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APRIL 2019

Welcome to the April 2019 spring issue of Benchmark Column. As alumni of the law school, we want to notify you first. Today, the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Board of Directors announced that James McGrath, professor of law and associate dean for academic support and bar services at Texas A&M University School of Law, will be the next leader of our fine institution. On behalf of the Alumni Outreach Committee, and our over 20,000 alumni around the world, we would like to extend our support for President and Dean McGrath as we take on a strong lead in directing the future of legal education. Sincerely, Sheila Lake, Alumni Outreach Committee Chair 


James McGrath

new president and dean announced 

Western Michigan University Cooley Law School’s Board of Directors today announced that James McGrath, professor of law and associate dean for academic support and bar services at Texas A&M University School of Law, will serve as the law school’s next president and dean. McGrath becomes only the third president and sixth dean since the law school’s founding in 1972. He replaces Don LeDuc, who retired after 16 years serving as WMU-Cooley’s President and Dean. McGrath’s selection is the result of a national search in collaboration with the law school’s faculty, staff, students, alumni and WMU representatives. 
 
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featuring outreach committee chair

There's not too many things in life that can get in the way of Sheila Lake accomplishing her goals and fulfilling her aspirations. Even if life gets in the way. As a young girl, Lake knew she wanted to be a lawyer, but that dream had to be put on hold for decades until some friends and colleagues finally gave her the kind of encouragement she needed to make her dream come true. Find out more about Lake by reading her inspirational story.
 
MORE ON SHEILA LAKE
Sheila Lake

 real-life sacrifice

Richard Perez

WMU-Cooley graduate Richard Perez loved everything about being a part of a mock trial course in high school. Everything from the preparation before the mock trial to the adrenaline rush and need to be able to think on your feet. He knew someday he would be going to law school. That someday happened when some real-life immigration problems happened very close to home. Read more about how Perez wants to prepare and protect others.

RICHARD PEREZ STORY

SERVING JUSTICE

scales of justice

We are continuously updating and keeping track of our hundreds of graduates who have been appointed to public office or have held elected positions. The Alumni Office heard from many of you, but we would love to hear from more of you. Did we miss you or another graduate? 

GRADS HOLDING OFFICE

foundations of good writing 

It's simple according to Professor Barbara Kalinowski when asked why she believes attorneys need to be excellent writers. It's because nearly everything that an attorney does must be conveyed to another person in writing. In fact, she says, judges and other attorneys primarily assess the quality of your advocacy and the strength of your client’s case through your writing. WMU-Cooley has long been known for the quality of their Research & Writing programs and professors.

PROFESSOR KALINOWSKI
Barb Kalinowski

Kishnee Theus

STUDENT FEATURE

Kishnee Theus didn't know what to expect going to law school, but she knew she was going to have to work harder than she has ever had to work in her life. She also wasn't sure if she would see people who looked like her in the classroom. She was "amazed to see such diversity and all the different cultures." In fact it's the world view feel in the classroom she feels is the best part being a part of WMU-Cooley Law School.    

KISHNEE THEUS STORY

FACULTY EXPERTS BUSY

WMU-Cooley's faculty experts are tapped often by the media to provide objective legal analysis and expertise across all news channels. Our professors deep academic backgrounds combined with their real-world knowledge make them exceptionally fit for media commentary on important topics of the day. The media have kept our Con Law Professors very busy.  

CON LAW PROFS EXPLAIN

JOIN ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Join the WMU-Cooley Alumni Association and reap the benefits of a worldwide network of 20,000+ colleagues, experts and friends. Annual dues are $35, a three-year membership is $100, and a lifetime membership costs $350 and includes a specially crafted gold-enameled lapel pin. 

JOIN TODAY

read our official blog

Want to read more stories about your fellow graduates? We share your stories on the official law school blog page. 

VISIT THE BLOG

the latest news

Keep up with all the news coming out of WMU-Cooley by visiting the law school's What's New page on our website! 

WHAT'S NEW

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