Cooley Steps Up Stewardship With Service to Soldiers Program

BenchmarkTHETHOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL MAGAZINEHilaryTerm 2008 Volume XXX Number 1Cooley Steps UpStewardship With Serviceto Soldiers Program

THOMASM.COOLEYLAWSCHOOLBENCHMARK HILARY 2008 VOLUMEXXXNO.1contentsfeaturesJim Johnson’s freelancereporting began with a passionfor global politics and a desire tocontinue educating himself.Reflections of a Lawyer’s Soul—The Institutional Experienceof Professionalism atThomas M. Cooley Law School“We wish to ease the re-entryof our returning troops byalleviating their legal concerns.”“To me, exoneration isthe epitome of ministeringsocial justice.”Donna McKneelen,Cooley Professor and Co-directorof the Cooley Innocence Project261012supporting our troopsCooley Service to Soldiers program provides free legalassistance to Michigan soldiers. The response to the programfrom Cooley staff and alumni who volunteer their time hasbeen overwhelming. Since its inception, more than 250soldiers have tapped into the program’s services.postcards from the edgeCooley alumnus Jim Johnson, a professor and lawyer fromMid-Michigan and a former JAG officer, has an adventurousside. He regularly travels around the world to countries ingreat conflict that are searching for democracy. His tripsserve two purposes.The first-hand perspective greatlyenhances his classroom discussions while serving as aplatform to pursue freelance reporting opportunities.serving up justiceThe exoneration of a Mt. Clemens, Michigan man, who hadserved nine years in prison for a crime he did not commit is thedirect result of Cooley’s Innocence Project. Seven years after itsinception, Cooley’s Innocence Project continues to transformpeople’s lives, including the scores of Cooley alumni, faculty,and students who work untold hours, all with the goal offreeing the wrongly accused.cooley professors and staff collaborateon a professionalism bookThe recently released book, titled Reflections of a Lawyer’sSoul—The Institutional Experience of Professionalism atThomasM. Cooley Law School, celebrates how professionalism haspermeated the law school’s program.school news14 student awards17 graduation highlights18 graduates: sharpe class20 faculty briefsalumni matters22 alumni news31 class notesBENCHMARK HILARY 20081

SupportingourTroopsAs a Gunnery Sergeant with Lansing’s U.S. MarineReserve 1/24 Charlie Company, Travis McKinneyof East Lansing considers himself trained forvirtually anything. That is, with the exceptionof resolving a dispute with his landlord.Shortly after a November 2006 deployment to Iraq, the formerproperty owners of his apartment complex slapped the 34-year-old, active-duty soldier with a $278 bill for cleaning andrepairs. However, not only was the apartment clean, therewas no damage as defined under the Landlord-Tenant Act.Not wanting to bother her son while he was miles from home,McKinney’s mother, Anita, who was handling his mail, quietlypaid the bill.It wasn’t until McKinney returned to his same apartment that hismother mentioned the issue. That’s when McKinney realized thecompany had improperly billed him, and now owed his mommoney—and an apology.Relieving Legal BurdensWrangling through a sea of legal proceedings in small claims courtseemed like a tall order for a soldier trying to adjust to civilian lifebefore his next deployment.That’s when McKinney’s commander told him about ThomasM. Cooley Law School’s Service to Soldiers: Legal AssistanceReferral Program, a service that links Michigan soldiers withMichigan attorneys who are offering pro bono counsel.Clifford KnaggsLinking Michigan Soldiers withAttorneysAfter struggling to get in contact with thelandlord, working through small claims court,and filing a formal complaint, Clifford Knaggs(Copeland Class, 1989), a Lansing attorneyand Cooley graduate, was able to resolveTravis’ legal matter and secure a full refund for Travis’ mother.“Without this program I wouldn’t have known how to startor have the time,” said McKinney.Founded in April 2007, Service to Soldiers sends Cooley faculty andlaw students to military events to interview soldiers and make aninitial assessment, talking with service members about their legalconcerns. The professors determine if attorney assistance isnecessary, identifying the legal issues that need to be addressedand the county in which the matters should be handled.Cooley program coordinator Heather Spielmaker then matchesservice members with attorneys who have the right expertise inthe appropriate county and assigns a Cooley student to “shadow”the attorney to learn from the experience and assist with legalresearch. Volunteer attorneys then schedule an appointment withthe service member and provide the legal assistance needed.Stories like Travis’ fill the program’s caseload, said Spielmaker,who also helped start the program. The most common requestsfor assistance involve family law matters, labor law issues, landlord/tenantconcerns, and creditor problems. Consultations areoffered at reserve centers and other military locations, and willSince its inception in 2007, more than 250 soldiers have tapped into Cooley’s Service toSoldiers services. Of those individuals, over 100 were referred to attorneys who provided legalservices, including representation at trial. A network of over 100 attorneys throughout Michigan,mostly Cooley alumni, participate.BENCHMARK HILARY 20083

featuresoon be offered through video conferencing to service membersdeployed in Iraq, thanks to the Chrysler Corporation, which ispartnering with Cooley to make its video conference facilitiesavailable to help deployed soldiers. Service to Soldiers is the onlycivilian program in Michigan designed to assist with the immediatenon-military legal needs of soldiers who are deployed, deploying,or returning home from service.The Right Thing to DoFor Knaggs, participating in Service to Soldiers is the right thingto do. Having served 22 years in the military in various capacities,Knaggs said he can appreciate how any sort of legal issuecan “detract from a solider’s focus,” especially when they arereturning home to family.“Whatever I can do to help relieve these problems, I’ll do,” saidKnaggs.“Many of our troops return to civilian life with little difficulty, butothers find a host of legal problems waiting for them,” saidSpielmaker who also is the program coordinator of Cooley’sCenter for Ethics, Service, and Professionalism. “We wish toease the re-entry of our returning troops by alleviating theirlegal concerns.”Overwhelming ResponseThe response to the program from Cooley staff and alumni hasbeen overwhelming. Since its inception in 2007, more than 250soldiers have tapped into the program’s services. Of those individuals,nearly 100 were referred to attorneys who provided legalservices including representation at trial. A network of over 100attorneys throughout Michigan, mostly Cooley alumni, participate.The program continues to expand, including meeting with soldiersprior to deployment to assist with the creation of wills andpowers-of-attorney privileges.The program recently reached out to the large base of militarypersonnel who report to Selfridge Air National Guard Base inSt. Clair Shores, Michigan. Future plans include establishingvideo-conferencing opportunities with military bases in the MiddleEast so that attorneys can accelerate the counsel process.Michael L. Peplinski, Brigadier General and Commander of the127th Michigan Air National Guard Wing at Selfridge Air NationalGuard Base, appreciates the value of the service.“We are thankful for Cooley’s support and care for our servicemembers and to all who are stepping up to this effort,” he said.“It does not go unnoticed and we are grateful for this service.”According to Spielmaker, the program’s success is only limited bythe number of attorneys who sign up to volunteer. Participatingattorneys receive training through Cooley Law School and theArmy National Guard JAG Office. The training is funded by grantfunds from the Michigan State Bar Foundation.“We’re always looking for additional attorneys to help out,especially those practicing in small towns,” said Spielmaker.“My hope is that all who participate get the same satisfactionfrom helping the troops as I have.”For more information, including how to volunteer, please contactMs. Spielmaker at (517) 371-5140 or speilmah@cooley.edu.First image:A group of U.S. Marine Reservists being assisted with wills and POAs. Second image: Cooley Staff Attorney Lindsay Citrin assisting a U.S. Marine Reservist.Third image: Major RandyParker and Lt. Colonel Chris Busch. Fourth image: Cooley Professor Nancy Wonch and Cooley student Ryan Kelly assist a U.S. Marine Reservist.4 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

Jim Johnson, a 1982 graduateof the Thomas M. CooleyLaw School, is a man whowears many hats.

Jim Johnson (Wing Class, 1982) is an attorney who owns his own law practice in Midland, Michigan.He’s a professor of global and international politics at Saginaw Valley State University. Johnson is adedicated volunteer who ensures that at least 20 percent of his legal work is pro bono, includingcounseling service men and women (see sidebar below). And he’s a freelance journalist, travelingto places far away to report about political conflicts in some of the most dangerous situationsknown on earth. In spite of living adventures that could be transformed into movies, Johnsonremains humble.A freelancer gets his startJohnson’s freelance reporting beganwith a passion for global politicsand a desire to continue educatinghimself. He had planned a trip tothe Middle East during the summerof 2006 to study the recent election ofa non-traditional leader so that he could bring first-handdescriptions of the conflicts to his students at Saginaw Valley.But when he arrived, Johnson found himself in the middle ofa war between Hezbollah and Israel. That, he says, quickly gavehis trip an added purpose. He soon turned from tourist tofreelance journalist, providing media reports to a Michigannewspaper group and a mid-Michigan television station.The incident, known as the 34-Day War, began quickly whenHezbollah’s Chief Hassan Nasrallah promised to take action tofree Lebanese prisoners in Israel, and Hezbollah guerrillas stageda bold cross-border foray that resulted in the capture of twoIsraeli soldiers to use as bargaining chips. Johnson reportedfrom the border of Lebanon for the next several days beforereturning to mid-Michigan to resume his teaching and legal work.The itch to do it againWhile he was back to his normal life, Johnson discoveredthat he had the itch to do more. As he saw it, trips tocountries and regions in conflict would have a dualpurpose. First, they would provide him with a firsthandperspective of the issues plaguing nations aroundthe world that he could then discuss in his classroom.Second, his travels would give him an opportunity toreport the details of a conflict to the outside world.In March 2007, Johnson found another opportunityto travel far away to witness the battles in otherlands. Johnson’s war zone for this trip was Nepaland Tibet as he covered the area’s civil war. Again,he was able to provide comprehensive descriptionsfrom the scene for people back in the United Statesthrough his coverage while gaining a unique understandingregarding the 11-year civil war that he couldpass along to his students. The trip soon ended ashis teaching and legal duties called, but more tripsfollowed in August 2007 to Southeast Asia and thePhilippines.Giving BackA COMMITMENTJim Johnson, a 1982 graduate of the Thomas M.Cooley Law School, has made a substantial commitmentto pro bono work since opening his lawfirm in Midland, Michigan in the late 1990s. Infact, Johnson’s office has a policy that 20 percentof his firm’s portfolio must consist of pro bonowork. Johnson strongly believes that lawyersneed to make a concerted effort to help individualswho need legal counsel but simply can’t affordthe services. Johnson, a former Judge AdvocateGeneral (JAG) officer in the Navy, says thatthere isn’t an agenda behind his pro bonowork; it is simply the right thing to do.Supporting our troopsOne of Johnson’s pro bono efforts is puttinghis military background to use as a volunteerattorney in the Service to Soldiers: LegalAssistance Referral Program, a one-of-a-kindpro bono assistance program created by CooleyLaw School (see related article on page 3).The program offers one-on-one consultationsbetween Michigan military personnel andCooley professors to discuss non-military legalissues. Should legal services be needed, Cooleymatches the individual(s) with a local attorney –most from a network of Cooley graduates whovolunteer their time to help these soldiers. Theselected attorney, like Johnson, provides counselconcerning all aspects of a legal issue, includingpossible representation in court, all free of charge.(continued on page 8)BENCHMARK HILARY 20087

