Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Blog

“Look to your left, look to your right; one of you won't complete your law school journey.” I remember getting this from deans and professors when I first started at WMU-Cooley. I also remember thinking one of the “ones” should have been me.

My name is Virginia (Susie) Cairns. I graduated from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School in 1982 as a member of the Brooke Class. Some time ago I was reading some offputting remarks about TMC as it relates to a graduate from the law school at that time. I do not recall him from my days at Cooley, but I do know TMC.

I entered Thomas M. Cooley Law School after an established career as a high school English teacher, one of the few career options for women at that time. I had three young children at home when I started making the drive to Lansing from Grand Rapids, when Lansing was WMU-Cooley's only campus option. It was interesting times, and I wanted to do more. I wanted to be an attorney. 

  Guest Blog writer Kelly L. Morris is a September 1992 graduate of WMU-Cooley Law School and is the Chief Deputy Prosecutor Noble County in Rome City, Indiana. She shares her From Where I Stand story from being a law student through her successful career. 

Shemia Francisco Washington, Esq. is a May 2002 WMU-Cooley Law School graduate, and works for the City of Atlanta's Office of City Solicitor. She shares her From Where I Stand story below. 

Having graduated WMU-Cooley 41 years ago I was given the opportunity to engage in a successful Securities, Oil and Gas, and Business practice, as well as partner in two successful businesses. Admission was easy compared to other law schools, but staying in was a challenge. A somewhat different standard than most law schools where admission is difficult but staying in was almost guaranteed. WMU-Cooley was better suited to prepare one for the real world practice of law, as well as other endeavors. You receive the same privilege to practice as one graduating from any other school. Every graduate has achieved much on their path to success. Here are some of the things I have done on my career journey:

WMU-Cooley graduate Elizabeth Joy Fossel, of counsel, Varnum Attorneys at Law, imparts words of wisdom and sage advice to new WMU-Cooley graduates during their commencement ceremony on May 20, 2018. Read excerpts from her keynote address and #FromWhereIStand story below.

My legal success story is atypical, but nonetheless fully attributed to WMU-Cooley's thoughtful and practical approach to the legal profession as well as dedicated and knowledgeable faculty. Because of WMU-Cooley's networking events and skills courses, I was able to land a job right after graduation with a notable firm in Muskegon, Michigan.

I was admitted to WMU-Cooley Law School and only two other law schools. I had a very high GPA in college and a very strong resume of volunteering and leadership, but my LSAT score was average.  Many law schools judged me based solely on my LSAT and said goodbye.

From where I stand, as a Mexican American attorney from a mid-sized All American city in Texas, I say our critics can be our motivators. In 2008, I knew the rumors about WMU-Cooley's supposed open admissions beforehand, but did some research and saw things differently. They give qualified people a chance. And I knew I was qualified. I was working full time with undocumented immigrant children and decided to go to law school.