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.

Growing up, WMU-Cooley graduate Kate Barnaby remembers how much she loved learning about our legal justice system. It wasn't just that her dad was part of the Navy and Honor Guard, it was more than that. She recalls many visits to Washington, D.C., and how her dad made a point of taking the family everywhere, including the White House, Capitol Hill and all the impressive monuments.

Using social media to promote businesses and products has become the norm in recent years, but attorneys and law firms often struggle to figure out how social media could benefit their specific practice areas. As a young attorney, Shequel Ross (William Johnson Class, 2013) decided to use social media to get legal information in front of a large audience and teach individuals about their rights.

David Malson, by anyone's standards, personifies career success and a meaningful life. But Malson would say it has been his dedication and commitment to building balance in his life and forging strong relationships that has guided him, both personally and professionally. Those friendships span 10-30 years, or more. All have been meaningful, from his loving relationship with his wife, Lynn, and their five daughters, to the countless friendships he has made over the decades, including trusting relationships with his work partners, co-workers and clients.

“If you stick around long enough, you’ll see everything,” noted Christina Corl, partner at Plunkett Cooney and one of a trio of new WMU-Cooley Law School Board of Directors members. Twenty five years into her legal career, Corl (Bird Class, 1995) is rarely surprised anymore. Most likely, she indicated “I’ve seen it before.”

Mustafa Ameen (Fitzgerald Class, 2006), knew growing up that he was either going to be a doctor or a lawyer. That's what his parents told their children, after emigrating from India to the United States to secure a better life for the family.

In the last decade, Aaron V. Burrell (Woodward Class, 2010), a business lawyer with the Detroit office of Dickinson Wright, has become acutely aware of dynamic shifts in the way law is practiced. Burrell, who serves as co-chair of the firm’s diversity and litigation-training committees, and has a busy practice in complex commercial litigation, appellate law, and labor and employment law, is in a prime position to note changes in the legal arena.

McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane law firm in West Michigan is home to three WMU-Cooley graduates: Jonathan Paasch, Erick Bradtke, and Nicholas Romer.  This blog features Nicholas Romer and why he appreciated his legal education at WMU-Cooley Law School.

McDonald Pierangeli Macfarlane law firm in west Michigan is home to three WMU-Cooley graduates: Jonathan Paasch, Nicholas Romer and Erick Bradtke. This blog features Erick Bradtke and why he appreciated his legal education at WMU-Cooley Law School. 

WMU-Cooley graduate Kara Hope, State Representative for Michigan’s 67th House District, spoke recently to WMU-Cooley Law School students about career paths that can lead to success, even a career in politics. If you missed the presentation, take a moment to read her five key pieces of advice to students – from her life experience and perspective.