feature04 January, 2008The Rawalpindi/Islamabad area is under a “high alert” with roving armored police vans on thestreets. Apparently, Pakistani Intelligence Agencies have determined that several suicide bombershave entered the cities and are on the streets... later this afternoon “Friday,” I was walking ona street here in Rawapindi when a firefight broke out... from experience, you usually do not try tofigure out who is fighting whom... you just try to get “infinitely flat”... I caught the last few minuteson tape. About 1/2 mile from my room I would estimate...Posted by James Randall Johnson at 9:44 AM (http://warrevolutionandconflict.blogspot.com/)The right place at the right timePerhaps Johnson’s most timely trip happened bychance. As students at Saginaw Valley returnedhome to celebrate Christmas and the end ofthe fall semester in late 2007, Johnson packedhis bags for Pakistan to witness the nationalelections. He always plans his trips around nations that are inthe search for democracy and this location seemed sure tofit the bill. But his plans soon changed when his plane fromthe United States landed in London. Upon exiting the plane,Johnson saw a television screen with a picture of Pakistan’sformer Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.“I knew obviously something had happened,” Johnson toldthe Bay City News (Mich.) in early 2008. “And, at thatpoint, she had been shot. From the time I walked fromthere to the British Airways service desk, she had alreadydied. And I spent the next couple of hours just trying toget as much information as I could from the BBC.”Johnson’s itinerary for the trip was upstaged by theassassination and the mayhem that followed. No longerwould he be able to travel by train or highway due torandom vehicle and train attacks and burnings thatfollowed the assassination. Many of the locations wherehe had planned to visit were now out of reach. Instead, hespent the next two weeks in Pakistan along the border ofAfghanistan observing the riots and fighting that followed.A local taxi driver helped him explore the fighting andJohnson provided periodic updates on his blog(www.warrevolutionandconflict.com).What’s next?With his law practice, his media work, and histeaching, Johnson has a full schedule. But he’s alwayslooking to the future. Engaged to the sales managerof a mid-Michigan television station, Johnson has thepassion usually found in serial entrepreneurs as helooks to the future. His fiancée is finishing her MBAfrom the University of Michigan and something newcould be on the horizon. Just don’t ask him what.He hasn’t figured that one out yet.“Who knows,” asked Johnson.“Jim Johnson’s efforts for Service to Soldiers havebeen a shining example of everything that is greatabout the Cooley family,” said HeatherSpielmaker, coordinator of Cooley Law School’sCenter for Ethics, Service, and Professionalismand leader of the Service to Soldiers program.“Jim has helped us take this program to greatheights and we’re excited to see it continue togrow as the need for legal services is ever-present.”Johnson, 56, has already worked on a half dozencases through the program, mostly in family law.“This war is resulting in a much higher numberof family law issues than any other war that I haveseen,” Johnson said. Many cases involvecustody issues and some of those cases alsoinvolve divorce.Growing the volunteer baseJohnson has taken his support of returningtroops even further than providing one-on-onecounsel and/or representation to service personnel,presenting one-day informational clinics toattorneys and others from across Michigan whoare interested in participating in the Service toSoldiers program. Approximately 60 attorneysattended a recent session at Cooley’s AuburnHills, Michigan campus.“They all ask very detailed questions,” saidJohnson. “Everyone is here to help and wantsto have all the information needed to helpfuture clients.”8 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

featureCooley’s Innocence Project Scores Second ExonerationServingUPJusticeNathaniel Hatchett, center, is picked up by his brother Hammer Hatchett, left, during a hug as another brother,Tommie Hatchett, right, waits for his hug on the Macomb County Courthouse steps.As a third-year law student at Cooley in 2001,Donna McKneelen (Chase Class, 2002) wasinvited to participate in a new clinic aimed atexonerating wrongly accused individuals.During the 10-week project, McKneelen wasfortunate to witness perhaps one of the most movingexperiences of her life — the exoneration of a Mt. Clemens,Michigan man, who had served nine years in prison for acrime he did not commit.The experience touched her so deeply that McKneelen decidedto continue on with Cooley Law School's Innocence Projectafter graduation. Today, McKneelen not only teaches criminallaw at Cooley, she co-directs the Innocence Project withProfessor Marla Mitchell-Cichon. She has gained tremendoussatisfaction in helping Cooley students take part in such agratifying experience, regardless of whether students partakein an actual exoneration or not.“To me, exoneration is the epitome of ministering social justice,”said McKneelen.Seven years after its inception, Cooley’s Innocence Project continuesto transform lives including the scores of Cooley alumni, faculty,and students who work untold hours, all with the goal of freeingthe wrongly accused. It is the only DNA-based Innocence Projectin Michigan.“It’s a hard act to follow, walking an innocent man out of jail,”said McKneelen. “The entire process is very rewarding.”The project recently celebrated the exoneration of Nathaniel Hatchett,a 29-year-old Macomb County man who served 12 years of a25-to-40 year sentence for kidnapping, robbing, and raping a 22-year-old woman in 1996. Hatchett was freed in April, 2008 afterDNA evidence revealed he did not commit the crime.“When someone is wrongfully accused, in many instances, Cooley’sInnocence Project is their last resort,” said McKneelen. “If we don’t dosomething about their situation and work hard for them, who will?”To date, Cooley’s project has screened approximately 3,800 DNA cases. More than 150 cases arecurrently open as a direct result of Cooley’s student investigations.10 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

Cooley students, under faculty supervision, are intricately involved in various operations ofthe project, such as creating screening procedures, obtaining and reviewing case histories,writing case timelines and summaries, performing case analyses, and preparing written caseevaluations and pleadings.Only DNA-based Innocence Project in MichiganFounded in 2000 by Professor Norman Fell, Cooley’s InnocenceProject became operational in May 2001, coinciding with thestate’s new DNA testing statute (MCL § 770.16) with the goal toidentify, provide legal assistance to, and secure the release of prisoners.Cooley’s program is also designed to provide its studentswith an excellent learning experience.It is the only such DNA-based project in the state. The program isfunded entirely by the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, privatedonations, and a Michigan State Bar grant.Each term, the project accepts a handful of qualified Cooleystudents to work with faculty experienced in criminal andpost-conviction law to screen post-conviction cases for strongevidence of factual innocence and prepare appropriate casesfor court action.Thousands of RequestsThe Innocence Project receives thousands of requests frominmates requesting staff to assess their cases. The first step in theproject’s process is to determine the reasons for a wrongfulconviction. Any case involving DNA will be screened; not oneis turned away, said McKneelen.After careful screenings, each student is assigned up to sixcases to review and evaluate; many cases involve a review oftrial proceedings.To date, Cooley’s project has screened approximately 3,800DNA cases. More than 150 cases are currently open as a directresult of Cooley’s student investigations.McKneelen and the students both agree that the biggest challengein the exoneration process is finding solid evidence. This caninvolve students scouring court transcripts, hospital records, crimelab evidence, and interviews with police and prosecutors.Into the ClassroomCarrie Mason, a third-year Cooley student who is involved inthe Innocence Project, has gained much from her experiencesin the program.“What goes on behind the scenes helps us as students inunderstanding the entire process versus simply studying coldcasefacts,” she said. During Mason’s 10-week experience, shewitnessed the exoneration of Hatchett after writing a brief insupport for the motion.“At the beginning of the project, all of us were told not to expectto witness an actual exoneration as they often take years to complete,”Mason said. “When this case came together and the realityof the situation was clear, I felt so lucky to be involved.”Cooley students, under faculty supervision, are intricately involvedin various operations of the project, such as creating screeningprocedures, obtaining and reviewing case histories, writing casetimelines and summaries, performing case analyses, and preparingwritten case evaluations and pleadings.“It’s an amazing feeling to help someone out who really needs it,”said Mason. “I never thought I would be involved in a successfulexoneration when I started the program, but this has truly beenan eye-opening experience for me.”Nathaniel Hatchett, center, raises his arms, hand-in-hand with Cooley Innocence Project attorney Donna McKneelen, right, as he is greeted by his mother Crystal Hatchett, left, and other family members.BENCHMARK HILARY 200811

featureChroniclingProfessionalismBy Associate Dean and Book Author, Nelson MillerGreat Minds, GreatDeeds, Great Team –Cooley AuthorsCollaborate on aProfessionalism BookWritten in response to the recent Carnegie Foundation report EducatingLawyers, Reflections documents how the Thomas M. Cooley Law School anticipatedby many years the report’s conclusion that law schools need to betterintegrate skills and ethics with law schools’ traditional knowledge dimension.Nelson Miller, Co-AuthorThe several-hundred-page book, titled Reflectionsof a Lawyer’s Soul—The Institutional Experience ofProfessionalism at Thomas M. Cooley Law School,celebrates how professionalism has permeated thelaw school’s program.Written in response to the recent Carnegie Foundation reportEducating Lawyers, the Reflections book documents how CooleyLaw School anticipated by many years the report’s conclusionthat law schools need to better integrate skills and ethics with lawschools’ traditional knowledge dimension.Cooley’s ABA-award-winning Professionalism Plan and programsplaced the law school in precisely the right place at the right time—with its practice-preparation mission emphasizing the integrationof knowledge, skills, and ethics. Reflections of a Lawyer’s Soul showsthe depth, breadth, and richness of that professionalism mission,from a variety of intra-institutional perspectives.The book’s foreword explains, “Professionalism is … a reflectionof the lawyer’s soul. It suggests a self-reflective and transformativeway of examining and shaping the professional identity,consciousness, conscience, and confluence of mind, habits andother attitudes and activities that make a lawyer’s whole.”The book’s 16 authors include Cooley’s founder, Justice ThomasE. Brennan, the law school’s president and dean Don LeDuc, andseveral associate deans and faculty and staff members.The book is divided into five main sections — Vision, Knowledge,Skills, Ethics, and Assessment. Each section features three chaptersexploring and describing how Cooley’s professionalismemphasis has positively affected those dimensions of Cooley’seducational program.Some chapters, like Justice Brennan’s “Law Written on the Heart”and President LeDuc’s “Knowledge, Skills, … and Ethics,” feature asingle author. Other chapters are collaborative works on legalanalysis, course objectives, cultural competence, mentoring andvolunteering, and professional development.The book ends with a look forward to how Cooley and otherlaw school graduates will be community stewards in a responsiblerepublic. It is, overall, a reflection of the hope, vision, andresponsibility lawyers hold as a profession.The book can be purchased through Cooley’s bookstore at itslist price of $69.95. Author royalties go to Cooley’s Center forEthics, Service, and Professionalism. You can find out more aboutthe Center for Ethics, Service, and Professionalism by going to itspage on the Cooley website at www.cooley.edu/ethics.12 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

