier is recognized in the area of appellate litigationin Michigan Super Lawyers as well as for his appellatepractice in Best Lawyers. In 2009, he received the Thomas M. Cooley Law Review’s Distinguished Brief 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.

COOLEY GRADUATES SHINE AT THE

STATE BAR OFMICHIGAN’S

ANNUAL MEETING


school news

Thomas M. Cooley Law School held a formalunveiling and special dedication of a bronzecasting of the school's namesake on Tuesday,October 16, at the school's Ann Arbor campus.The lifelike sculpture was created by GrandRapids, Mich. sculptor and artist Matt Large.

"The Thomas M. Cooley Law School wasfounded in 1972 by a group of lawyers and judges led by then-Chief Justice of theMichigan Supreme Court Thomas Brennan.The school was named for Thomas McIntyreCooley, Michigan's greatest jurist, a manwhose work in the mid-1800s as Justice ofthe Michigan Supreme Court and as a legalscholar is still cited today," said Don LeDuc,Cooley Law School president and dean.

“The dedication of thissculpture is our way ofhonoring our namesakeand providing our faculty,staff and students with aconstant reminder of theschool's guiding principles.”

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 thesculpture (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 thesculpture (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 atthe Auburn Hills, Grand Rapids and Lansing campuses earlier this summer.

COOLEY’S ANN ARBOR CAMPUS DEDICATES

SCULPTUREOF JUSTICE THOMAS M. COOLEY

Don LeDuc, Cooley president and dean


school news

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY COMMEMORATES THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE

TAMPA BAYCAMPUS

“This campus is an exceptional learning environment because it hasbeen tailored to meet the educational needs of today’s law students.We are pleased with the enthusiastic reception of the local benchand bar and we look forward to building a strong relationship withthe Tampa Bay community.” Jeff Martlew, associate dean of Cooley’s Tampa Bay campus

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 CooleyBoard 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, Cooleypresident and dean; Gwynne Young, president of the Florida State Bar; and Robert Nader, president of the Hillsborough County Bar Association


school news

Cooley formally marked the opening of itsnew Tampa Bay, Fla., campus with a dedica-tion and ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 31.The new campus is Cooley’s fifth campus andthe first outside of Michigan. Renovations toturn an existing building into a state-of-the-artlaw school began last year.

Now complete, the 132,000-square-footbuilding can accommodate approximately700 students and includes a 25,000-square-foot law library, 336-seat auditorium and 24 classrooms. The 13.3 acre Riverview,Fla., property also contains on-site parkingfor more than 500 cars.

“We’re excited to begin a new chapter for Cooley Law School in Tampa Bay anddedicate a campus for our growing studentpopulation outside of Michigan,” said PresidentDon LeDuc, during the ceremony. “Floridahas the second largest population ofCooley graduates, which offers excellentnetworking and externship opportunitiesfor our students.”

The Tampa Bay campus began offeringevening classes to 109 students in May.Morning classes began in September andafternoon classes will start in January 2013.Currently, 275 students are enrolled. Thefull curriculum for the campus will be rolledout over a three-year period. Once it is inplace, Cooley will employ approximately 53 full-time faculty and staff and about 35part-time faculty.

"This campus is an exceptional learning environment because it has been tailored tomeet the educational needs of today’s law students,” said Jeff Martlew, associate dean of Cooley’s Tampa Bay campus. “We arepleased with the enthusiastic reception of thelocal bench and bar and we look forward tobuilding a strong relationship with the TampaBay community."

“We’re excited to begin a new chapter for Cooley Law School in Tampa Bay and dedicate a campus for our growing studentpopulation outside of Michigan.” President Don LeDuc

1/2 MARATHON IMPRESSION 5 5K COOLEY RACE FOR EDUCATION SOHN KIDS’ RACESCAPI

TAL

CITY

RIV

ER R

UN


school news

Thousands of DollarsRaised for Schools DuringCooley Law School’s 5KRace for EducationOn Sunday, Sept. 16, runners and walkers hit the streetsof downtown Lansing to raise money for education duringthe Capital City River Run Weekend of Races. Cooley LawSchool’s 5K Race for Education gave runners the chanceto win money for his or her school of choice. Cooley’s 5KRace for Education donates race proceeds to schoolsthat are selected at random from nominations made byrace participants. In addition, the School Competition Awardhonors the three schools with the most nominations withcash prizes from Cooley. This year, nearly $17,000 was distributed to the winning schools. Cooley LawSchool’s 5K Race for Education has raised over $125,000 foreducational institutions across the state since the inauguralevent in 2000.

Participating in Cooley’s 5K Race for Education were three generations from the Flahiefamily. 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 hadtwo other children participate in the Sohn Kids’ Races held on Saturday morning, whichwas also part of the Capital City River Run Weekend of Races.

5-year-old Zane Perrault from Mason, Mich. crosses the finish line during Cooley’s 5K Race for Education.

fall 2012 benchmark alumni magazine

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