Visionary Looks Ahead - Thomas M. Cooley Law School

school newsAssociate Dean becomes fourth Cooleyofficial in five years to win major awardfrom the State Bar of MichiganCooley Law School Associate Dean JohnNussbaumer was honored with the State Barof Michigan’s Champion of Justice Award onSeptember 29, 2010. He is the fourth Cooleyfaculty member to receive a major State Bar ofMichigan award since 2005, and the third inthe last three years to receive the Championof Justice Award. Nussbaumer overseesCooley’s Auburn Hills campus.In 2005, Associate Dean Nelson Miller, who oversees Cooley’s GrandRapids campus, was honored with the John W. Cummiskey Pro BonoAward, which recognizes a Michigan lawyer who has made a significantpro bono contribution.In 2008, Associate Dean Joan Vestrand, who oversees Cooley’s AnnArbor campus, received the Champion of Justice Award, which is givento practicing lawyers and judges who have “exhibited integrity andadherence to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession,superior professional competence, and an extraordinary professionalaccomplishment that benefits the nation, the state, or the local communityin which the lawyer or judge lives.” Associate Professor E. ChristopherJohnson, Jr., who directs the school’s corporate law and finance masters oflaw program, received the award in 2009.The State Bar of Michigan said in announcing the award to Nussbaumerthat “increasing diversity in the legal profession and access for the unrepresentedare goals that lie at the heart of Cooley Law School Dean JohnNussbaumer’s 33-year long career.” The State Bar went on to say thathe “works passionately and tirelessly to innovate and to make a difference– whether it’s mentoring a law student, participating in probono orcommunity service projects or overseeing clinics that help domesticviolence victims, families, seniors and soldiers.”“This award is really a testament to Cooley Law School President andDean Don LeDuc's leadership in providing access to a legal education tothose who are willing to work hard to meet Cooley's rigorous academicstandards, and to the culture of ethics, service and professionalism that hehas encouraged and supported,” said Nussbaumer. “It is also a testamentto the hard work of the Cooley faculty members and staff who haveworked hard to implement the programs that I've been fortunate to lead."“John encompasses the qualities that every lawyer should aspire to possess,”said LeDuc. “In addition to being a skilled practitioner, John seeksto better his community and the profession through numerous initiatives,including many focused on diversity in the profession and free legalservices for those in need.”Law Review Symposium featuresleading experts on Article V of theU.S. ConstitutionFrom left to right: Hon. Roman H. Gribbs; Bill Walker; Robert G. Natelson; Christopher R. Trudeau;Hon. James L. Ryan; Hon. Thomas E. Brennan; Paul D. Carrington; Joel S. Hirschhorn; Michael Hekman;Philip J. Prygoski; William H. FruthA panel of elite legal minds participated in the Law Review’s annualsymposium on September 16, 2010. Held at the school’s Lansingcampus, this year’s symposium featured discussion on Article V of theUnited States Constitution, a provision that grants the states the right torequest a convention for the purpose of proposing amendments to theU.S. Constitution.Article V has been the subject of much debate due to the increasedpower of the federal government since the early 20th century. Issuessuch as rising federal debt, recent health care and banking legislation,and calls for government transparency have created a search forchange among a growing population.The symposium was moderated by Cooley Law School Professor PhilipPrygoski. Former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice and CooleyLaw School Founder Thomas E. Brennan served as the keynote speakerat the event.Other panelists included Robert G. Natelson, senior fellow at theIndependence Institute and the Goldwater Institute; Bill Walker, founderand president of the Friends of Article V Convention; Joel S. Hirschhorn,author of DelusionalDemocracy and chair of the Independent Party inMaryland; William H. Fruth, author of TenAmendmentsforFreedom andPresident of POLICOM Corporation; Hon. James L. Ryan, senior circuitjudge for the U.S. Sixth Court of Appeals; and Paul D. Carrington, lawprofessor at Duke University School of Law and the author of ReformingtheCourt:TermLimitsforSupremeCourtJustices.To view the individual panelists’ presentations, visit the school’s newYouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/cooleylawschool.20 BENCHMARK FALL 2010 COOLEY.EDU