Reflections of aLawyer’s Soul – TheInstitutional Experienceof Professionalism atThomas M. CooleyLaw SchoolPick up your copy today of Reflections of a Lawyer’sSoul—The Institutional Experience of Professionalismat Thomas M. Cooley Law School!Written in response to the recent Carnegie Foundation report Educating Lawyers, the Reflections book documentshow Cooley Law School anticipated by many years the report’s conclusion that law schools need to better integrateskills and ethics with law schools’ traditional knowledge dimension. The book can be purchased through Cooley’sbookstore at its list price of $69.95. Author royalties go to Cooley’s Center for Ethics, Service, and Professionalism.Come celebrate Cooley’s professionalism programs.cooley.eduVisit the Cooley Law School bookstore and pick up a copy today!BENCHMARK HILARY 200813

school newsstudent awardsAlumni Association Vice PresidentMichelle Donovan GrantsDistinguished Student Awardsto Adams Class MembersThe faculty, staff, and student body of Thomas M.Cooley Law School gathered in the lobby of theCooley Center on March 14 for the HonorsConvocation of Hilary Term 2008. AlumniAssociation President Michelle (Esperance)Donovan (Weadock Class, 1999) was on handto grant the Distinguished Student Award toRobert R. Beaupré and Laura Garlinghouse ofthe graduating Clark J. Adams Class.The 32 students nominated for this term’sDistinguished Student Award furnished a varietyof information, including résumés and letters ofreference that were reviewed by the ExecutiveCommittee. Nominees were also personallyinterviewed as part of the selection process.Members of each graduating class are evaluatedon the criteria of character, academic accomplishment,leadership, and extracurricularactivities in the decision to grant theDistinguished Student Award.Adams Class Distinguished Student Robert R.Beaupré will sit for the Michigan July 2008 BarExamination. Beaupré is seeking a position with amajor law firm and is most interested in stateand federal criminal defense law. His long-termplans involve becoming a well-known defenseattorney practicing in the federal courts.Beaupré said that, “I know many students atCooley who are more than deserving of thisaward. To be selected among my colleaguesfor this recognition is an honor that I will longcherish. I thank the faculty, staff, and the greatstudent body of Thomas M. Cooley LawSchool for forever changing my life.”Adams Class Distinguished Student LauraGarlinghouse will sit for the Michigan July 2008Bar Examination as well. Garlinghouse hassecured a position in the Grand Rapids office ofFoster, Swift, Collins & Smith, P. C. as a generallitigation associate. She hopes to become apartner at the firm and teach legal writing atCooley in the future.According to Garlinghouse, “I was very excitedto learn that I had been selected to receivethe Distinguished Student Award. It is truly anhonor. I feel privileged to join the ranks of theaccomplished students who have received thisaward over the years. Some of my professorsand colleagues received this award when theywere at Cooley, which is inspiring to me. I'mgrateful to the Executive Committee of theAlumni Association for this recognition.”The Alumni Association is proud and pleased togive recognition to these outstanding membersof the Adams Class and extends its best wishesfor their continuing success.Cooley Law School Names theFifth Annual Ida and BenjaminAlpert ScholarThanks to the generosity of Mr. and Mrs.Myron Alpert of Highland Beach, Florida,Thomas M. Cooley Law School has recognizedits fifth annual Ida and Benjamin Alpert Scholar.Four outstanding third-year students withfinancial need and who had excelled in serviceto their fellow students through their leadershipin student organizations or activities wereconsidered for this recognition.The recipient will receive $2,500 from asubstantial donation given to Cooley in 2003by the Alpert Foundation. The 2007-08 Idaand Benjamin Alpert Scholar is current studentTracie McCarn-Dinehart.Ms. McCarn-Dinehart said, “I am greatly appreciativefor being chosen for this scholarship andto Mr. and Mrs. Alpert for making this possible.I know that there are a lot of outstanding studentsat Cooley who are wonderful leaders. Soto be chosen for this particular scholarship is agreat honor and privilege. But I have to providea thank you to all those people thathelped me along the way and allowed me toprove that I am a leader. If it was not for them,I would not have received this wonderful gift.”I was very excited to learn that I had been selected to receive theDistinguished Student Award. It is truly an honor. I feel privileged tojoin the ranks of the accomplished students who have received thisaward over the years. Some of my professors and colleaguesreceived this award when they were at Cooley, which is inspiringto me.“I'm grateful to the Executive Committee of the AlumniAssociation for this recognition.” Laura GarlinghouseRobert R. Beaupré (Left) and Laura Garlinghouse (Right) receive the Distinguished Student Award from Alumni Association Vice President, Michelle Donovan (Center)14 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

student news“I am greatly appreciative for being chosen for this scholarship andto Mr. and Mrs. Alpert for making this possible. I know that thereare a lot of outstanding students at Cooley who are wonderfulleaders. So to be chosen for this particular scholarship is a greathonor and privilege.” Tracie McCarn-DinehartTracie McCarn-Dinehart (left) receives the Alpert Scholarship from Alumni Association Vice President Michelle Donovan (right).The award was granted in part due to Ms.McCarn-Dinehart’s service. Those activitiesinclude participating in the American BarAssociation/Law Student Division at the nationaland school level, acting as a witness and bailiff inintra-school mock trial programs and Trial Skillsclasses, participating in intra-school competitions,being a member of the National PaceEnvironmental Moot Court team, serving asBanquet Committee chair, being a teachingassistant for Intra-School Mock Trial class,participating in the Michigan Youth InGovernment program, raising funds for theLansing Respite Center, and acting as astudent informal mentor for new students.Cooley Law School and Mr. and Mrs. Alpert areproud to be able to recognize this student’scontribution to the school through this honor.Grand Rapids Area Alums, Staff,and Students Socialize in FebruaryCooley’s western Michigan alumni and studentsgathered on February 28 at Mezze Cafe in theSan Chez Bistro located at 38 West Fulton indowntown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fifty-fivecurrent students, faculty, staff, and alumni ofthe law school joined the hosts, Alumni RelationsDirector Darryl Parsell (Wiest Class, 1979),Alumni Treasurer Aletha Honsowitz (WitherellClass, 1990), and Maureen Van Hoven (GrantClass, 1987).Faculty and staff at the event included Cooley’sGrand Rapids Campus Associate Dean NelsonMiller, Professor Paul Carrier, Grand RapidsCampus Career Services Coordinator DanielleHall (Blair Class, 2001), Professor Dale Iverson,and Professor Donald Petersen.Professor Carrier reported that the event “wasvery relaxed and everyone was happy. Severalformer students had just finished taking the barexam and it was interesting to hear what the studentshad to say about the experience.”The following alumni guests met students at themixer: Philip Admiraal (Boston Class, 2007),Carol Chase (Bushnell Class, 1980), MatthewDeLange (Boston Class, 2007), Travis Earley(Boyles Class, 2005), Elizabeth Gauthier (WilsonClass, 2001), Patricia Gelderloos (Edwards Class,2006), Samantha Hull (Boston Class, 2007),Amanda McLittle (Boston Class, 2007), MatthewMiller (Starr Class, 2005), Jennifer Racine(McAllister Class, 2005), Kim Royster (BostonClass, 2007), Tom Siver (McAllister Class, 2005),Rachel Terpstra (Boston Class, 2007), JasnaTosic (Sharpe Class, 2008), Sharon Turek(Witherell Class, 1990), and Susan Wright(Sharpe Class, 2008).Philip Admiraal said, “Of course for me, wearingboth the student and alumni hats, the event isgood for catching up with old friends, networking,and connecting with JD students. I like thefact that students can meet with workingprofessionals and get a first-glimpse of themany different options available for a personwith a law degree. It is also good for alumnito socialize and catch up, a sign that Cooleyfosters a good environment for friendshipthat lasts beyond law school.”Current students who took advantage of thenetworking opportunity included Jarrett Acklin,Flint Angelovic, Lara Bennett, Emily Bruski,Regina Berlin, Emmanuella Cole, Emily Coyle,JoAnn Dickinson, Kerry Fritz, Amy Grauman,Nick Gumina, Robert Hinojosa, Alison Jeanes,Roland Lindh, Maria Lourdes Nocedal, NicoleMcCarthy, Meghann Mikluscak, AmandaNarvaes, Akiniji Olago, Adriana Pereyra, WilliamMorrison, Amanda Narvaes, Mark Rysberg,Sneha Shah, Sandra Stine, Tyler Viilo, and LucasWilson.BENCHMARK HILARY 200815

Focus your fieldof law with anLL.M. degreein IntellectualPropertyknowledge. skills. ethics.Cooley’s Graduate IP degree prepares practitioners to start acareer as an Intellectual Property attorneyThrough an experienced faculty and innovative, practical instruction, the Intellectual Property programprovides a sound foundation in Intellectual Property law while exploring the latest emerging developmentsof technology law. Your LL.M.degree can be earned at any of Cooley’s three Michigan campuses in Lansing,Auburn Hills, and Grand Rapids.For more information about Cooley’s Master of Laws program and LL.M. distance andweb-based education opportunities, visit cooley.edu, take theVirtualTour, or set up a tourwith Admissions at 517-371-5140, ext. 2244, or e-mail admissions@cooley.edu.Thomas M. Cooley Law School is committed to a fair and objective admissions policy. Subject to space limitations, Cooley offers the opportunity for legal education to all qualifiedapplicants. Cooley abides by all federal and state laws against discrimination. In addition, Cooley abides by American Bar Association Standard 211(a), which provides that “a law schoolshall foster and maintain equality of opportunity in legal education, including employment of faculty and staff, without discrimination or segregation on the basis of race, color, religion, nationalorigin, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability.”16 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008cooley.edu

graduation highlightsJohn Joseph Stockdale (left) and Erin Renee Murphy (center) with CooleyPresident and Dean Don LeDucEdward M. Sharpe ClassCommencement ceremonies for the Sharpe Class were held Jan. 27,2008 in the Wharton Center at Michigan State University.The invocation was given by Professor John Marks. Senior RubySangha was chosen by her fellow graduates to deliver the valedictoryremarks.Commencement speaker was E. Christopher Johnson Jr., GeneralMotors North America Vice President and General Counsel.Christopher E. Johnson gives the commencement speechErin Renee Murphy and John Joseph Stockdale, summa cum laude,were the recipients of the James E. Burns Memorial Award. Mr.Stockdale also earned the President’s Achievement Award.The Burns Award is given to the student who graduates with thehighest GPA in the class, while the President’s AchievementAward goes to the student who had the highest percentage increasebetween incoming index and graduating GPA.Professor Mable Martin-Scott won the Beattie Award for Excellencein Teaching, an award voted on by members of the graduating class.Ruby Sangha,Valedictory SpeakerEdward M. Sharpe Class graduatesBENCHMARK HILARY 200817

school newsJanuary 27, 2008graduates:edward m. sharpe classThe Degree of Master of LawsCheri Beatrice BridgesMaeann D. DeMars-GozalkaRobert J. Harper, CUM LAUDEDaniel Andrews-WilberforceTracy Lynn HightowerEric George LanningShenique A. MossJames P. SalvadoriThe Degree of Juris DoctorJeffrey Lance AboodJeffrey Alan AenlleArmin AfsharKnoush AghakhaniTheresa Ann AhernDaniel P. Aleksynas, CUM LAUDEShahriza AliAnthony Rocco AllegraJames Neely AmsterZachary Prentiss AndersonMansoor Hussain AnsariHanan Samir AswadCarla Janine BaldwinCha’Ron A. BallardFrancis William Barron IIISean Raymond BeaudoinJoseph Albert BellancaJay Walter Belle IsleDana Elizabeth BelmontGarrett Ross BennerJonathan Mark BerryJason Eric Bitzer,MAGNA CUM LAUDEDimitra BizosEric John BlattiElena BlazeskiKyle Byron Blowers, CUM LAUDEBradley Reginald BodeuxMary Elizabeth Boese,CUM LAUDEJulie Ann BradfieldKerry Elaine Bridges,CUM LAUDEJustin Voltaire BrionesKristin Elfriede BrittTimisha Jae BrooksJennifer Dina BucknerHeather VaLynn BurnashPhillip Donald Butler,CUM LAUDEJonpaul CalandruccioAmy Marie CardVincent Edward Carlson,CUM LAUDEBrian Stanley CarmichaelRossia Carolina Castro,CUM LAUDEJoy Elizabeth Cecil,WITH DISTINCTIONLea Miae ChonRichard F. ChristensenMark Lawrence ColeRaymond Gordon Conley,CUM LAUDEMichelle Jeanirene CooperAdam Anthony Cortes,WITH DISTINCTION,LEADERSHIPACHIEVEMENT AWARDCharles Edward Cottrell II,CUM LAUDEMark Joseph DahlbergJennifer O’Heren Daneshgari,CUM LAUDETaschona Lynnette Darnell,CUM LAUDEPrentice Kelly DawkinsAaron Anthony DeAngelisRick Allen Decker, CUM LAUDEWilliam Donald DeGrootReuben DelgadoJohn A. DelVecchioFener DeonarineMelissa Ann DivanPaul Gerhardt Doroh,CUM LAUDERobert William Drake,CUM LAUDEChristi Ann DukeRichard Keith Dukes IIDynah Naomi JulietteDuncan-WhiteAlan Newman DunnDavid Richard Durell,CUM LAUDEDouglas Einar DyhrkoppDarrell Wayne EdensHussein Sony El-RashidyElizabeth Anne Elmer,CUM LAUDEJeffrey J. Estrella, CUM LAUDEMarneda L. EvansAmy L. Ferance, CUM LAUDEJulie Ann FinnJames S. FloresJulia Kathryn FrantzRitu S. GajraMichael Bruce GaweckiPhyllis Ann GaydenWalter Ross GemlMary Ruth Gleason, CUM LAUDEJonathan Charles GoodmanNeil Aaron GoroScott Adam GraumanBlair J. Griewahn, CUM LAUDEAdam Edward GriffisJason Clayton GrinnellKimberly Ann Gruber,WITH DISTINCTIONIssa Ghaleb HaddadCullen Christopher HarknessWilliam Arthur HarrisKendall Delmar HartsfieldMatthew Donald HaughBrandon Scott HeintzelmanOctavia Michelle HenryRadames Heredia IIIJohn Frank HigginsBarbara Ellen HillTeresa Marie HillBrandon James HirschCalvin Columbus Honaker Jr.Gordon Gary HosbeinJulianna Marie Hyatt-WierzbickiOlive Ezinwanne IkehMark L. Jackson, CUM LAUDEAmy Lynne JacobsShawn Leanne JarrettVanessa Lane JenningsJennifer M. JochumTonya Marie JonesMaryl Kacir, CUM LAUDEHarjoat KangErin Rose Katz, CUM LAUDEIra Jeffrey KatzmanChristine Pamela KennedyRashida Amandi KennedyGarabet Ohannes KhajadourianElizabeth Hyun Ji Kim,CUM LAUDEAmanda Louise KlaissJesse Mark KnevelTheodore Seth KochesIrena Konev, CUM LAUDERobert William Kovacs Jr.Christine L. Krehl,WITH DISTINCTIONBradley M. Krugel18 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

Commencement ceremonies were held January 27, 2008 in theWharton Center at Michigan State University.Justin Lee KruppenbachDominique Christina LaForteMichelle Marie LaLondeAndrew Charles Lane,MAGNA CUM LAUDEChristina Marie LarsonAlicia Nicole LawrenceJames K. LeeMarylyn KathrynLewis-ErnsbergerWilliam Dean LohrmanSteven Thomas Loizzi Jr.Pamela Merritt MallamoSharla ManglitzJennifer Kay Marquissee,CUM LAUDECara Leigh Martin, CUM LAUDESara Marie Mason, CUM LAUDEKevin D. McCubbinAnthony Joseph McEachern,WITH DISTINCTIONNilda Esther McEachernErika McNamara,LEADERSHIPACHIEVEMENT AWARDErin Renee Murphy,SUMMA CUM LAUDEDanielle Michelle NatiElizabeth Ann NawrockiRobert Neelen Jr.Jonathan Kevin NelsonMatthew Ryan NewburgRichard Tillman NicholsCharles Albert NorthropTyler Bradley O’Shields,CUM LAUDEAmanda Marie OsbornEvan Alexander OstrerErin M. OursoNatalie OverbeyThomas Paciorkowski,MAGNA CUM LAUDEChristina Sue PasayMichelle M. PernasWendy Suzanne PetersonMaria PetrakisSteven PetrovskiRobert Gary PriceEvelyn F. ProtopapasSusan Patricia SalasRichard Allen Sanders Jr,CUM LAUDERuby SanghaJennifer Lyn Sarhan,CUM LAUDEJonathan SayreStephen Douglas Scharrer,CUM LAUDEJonathan Neil SchatzJonathan Joel SchmidtLynnea Ann Schurkamp,WITH DISTINCTIONJoshua Michael SchwartzAnn Marie SchwiemanIan N. ServiceArsheen SethiHeather Suzanne ShawTammi Sue ShawUmar Ahsan SheikhKatherine Mary ShenooChaka Denise SmithLori K. Smith,LEADERSHIPACHIEVEMENT AWARDCharles Edward TempioAmi Miranda ThomasSara Ashley ThorneJesica Linnea ThorsonMatthew Clark Tierney,CUM LAUDEJon Seth Tipton,WITH DISTINCTIONJudy Marie DeLeonGuerrero TorresJasna Tosic,MAGNA CUM LAUDEMichael John TothKate Thi Thuy TranQuyen T. TranKathryn Lynne Tucker,CUM LAUDE, LEADERSHIPACHIEVEMENT AWARDCharles Grant VarnerSteven Paul VincentJohnny Emmett Clyde VinesMeredith Lauren VirantCody William WagnerRachel Nicole WalkerEric Eugene Wallis, CUM LAUDEMia Dawn McNeilMegan Bridget QuirkPamela C. SmithBrigitte Michol WashingtonZachuary Thorpe Meranda,CUM LAUDEBruce Edward MerchantChristian Edward Mirónla’ Rufus Ma-Sha’ Mitchell,LEADERSHIPACHIEVEMENT AWARDManda Jo MitteerDenson Moore, CUM LAUDEKathleen Charlotte MoriartyJanal LeeAnn Mossett,CUM LAUDESean Michael Mulchay,CUM LAUDECatherine Jo Munsell,CUM LAUDEVilavanh Melanie RajaphoumyKimberly Ann Ray, CUM LAUDEAdam Charles Reddick,CUM LAUDELisa K. ReichertDarlene M. RogersGregory Tyler RomerilBarnali Roy-MohantyAmy Marie RubyLee Anne Ryder,MAGNA CUM LAUDEMichael Gilbert SabolMariela Jeannette SagastumeCatherine Ann SalaAnthony Francis Sorentino,CUM LAUDEGeorge John Souris, CUM LAUDEJeremy Hughes Start,WITH DISTINCTIONMargaret Anne SteffenJohn Joseph Stockdale Jr.,SUMMA CUM LAUDE,PRESIDENT’SACHIEVEMENT AWARDKaren Jennae Streeter,CUM LAUDEDenise Lynn Sylvester,CUM LAUDELeonid TalismanGenevieve Bernadette Tannian,CUM LAUDEThomas Perry White Jr.Laura Ann WhitmanJames Edward Williams IIISusan Elizabeth Wright,WITH DISTINCTIONAlbert Albert YacoubBenjamin Ronald YoffeeKyle Charles YoungWenkuan Wanda Yu,CUM LAUDEArash Dastan ZareiJolanta Anita ZinevichBryan Tomas ZuzgaBENCHMARK HILARY 200819

school newsfaculty briefsFrank Aiello,Assistant ProfessorRepresented, theOakland Land Conservancypro bono in acquiring 72acres of undeveloped land inAddison Township, Mich.,that is located in the Clinton River Watershed,and 60 acres of natural area in OaklandTownship, Mich. The Oakland Township transactionalso involved Oakland Township, whichpurchased the underlying interest in the property,and the Michigan Department of EnvironmentalQuality, the Michigan Department of NaturalResources, and the Community foundation ofSouth East Michigan, all of whom providedfunding for the purchase of the conservationeasement and land.Gary Bauer, ProfessorPublished, an articlein the Thomas M. CooleyJournal of Practical andClinical Law, Vol. 10, Issue1, page 107, “The SixtyPlus Estate Planning Clinic- Change is the Constant.”Tammy Asher,Assistant ProfessorNominated, as a Fellowby the Oakland County BarAssociation in January 2008.Attended, the 14thAnnual Oakland County BarAssociation Youth Law Conference on April 21,2008, in Troy, Mich.Attended, Bryan Garner's Advanced LegalWriting & Editing Seminar in Detroit, Mich., onFeb. 5, 2008.Patrick Corbett,ProfessorSpoke, on “Cyber Bullyingand Other High Tech CrimesInvolving Teens,” at OkemosHigh School, Parent-TeacherAssociation, Okemos, Mich.,on Feb. 20, 2008.Spoke, on “A Review of Michigan Cyber CrimeLaws - Cyberbullying, ID Theft, and Other HighTech Crimes,” at Washtenaw CommunityCollege, Ann Arbor, Mich., on March 22, 2008.Attended, “Protecting Personal Information:Best Practices for Business,” co-hosted by theFederal Trade Commission and the InternationalAssociation of Privacy Professionals, NorthwesternUniversity School of Law, Chicago, Ill., onApril 15, 2008.Anthony Flores,Associate ProfessorNamed, chairperson of theProfessional Advisory Boardfor Citizens for a UsefulRegistration, January 23,2008.Conducted, training for Child WelfareInstitute Protective Services and Foster Care, onFeb. 28, 2008 and May 1, 2008.Joseph Kimble,ProfessorSpoke, at a writing seminarfor students and practicinglawyers at the University ofLas Vegas, Nevada, School ofLaw. The two other speakerswere Bryan Garner andDean Darby Dickerson of Stetson UniversityCollege of Law. The event was sponsored byScribes, The American Society of Legal Writers.Organized, the annual meeting of the ScribesBoard of Directors. Professor Kimble is the executivedirector.Published, an article called “Cleaning Up aRelease” in the Michigan Bar Journal.Attended, a meeting of the AdvisoryCommittee on the Federal Rules of Evidence.Professor Kimble is redrafting those rules as thedrafting consultant to the Standing Committeeon Federal Rules.Invited, to speak at the third international conferenceof the organization Clarity, to be held inMexico City. Professor Kimble is the past presidentof Clarity.Dan Matthews,Associate ProfessorPublished, a chapter on“Personal Exemptions andPersonal Credits,” in theMertensTreatise on the Lawof Federal IncomeTaxation.Co-authored, with Cooley Professor KarenChadwick, a survey article on “Trusts andEstates” in the Wayne Law Review - 53 Wayne L.Rev. 627 (2007).Co-authored, with Lorraine New, an articletitled “An Academic and a Former IRS AgentDiscuss the IRS Perspective on Family LimitedPartnerships,” in the Winter 2008 edition of theMichiganTax Lawyer.Co-authored, with third-year Cooley student,Mark Cooke, an article titled “The SubprimeMortgage Crisis and Tax Law: Uncle Sam CutsDistressed Homeowners a Break,” in the April2008 edition of Laches (the publication of theOakland County Bar Association).Organized, and supervised the VolunteerIncome Tax Assistance (VITA) program for theAuburn Hills campus. Twelve Cooley studentsvolunteered to prepare tax returns for lowincometaxpayers in Pontiac. This was the secondyear of the program and about 40 taxpayerswere assisted.20 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

Donna McKneelen,Assistant ProfessorArgued, and won, Peoplev Robert Barrera, in theMichigan Court of Appealson behalf of the CooleyInnocence Project.Attended, the Innocence NetworkConference, in Santa Clara, Calif.Attended, the NACDL 1st Annual ForensicScience Conference, in Las Vegas, Nev.Spoke, at the Global Perspectives Conference2008, at Lansing Community College, inLansing, Mich., on April 2, 2008, “What is anInnocence Project?”Won, along with faculty, students, and staff ofthe Cooley Innocence Project, the release ofNathaniel Hatchett based on DNA testing.Nathaniel Hatchett served 12 years in prison fora crime he did not commit.Interviewed, on NPR, Michigan Radio, onthe topic of wrongful convictions.Interviewed, on Detroit news stations 2 and 7,regarding the release of Nathaniel Hatchett.Nelson P. Miller,AssociateDean/AssociateProfessorPublished, as co-editor,and as co-author of severalchapters, the bookReflections of a Lawyer's Soul —The InstitutionalExperience of Professionalism atThomas M. CooleyLaw School (William S. Hein & Co.).John Nussbaumer,Associate Dean andProfessorChaired, the deans’roundtable on ABAInterpretation 301-6 governingbar passage rates at theNational Black Law Students Association nationalconvention in Detroit on March 28, 2008.Don Peterson,Associate ProfessorContributed, a chapterto a new book, Sock it to'EmTigers, on the 1968Detroit Tigers. Published byMaple Street Press.Authored, an article that is being published bythe Thomas M. Cooley Journal of Practical andClinical Law, called “Hidden Security Interests: ASecured Transaction When You Least Expect It.”Continues, to appear on radio stations torespond to inquiries regarding sports law.John Rooney,ProfessorSpoke, on April 26, 2008at Dickinson School of Law(DSL) in Carlisle, Penn., on“Teaching Semiotics to LawStudents.” DSL is now affiliatedwith Pennsylvania State University.Marjorie Russell,ProfessorPresented, at the KansasAssociation of CriminalDefense Lawyers AnnualMeeting: a three-hourworkshop on the use ofAction Methods in Case Development,Trial Preparation, and Trial.Conducted, training sessions on ActionMethods and Trial Skills, for the teaching staff ofthe Criminal Defense Attorneys ofMichigan/Cooley Law School Criminal DefenseTrial College.Otto Stockmeyer,Emeritus ProfessorSpoke, on “The Secret Lifeof Rose of Aberlone: TheMooving and Udderly TrueStory Behind the Shame andRedemption of Michigan’sMost Celebrated Cow,” at the rededication ofthe State Bar of Michigan’s Legal Milestone historicalmarker celebrating the case of Sherwood vWalker, on May 13, 2008, in Plymouth, Mich.Cynthia M. Ward,Assistant Dean andAssociate ProfessorAttended, the AALSConference on Clinical LegalEducation, May 4-7, 2008, inTucson, Ariz.Spoke, on “Personal Ethics and the Role ofLawyers in Modern Society,” at the Stages ofthe Law forum in connection with LansingCommunity College's production of Jane EyreMarch 29, 2008, in Lansing, Mich.William Weiner,Associate Deanand ProfessorAuthored, “AnotherGreat Leonardo da VinciYarn: A Review of NicholasKilmer’s Madonna of theApes,” in 2 Art & Museum Law Journal 81-84(2007).BENCHMARK HILARY 200821

alumni mattersalumni news“I am truly humbled and proud to have theAlumni Memorial Scholarship bestowedupon me. I was very happy when Cooleygave me a chance when it accepted me,and I hope I continue to make Cooleyproud in my future endeavors.” Heather LaBombardiKeela Johnson (left) and Heather LaBombardi (right) receive the Alumni Memorial Scholarship from Virginia P. Allen (center).Alumni Past Presidents’ CommitteeChair Allen Grants the 2008Alumni Memorial ScholarshipsCooley Alumni Association Past Presidents’Committee Chair Virginia P. Allen (Wing Class,1982) awarded the 2008 Alumni MemorialScholarship to current students Keela P. Johnsonand Heather M. LaBombardi at the Hilary TermHonors Convocation. The Alumni MemorialScholarship is granted each year to a currentstudent who has successfully earned at least 30credit hours, is in good academic standing,exhibits financial need, and is a positive force inthe Cooley community. In 2008, 32 studentsapplied for the Alumni Memorial Scholarship.The applicants’ materials were reviewed byAlumni Association Past Presidents’ CommitteeChair Virginia P. Allen (Wing Class, 1982), andcommittee members M. Carol Bambery (MorellClass, 1985), Diane Britt (Chandler Class, 1983),Julie Clement (McDonald Class, 1998), SharonEllis (North Class, 1980), Jeff Haarer (CopelandClass, 1989), Larry Kish (Marston Class, 1978),Andy Sass (Morell Class, 1985), John J. Smith(Smith Class, 1985), and Charles Toy (KavanaghClass, 1985). The 2008 Alumni MemorialScholarship amounted to $2,721 for eachgrantee, the tuition cost for a three-credit class.Committee Chair Allen commented, “TheAlumni Association Memorial Scholarship Fundhas grown over the years thanks to the hardwork of the alumni. When you support theGolf Outing and the Wine Tasting fund raisers,for example, you are contributing to thefund. We have progressed from giving only acouple of hundred dollars to granting two,three-credit tuition scholarships. Thank youfor your support.”“This year as always, we had a great field ofcandidates. The two we selected, Keela P.Johnson and Heather M. LaBombardi, are trulyoutstanding. Congratulations to them and to allthe applicants. It was a difficult decision.”Keela Johnson said, “I am very excited andhonored to have been chosen as the recipientfor the Alumni Memorial Scholarship. I lookforward to being an alum soon and able toprovide opportunities to the next generationof Cooley students and to give back to thelegal community.”Heather LaBombardi said, “I am truly humbledand proud to have the Alumni MemorialScholarship bestowed upon me. I was veryhappy when Cooley gave me a chance when itaccepted me, and I hope I continue to makeCooley proud in my future endeavors.”The scholarship is derived from income fromthe Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund. Thatfund is supported by the generous contributionsof many alumni, and by the proceeds from theAlumni Golf Benefit, which is held each summer.Visit Darryl Parsell at the Alumni RelationsOffice on the 10th floor of the CooleyCenter, call (800) 243-ALUM, or e-mailparselld@cooley.edu for more informationon the golf benefit.22 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

alumni mattersOver 130 Alumni and OtherGrand Rapids Attorneys andGuests Attend Law Day FestivitiesCooley Law School’s annual Law Day Luncheonwas held on Tuesday, May 1 at the PeninsularClub of Grand Rapids, in partnership with theGrand Rapids Bar Association. More than 130guests, including Cooley graduates, faculty, andstaff, and other members of the Grand Rapidslegal community attended the program. CooleyLaw School President and Dean Don LeDuc,Grand Rapids Associate Dean Nelson Miller,and Associate Dean of Development & AlumniRelations and General Counsel James Robb ledthe Cooley Law School delegation.Fifty years ago President Eisenhower proclaimedthe first Law Day a “day of national dedication tothe principle of government under law.” LawDay 2008 explored the meaning of the rule oflaw, fostering public understanding of the ruleof law through discussion of its role in a freesociety.Grand Rapids Campus Professor and formerGrand Rapids Bar Association President Paul T.Sorensen welcomed the group and spoke onCooley Law School’s partnership with the GrandRapids legal community and new developmentsat the campus. He was also the recipient of the2008 President’s Award, given annually to honora member who has made special contributions inservice and support to the GRBA.According to Professor Sorensen, “Law Day2008 once again demonstrated in many wayswhat is so good about the Grand Rapids legalcommunity. First, it presented a wonderfulopportunity for Cooley, the Grand Rapids BarAssociation, and the Western Michigan Chapterof the Federal Bar Association to collaborate asco-hosts of the luncheon. Leadership of theseorganizations have always worked so welltogether on these kinds of projects.“Second, I was once again inspired by theparticipants' emphasis on the importance ofprofessionalism. We are privileged to be membersof the legal profession, and events likethe Law Day luncheon serve as reminders ofthat privilege. Finally, lawyers’ schedules get sohectic that we seem to have fewer opportunitiesto get together socially, and it was terrific togather with so many colleagues, share a meal,and catch up on our lives.”Following the welcome from Professor Sorensen,the 2008 Liberty Bell Award was presented byGRBA President Richard E. Hillary of the KentCounty Office of the Defender and by Kristin M.Vanden Berg of the U.S. District Court.The Liberty Bell Award honors a non-lawyer ornon-profit organization that has made an outstandingcontribution to the cause of justice or toadvancing public awareness of the Constitutionand our legal system. The 2008 Liberty BellAward winner is the Prostitution Round Table,a collaboration of agencies and individuals whoworked together to promote understandingabout the situation of prostituted women andto improve relationships with the police, thecourts, and social service systems to moreeffectively reduce crime and to create opportunityand equity for marginalized membersof the community.Grand Rapids Bar Association Annual Awardsrecognizing 50 years in practice were givento Timothy J. Conroy, Charles C. Lundstrom,and Thomas R. Winquist. The Donald R.Worsfold Distinguished Service Award, which isgiven to recognize a member of the GRBA for acareer of service to the Bar, the profession, andthe community, went to Bruce W. Neckers ofRhoades McKee. The Keynote Speaker was U.S.District Court Judge Honorable Janet T. Neff,who addressed the group on the role of fairand impartial courts in ensuring the vitality ofthe rule of law.Alumni guests included: Dan Bylenga (BushnellClass, 1980), Alumni Fundraising CommitteeChair Mary Ann Cartwright (Graves Class, 1977),Barbara Craft (Ransom Class, 1978), MarizaGamez-Garcia (Cushing Class, 2000), Judge JanetHaynes (Kavanagh Class, 1981), Richard Hillary(Butzel Class, 1979), Karen Kelly (Moore Class,1993), Randy Kolar (Champlin Class, 1987),Judge David Murkowski (O’Hara Class, 1983),Amy Rademaker (Hooker Class, 1993),Associate Dean Nelson Miller, Juan Salazar,Alumni Director Darryl Parsell, and CooleyPresident and Dean Don LeDuc enjoy theLaw Day festivities.From Left:Associate Dean Nelson Miller, 2007 Liberty Bell Award Recipient Juan Salazar,Alumni Director Darryl Parsell, Cooley President and Dean Don LeDuc24 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

alumni mattersU.S. Supreme Court (left), U.S. Supreme Court Justices (right). Photos Courtesy of the Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States.Cooley Sponsors First UnitedStates Supreme Court AlumniAdmissions CeremonyCooley Law School’s Alumni Association beganthe new year with an outstanding new program.The association’s Special Events Committeeprovided a wonderful weekend of activities,culminating in an appearance on Monday, Jan.14, 2008, before the U.S. Supreme Court,where 11 alumni were admitted to practice. Thealumni and their guests also had the privilegeof observing a morning of arguments beforethe court.Special Events Committee Chairs AlethaHonsowitz (Witherell Class, 1990) of GrandRapids, Mich., and Lara J. Edelstein (Steere Class,1995) of Coral Gables, Fla., worked with AlumniAssociation Executive Secretary and AlumniRelations Director Darryl Parsell (WiestClass, 1979) in Lansing to put it all together.Conference telephone and e-mail communicationswere key to this successful collaboration.Group rates were arranged at the CrystalGateway Marriott in Arlington, Va. This was areal asset, not only due to the reasonable ratesgiven to the group, but also as a metro stationwas located under the hotel, making for easymovement around the nation’s capitol. Also,since most of the group was staying at theMarriott, the alumni and their guests enjoyedmany opportunities to become better acquainted.Meetings for meals or to go out on the townwere daily occurrences.Lara Edelstein summarized the experience.“Cooley Alumni Association's Inaugural GroupAdmission to the U.S. Supreme Court was agreat success and included an entire weekend ofevents, including tours of the White House andCapitol Building and social gatherings.“The group of alumni came from all over theUnited States, including Michigan, Virginia,Arizona, New Jersey, and Florida. Althoughmany of us had never met, we soon became fastfriends. Of course, the highlight of the trip wasthe group admission. As an appellate attorney,being admitted to the U.S. Supreme Courtwas something that I have always wanted toaccomplish. Being admitted in open court onan argument day, along with fellow graduatesof Cooley Law School, was an amazing experiencethat I will never forget.“Being in that courtroom (in the front rows andso close to the Bench!) and seeing the Justices inaction makes you remember why you went tolaw school in the first place. I hope that all of ouralumni take the opportunity to join in on aGroup Admission with the alumni association inthe future. I know that the entire group felt thatthis was the most special event that the SpecialEvents Committee has ever arranged.”A full schedule of activities was offered. Many ofthe group arrived early and did some sightseeingon their own. The alumni also got together fordinner and socializing on Friday, Jan. 11. Theofficial group activities began the morning ofSaturday, Jan. 12, with a tour of the WhiteHouse. Of course, the Executive Mansion is aliving museum of American art, architecture, andfurnishings. It was a real thrill to have a chanceto visit these rooms that have been a stage forso much American history. Many of those onthe tour enjoyed a group lunch afterward.On Sunday, January 13, 2008, the group gatheredinformally at the lobby bar in the Marriott to preparefor the next day’s events at the SupremeCourt and Capitol. The highlights of the followingday were the morning Bar Admission Ceremonyand the afternoon guided tour of the U.S. CapitolBuilding.On Jan. 14, the alumni gathered in the court'sprivate dining room and were briefed by thegenial Clerk of the Supreme Court, William K.Suter, attired in traditional morning coat withtails. His position involves the management ofthe court's docket and calendar and theSupreme Court Bar. Suter also attends all oralarguments at the Court.Suter is a retired major general in the U.S. Army.He also served as an assistant judge advocategeneral of the Army and obtained his law degree26 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

from Tulane University. He avoids being confusedwith Supreme Court Associate Justice DavidSouter, by being referred to as “The General” oras “General Suter.”The alumni were also joined by the admissionmotion sponsor, Alumni Association PastPresident M. Carol Bambery (Morell Class,1985). Ms. Bambery is located in Washingtonand serves as the Association Counsel forthe Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.The association is the collective voice of NorthAmerica’s fish and wildlife agencies at everylevel of government. Bambery is also an activemember of the Alumni Association’s PastPresidents’ Committee.While getting ready for the admission, the groupfrom Cooley was pleasantly surprised toencounter fellow graduate Taggart Howard(Snow Class, 1998) of Vail, Colo. Howard wascoincidentally at the same session of court, beingsponsored by his father for admission.Participants for the group being admitted wereselected from dues-paying members of Cooley’sAlumni Association who are actively serving theschool's students and alumni on one or more ofthe association’s committees. The Cooley groupalso brought many guests. Those with familymembers included Student RecruitmentCommittee Chair Laurie Berner (Cushing Class,2000), accompanied by husband WilliamBerner; Past Alumni President Julie Clement(McDonald Class, 1998), accompanied byhusband Rush Clement; Alumni Vice PresidentMichelle (Esperance) Donovan (Weadock Class,1999), accompanied by husband Tim Donovan;Kenneth Holmes (Wilson Class, 2001), accompaniedby wife Kimberly Holmes and children Leslie,Christen, and Nicole Holmes; StudentRecruitment Committee member Dr. GaryLobel (Cushing Class, 2000), accompanied bywife Tracy Lobel and children Blake, Austin,and Andrew Lobel; Constituent Alumni ClubCommittee Chair Amanda Roggenbuck(Swainson Class, 2003), accompanied by husbandBrian Ritchey and infant son ParkerRitchey; and Philip Carter Strother (FellowsClass, 1997), accompanied by wife DanielleStrother.The group being admitted was rounded out byLara Edelstein, Darryl Parsell, Special EventsCommittee Chair Lisa Pohl (Kuhn Class, 1995),and Student Recruitment Committee memberMaureen Van Hoven (Grant Class, 1987). AlethaHonsowitz and Associate Dean of Development,Alumni Relations, and General Counsel JamesRobb watched the Cooley group being sworninto practice before the Supreme Court.According to Dr. Lobel, “it was a great experienceto be part of the inaugural admission to theU.S. Supreme Court. It was great how much of afamily the group became in just a short weekend,including people I went to law school with andthose I met for the first time on this trip. It wasamazing to see all the different career paths wehave taken with the varied practice areas andgeography, including Arizona, Florida, Virginia,New Jersey, as well as Michigan.“I want to thank Lara, Aletha, and Darryl for alltheir hard work in not only arranging the admission,but also the social events (meet and greatbefore and reception after the admission) andguided tours of the White House and Capitol.It was truly a fun and busy weekend, and oneI will never forget.”As Dr. Lobel mentioned, the group of alumniinvolved came from across the country. Theyalso demonstrated the range of years thatCooley has been offering legal education, coveringgraduation years from 1979 through 2003.A minimum of five years of practice experienceis required by the court for licensure.The law school was mentioned several timesduring the Admission Ceremony by Chief JusticeJohn G. Roberts, Jr., putting the law schoolbefore the nation in a most positive way. In astroke of good luck, the first cases of the dayrelated to automobile criminal search and entertainmentagency questions, with a full courtroomobserving the action. Journalists from theWashington Post, New York Times and NationalPublic Radio were also present.The first case, Virginia v. Moore, Docket No. 06-1082, presented the question, “Does the FourthFrom left: Laurie Berner, Dr. Gary Lobel, Kenneth Holmes, Philip Carter Strother, Maureen Van Hoven, Darryl Parsell, Julie Clement, Amanda Roggenbuck, Lara Edelstein, Lisa Pohl andMichelle Donovan. Center photo; U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak; Photo right: From left: Lara Edelstein, Aletha Housowitz, Darryl Parsell, Lisa Pohl, and Maureen Van Hoven.BENCHMARK HILARY 200827

alumni mattersAmendment require the suppression of evidenceobtained incident to an arrest that is based uponprobable cause, where the arrest violates aprovision of state law?” It was a Virginia casechallenging the use of evidence seized afterofficers arrested the defendant for a minordriving infraction that should only have resultedin a citation. Since matters relating tosearches, particularly in automobiles, are atthe cutting edge of criminal practice, storiesrelating the matter appeared in the press thefollowing day.The second argument related to the case ofPreston v. Ferrer, Docket No. 06-1463,“Whether the Federal Arbitration Act andBuckeye Check Cashing, Inc. v. Cardegna, 546U.S. 440, 126 S.Ct. 1204 (2006) preempt theholding in this case, voiding an interstate arbitrationagreement under the California TalentAgencies Act?” Although it might sound a bit dryto the layperson, the matter at issue was thecontract of the popular syndicated TV show“Judge Alex,” in a lawsuit by Alex E. Ferrer, aformer Florida Circuit Court judge who decidesminor civil disputes as a form of TV entertainment.Consequently, this case was also in themedia spotlight.After the Admission Ceremony, the group ofalumni and guests enjoyed a tour of the CapitolBuilding arranged by Cooley graduate andCongressman Bart Stupak (Dethmers Class,1981). Staff Assistant Loren Aho took the groupinto many areas of the Capitol not usually opento visitors, including the Old Supreme CourtChamber first opened in 1819 and used for 41years. It was inspiring to see the place wherehistoric cases such as Dred Scott v. Sandfordwere heard.That evening, the group of recently admittedalumni joined other alumni from WashingtonD.C., Maryland, and Virginia at an alumni receptionin the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Alexandria,Va. Washington D.C.-area current student externsand prospective students were also invited, andalumni association membership and support of thelaw school was encouraged. New graduates wereintroduced to the group to assist in seekingprofessional employment and many networkingcontacts were made for future case referrals.Fifty-nine Cooley graduates, current students,and friends attended. The alumni receptionguests also included David Brink (Person Class,1994), Burns Earle (Montgomery Class, 1992),Ben Gielow (Boyles Class, 2005), KristineGielow (Boyles Class, 2005), Andrew Gozinsky(Carpenter Class, 1993), Jennifer Hetu (EdwardsClass, 2006), Gary Huggins (McAllister Class,2005), Jordan Jackson (Reid Class, 2006),Rachel Kanner (Boston Class, 2007), HeidiKordish (Iredell Class, 2001), Chinwe Kpaduwa(Fitzgerald Class, 2006), Brian Melson (ReidClass, 2006), Ian Meyeroff (Johnson Class,2002), Michael Miller (Reid Class, 2006), KamalNawash (Black Class, 1996), Rina Niyogi (IredellClass, 2001), Mercy Obamogie (Fitzgerald Class,2006), Sarah Price (Fisher Class, 2007), TraceyReyna (Cross Class, 2004), Gary Roehm(Boston Class, 2007), Brandon Ross (BrickleyClass, 2007), Marie Schrauger (Boston Class,2007), Leticia Smith (Boston Class, 2007),Ursula Snead (Fisher Class, 2007), JolydaSwaim (Needham Class, 2004), Felina Vaughn(Cross Class, 2004), and Megan Wallace(Fisher Class, 2007).Current student Scott Grammer attended thereception as well as prospective student ElShaddai Gebreyes.Philip Carter Strother said, “Thank you again toeveryone involved in organizing such an exceptionalweekend. It was a true pleasure.”Amanda Roggenbuck added, “Thank you for agreat experience and opportunity. I have alwaysbeen a proud Cooley graduate. This is a greatexample of the commitment of the alumni.What a great experience. Thank you again toeveryone for all your hard work.”From left: Kenneth A. Holmes, Philip Carter Strother, Dr. Gary Lobe, Lara J. Edelstein,Amanda Roggenbuck, Julie Clement, Darryl Parsell, Lisa Marie Pohl, Maureen Van Hoven, Laurie Berner,Taggart Howard, and Michelle Donovan. Center photo: Michelle Donovan and Tim Donovan. Right photo:Tracy Jane Lobel, Dr. Gary Lobel, and sons Blake,Austin, and Andrew.28 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

“We all had a great time and especially enjoyedseeing the interaction of the symphony and theconductor working together to perfect the music.Thanks so much for arranging the event.Wethoroughly enjoyed it!” Cooley Professor Chris ShaferFrom left: Rich Ridenour,Virginia P.Allen, David Gross.April Alumni Night with theLansing Symphony OrchestraThe Alumni Association’s Special EventsCommittee organized our third visit with theLansing Symphony Orchestra on April 10, 2008.Forty-two Cooley alumni, staff, and friendsattended a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception atthe Wharton Center in East Lansing. FormerAlumni President and past Lansing SymphonyOrchestra President Virginia P. Allen (WingClass, 1982), Alumni Director Darryl Parsell(Wiest Class, 1979), and Steve Gobbo (BirdClass, 1995) welcomed the guests on behalf ofthe Alumni Association. Following the reception,the alumni and their guests sat in on the dressrehearsal of the LSO.According to Past President Allen, “It was greatto meet old and new Cooley alumni and friendsin the informal setting of the reception beforethe Lansing Symphony's dress rehearsal for itsPiano Pops Concert. David Gross, ExecutiveDirector of the LSO introduced the guest conductor,Stu Chafetz, and the guest artist, RichRidenour. Each of them spoke briefly about therehearsal. Watching the LSO rehearse is alwaysan enlightening experience. The professionalmusicians need only interpretive work at thisstage, so it's almost like listening to the concertitself. The LSO always welcomes groupsto attend a dress rehearsal.”The guests included the following alumni, staff,and friends: Jeff Brancheau, Miranda Brown,Enrique Bustillos, Mike Carella, CommunicationsDirector Terry Carella, Jill Crandall, current studentPatrick Crandell, Susan DeRose (Carr Class,1984), Brian Doyle, Director of Event PlanningMargie Doyle, Jeffrey Estrella (Sharpe Class,2008), Dawn Fleming (Boston Class, 2007),Paul Haddad (Fisher Class, 2007), SusanneHarris-Spicer (Carpenter Class, 1993), Directorof Development Pamela Heos, Bruce Hunting(Dethmers Class, 1981), Jan Hunting, Jessica Kill,Carol Malewska, Dale Malewska (McAlvay Class,1984), Mark Meservey, Associate Dean ofInnovation and Technology Charles Mickens,Associate Dean of Community Relations HelenMickens (Bushnell Class, 1980), Professor ChrisShafer (Hooker Class, 1993), Mariah Shafer,Michelle Shafer, John Smith (Boston Class,2007), Mary Lou Somerville, William Somerville(Butzel Class, 1979), Jerry Sutton (Cooley Class,1976), Linda Sutton (Dethmers Class, 1981),Associate Dean of Students & ProfessionalismAmy Timmer (Pratt Class, 1988), Eric Van Steel(Edwards Class, 2006), Lauren Van Steel,Associate Dean of Students Cynthia Ward,Greg Ward, Financial Analyst Marlene Watson,Tom Watson, and Assistant Dean & RegistrarSherida Wysocki.Dawn Fleming said, “I attended the LansingSymphony Alumni event. My fiancé and I hada great time! The food and beverages weregreat, it was fun talking to other alumni, andthe rehearsal music was fabulous! Thanks forhosting this event! I hope you will have anotherone in the fall.”According to Professor Chris Shafer, “We allhad a great time and especially enjoyed seeingthe interaction of the symphony and the conductorworking together to perfect the music. Weall thought the dynamics were fascinating and theguest pianist was fabulous. Thanks so much forarranging the event. We thoroughly enjoyed it!”BENCHMARK HILARY 200829

alumni mattersletter fromthe Alumni PresidentBy Diane M. SmithToday, I read a story in the newspaper about a15-year old Girl Scout from Dearborn who sold17,323 boxes of Girl Scout cookies this year,beating an all-time record for the United States.She was quoted as saying, “Make a goal anddon’t give up on it. Keep working for it, and oneof these days, you’ll hit it.”That is the spirit the Cooley Alumni Associationhas developed over the past few years since theAlumni Board of Governors was restructuredthree years ago. The Membership and OutreachCommittee set a goal of increasing membershipby 25 percent. They exceeded their expectationsby jumping the numbers 30 percent for a totalof 503 members. They developed ane-newsletter which is published every semesterand sent to everyone in the association witha valid e-mail address, to keep us informedof upcoming events and items of interest tostudents and alumni. They have prepared anexcellent recruitment brochure and convincedthe Board to approve a reduction in the membershipfee to $10 for alumni who join withinthe first year after graduation.The Student Recruitment Committee was determinedto grow and now has 30 members fromseveral states. They also fulfilled a commitmentto recruit alumni volunteers to participate in variousevents. These alums attended Law Forumsand Alumni Receptions in several states, involvingincreasing numbers of Cooley grads.The Special Events Committee has held mixersall over the country and other events, such asthe Group Admission to the U. S. SupremeCourt, Lansing Symphony Night, a GrandRapids Student Alumni Mixer, and an alumninight at a Detroit Red Wings game; all ofwhich were very successful.It’s exciting to see the enthusiasm of so many Cooleygrads working so hard to strengthen our alumni presencethroughout the country. Let’s keep the ball rolling. If youare not currently active in the association, I urge you tojoin and participate. Diane M. Smith,Alumni Association PresidentThe Fundraising Committee sponsored a WineTasting event that raised $5,500 for the AlumniFund and the Golf Outing, which raised$34,000.00.The members of the Student Services Committeeset a mission to encourage public service amongstudents and alumni and to facilitate the developmentof professional skills, ethics, practical legalexperience, and mentoring by the alumni. Theyhave met their objectives by strongly supportingmentoring programs; helping students build lawschool portfolios and obtaining externships andemployment; helping to provide attorney participantsfor the Mock Interviews; and for theLunch with a Lawyer program, to name just afew of their activities.The Constituent Alumni Club Committee hasgrown steadily and now has 20 members. Theyare working with the Special Events Committeewith the objective of planning larger eventsthroughout the country. They have increased thenumber of events for alums in numerous statesand seek to expand activities to new areas.It’s exciting to see the enthusiasm of so manyCooley grads working so hard to strengthen ouralumni presence throughout the country. Let’skeep the ball rolling. If you are not currentlyactive in the association, I urge you to join andparticipate. The committees are always lookingfor new ways to bring alumni together and toassist students and new graduates as they enterinto the profession. You will find it rewarding,challenging, and fun. Just call (800) 243-ALUM ore-mail swopea@cooley.edu for more information.30 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

class notesCooley alumni can pride themselves in knowing that they have received aneducation that is one of the best in the nation. Cooley graduates are confidentthat they bring knowledge and practical experience to any job. That is thereason why voters feel comfortable electing Cooley graduates to public office.Douglass Class1993 Hooker ClassMoore Class1995 Steere ClassMillenbach, Paul J., has beennamed a 2008 Practice GroupLeader in General Litigation byFoster, Swift, Collins & Smith, PC,in Lansing, Mich.1990 Wilson ClassTallman, Lori, operates a solopractice at 9011 Davison Rd.,Davison, Mich. She focuses on estateplanning, wills and trusts, probate,general litigation, real estate, divorce,formation of corporations and limitedliability companies, landlord-tenantissues, collections, and guardianships.She was also recently selected to siton the board of trustees for theCommunity Foundation of GreaterFlint. Phone: (810) 658-1555;e-mail: attytallman@charter.net.1991 Turner ClassPatti, John, has been certified bythe New Jersey Supreme Court as aMatrimonial Law Attorney. He is inprivate practice in New Jersey.Phone: (732) 842-8880.1992 McGrath ClassStrain, Deborah, was named apartner by the firm of Giarmarco,Mullins & Horton. She concentratesher practice in the areas of workerscompensation matters, family law,and other civil litigation. She alsoworks on appeals with work-relatedemployment injuries, and is involvedin the litigation of all employmentrelatedmatters.Edwards, Sara, was appointedChief Assistant Prosecutor forShiawassee County, Mich. She hasbeen an Assistant Prosecutor forShiawassee County since 1998. Sheis president of the Child AbusePrevention Council of ShiawasseeCounty and was instrumental in theestablishment of the Child AdvocacyCenter. She previously served as aprosecutor, defense attorney, andcivil attorney while on active duty inthe U.S. Army Judge AdvocateGeneral’s Corps from 1993-1998.Miner, Jan A., has been named asa Bay County (Michigan) publicdefender. She previously was a partnerwith the firm of Miner & Miner,in Bay City, Mich., since 1995. Hernew post includes civil litigationwork and defending indigents.Yellan,Robert J., ofTroy, Mich., hasbeen appointedpresident andchief executiveofficer of MPRO, which providesguidance and medical review inMichigan under contract with thecenters for Medicare and MedicaidServices.Chernich, Scott A., a shareholderin the Lansing, Mich., office ofFoster, Swift, Collins & Smith, PC,has been elected a vice president ofthe firm. He practices banking andfinancial institutions law and commerciallitigation.Murphy, Susan, of Jackson,Mich., was awarded a political leadershipfellowship by the MichiganState University Michigan PoliticalLeadership Program. She is theDeputy City Attorney for Jackson,Mich., and is an adjunct professor atCooley. She also serves as presidentelectfor the Business & ProfessionalWomen’s Club of Jackson.1994 Williams ClassLang Jr., David Miller, wasselected as the Gilchrist County, Fla.,Chamber of Commerce Citizen ofthe Year for 2007 at the organization’sannual chamber banquet inJanuary 2008. He has operated hisown general practice law firm inTrenton, Fla., since 1994, and alsorepresents the cities of Trenton andBell, Fla., as city attorney.Benchetrit,Michael, ofMiami, Fla., hasjoined theCorporate andGlobal PracticeGroup at Akerman Senterfitt,a national law firm with officesthroughout the United States.He is co-chair of the ImmigrationPractice Group. Phone:(305) 982-5688; e-mail:michael.benchetrit@akerman.com.1996 Moody Jr. ClassConklin, Kathleen, has joinedthe State Bar of Michigan as programmanager in the Justice InitiativesDivision. She oversees the Bar’sEqual Access, Pro Bono, andCriminal Issues initiatives. Previously,she was the lead attorney for theCivil Justice Project of the MichiganCoalition Against Domestic andSexual Violence, in Okemos, Mich.Black ClassHouck, Cara M., has joined thelaw firm of Miller Canfield as seniorcounsel in the Litigation & DisputeResolution Group in the Chicagooffice. She focuses her practice oncivil litigation, representing manufacturersof products in toxic tortlawsuits, medical device and pharmaceuticallitigation, and business andcommercial disputes. She is vicepresident of Prevent Child AbuseAmerica, and a board memberof The Chicago Challenge.32 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

Cooley graduates include a former state governor, members of U.S.Congress, numerous state legislators, judges, educators, prosecutors,and thousands of practitioners.1997 Fellows Class2000 Jay ClassCushing Class2002 Johnson ClassCooper, Jon, has joined the GreenBay Gamblers as the team's newhead coach and general manager.He was previously the head coachand general manager of the St. LouisBandits Junior A team of the NorthAmerican Hockey League.1998 Sharpe ClassSysol, Brad,of Kalamazoo,Mich., has beenpromoted fromassociate to principalwith MillerCanfield. He focuses his practice onlitigation and dispute resolution,including civil, commercial, intellectualproperty, and appellate practice.McDonald ClassSuino, Nicklaus, and his wife,Pamela Suino, announce the birth oftheir first child, Erica Elizabeth Suino,born on March 17, 2008. Nicklauspractices commercial and real estatelaw at the Law Office of NicklausSuino, PLLC, in Ann Arbor, Mich.1999 Weadock ClassMarler, David, of David MarlerAttorney at Law, 5715 Skye St.,Alexandria, La. 71303, concentrateshis practice in the areas ofEstate Planning, Succession Law,and Business Law. He recentlyserved as treasurer in the successfulcampaign of fellow Cooley graduateLowell C. “Chris” Hazel’s campaignfor the Louisiana legislature. Phone:(318) 443-6732.Wright, Jenna Paunovich, amember of the Kitch Law Firmbirth trauma defense practice, inDetroit, Mich., has been promotedto principal. She frequently lecturesto hospital staffs on obstetrical andlegal issues.Rutledge ClassHazel, Lowell C. “Chris,” waselected Oct. 20, 2007, to theLouisiana House of Representatives,District 27. Chris, his wife Karen,and their two children, Sydney andBrik, live in Ball, La. He serves onthe legislature’s committees coveringAgriculture, Forestry, Aquaculture,Rural Development, Appropriations,Administration of Criminal Justice,and Homeland Security. He has alsoopened a private law practice concentratingon criminal law at 1330Jackson St., Alexandria, La. 71309.He previously served with theRapides Parish District Attorney’sOffice. Phone: (318) 442-8658 or(318) 767-6082.Pike, Victoria J., has startedher own practice, The Law Officeof Victoria J. Pike, at 312 S.Shannon St., Jackson, Tenn. 38301.She practices exclusively in thearea of Social Security disability.Phone: (731) 736-1152l; e-mail:vpike@pikelawfirm.com.Finnessey Jr., Samuel “S.J.,”has accepted a position as one oftwo State Education Departmentattorneys charged with prosecutingcases against New York teachersand administrators charged withlacking moral character per NewYork state laws and regulations. Heformerly served as Cayuga County(New York) Assistant DistrictAttorney, and a Sunderland, N.Y.,police officer.2001 Wilson ClassStark, Roger, an attorney withStark Law in Castalia, Ohio, waselected to the Margaretta HighSchool Board of Education inNovember 2007.Blair Jr. ClassTerlaje, Dominic S., wasappointed as the Guam EducationSuruhanu by Guam Gov. FelixCamacho. He processes complaintsfrom parents who can sue thegovernment of Guam over failuresto meet the standards of the“Every Child is Entitled to anAdequate Public Education Act.”He was formerly in private practicewith the firm of Cruz, Sison &Terlaje PLLC. Previously he was anassistant public defender and seniorlaw clerk for Superior Courtjudges. Before entering the law,he was a middle school teacher.Brown, Lasheka, marriedNicholas Bassey in Alexandria, Va.Lasheka is deputy general counsel forthe District of Columbia Office ofEmployee Appeals.Gillispie, Shawn C., has accepteda position as a lateral senior associatewith Flaherty, Sensabaugh &Bonasso, PLLC, in Charleston,WV. Phone: (304) 347-3793;e-mail: sgillispie@fsblaw.com.Rizzo, Christopher, wasspotlighted by his undergraduateschool, The Catholic University ofAmerica, on the university’s website.He continues to operate theLaw Office of Christopher G.Rizzo, 311 Newman Springs Rd.,Bldg. 1, Ste. 143, Red Bank, N.J.07701, which he opened in 2004.He specializes in U.S. immigrationbenefits for Canadian citizens andlanded immigrants, with a reputationfor expertise in Canadian-to-U.S.business immigration.Phone: (732) 784-2889; e-mail:crizzo@naftalawfirm.com.Torres, Vincent, was recognizedby the Senate of Micronesia for“remarkable achievement despite theodds.” He practices law on Saipan.Torres, Joaquin, was recognizedby the Senate of Micronesia for“remarkable achievement despite theodds.” He practices law on Saipan.BENCHMARK HILARY 200833

class notesAmong the many success stories at Cooley, and a matter of pride for thelaw school, perhaps the best representation of the integrity and quality ofour graduates can be illustrated by those that have been elected to servethe people in the government or the judiciary.Torres, Victorino, was recognizedby the Senate of Micronesiafor “remarkable achievementdespite the odds.” He practiceslaw on Saipan.Paterson ClassSingleton, Judith, has relocatedher practice to 126 E. Main St.,Middleville, Mich. Her practiceincludes estate planning, real property,guardianships, conservatorships,collection matters, adoptions,misdemeanor criminal defense, andfamily law. Phone: (269) 795-9422.Chase ClassStoetzel III, C. Marcel, isa solo practitioner in Hastings,Mich., and a board member of theYoung Lawyer’s Section of theMichigan State Bar. He recentlyspoke in Hastings, Mich. onguardian ad litem and how it playsa part in some children’s lives.2003 Swainson ClassKlein, Ronald, was elected to thefive-member board of directors forthe Kalamazoo ConservationDistrict. He is also on the boardof directors of the Michigan LandTrustees, and is a member of theFarm to Consumer Legal DefenseFund, the American Association ofSmall Ruminant Practitioners, theMichigan Dairy Goat Society andMBA. He owns and operatesDancing Turtle, Farm and Dairy,and is an adjunct professor atCooley. His interest is in local foodproduction, distribution, agriculturalland use, and regulatory issues.Phone: (269) 375-3073; e-mail:rdklein@net-link.net.O. Smith ClassHaddad, Zead A., senior policyadvisor, U.S. Department ofEducation, has joined Baker &Daniels Consulting as vice president.Toy ClassBrya,Michelle M.,of East Lansing,Mich., has beennamed a shareholderandmember of the board of directors ofThe Hubbard Law Firm. She representsnumerous county drain commissioners,and provides legal servicesin the areas of finance, drain, condemnation,and labor law.Harrigan, Kelly, was named bythe Michigan Republican Party as aDeputy Political Director. Harriganis the Deputy Political Director ofVoter Programs and Coalitions. Sheis responsible for absentee ballotsand outreach to minorities and students.Harrigan is also responsiblefor training Election Day volunteers.Before joining MRP, Harriganworked for the Office of theAttorney General where she wasthe Project Manager for theMichigan Cyber Safety Initiative.2004 Cross ClassArndt, Christian, was recentlypromoted to the Juvenile Division inhis practice with the OaklandCounty Prosecutor’s Office.Arndt, Stephanie (Harig),joined the law firm of OlsmanMueller, PC, in Berkley, Mich. Shefocuses her practice in the areas ofmedical malpractice, nursing homelitigation, and serious personal injury.Needham ClassOrtman,Tammy L.,has been nameda partner withthe law firm ofHarrison &Moberly, LLP, in Indianapolis, Ind.She concentrates her practice in titleinsurance defense and coverageissues, commercial real estate transactions,tax and exchange matters,and business transactions.Swift ClassCox, Kenyatta, has joined the lawfirm of DeFur Foran in Muncie, Ind.,as an associate. Her practice includesgovernment and litigation. She previouslywas an assistant city attorneyfor Richmond, Ind.2005 McAllister ClassJohnson, Jennifer, and her husband,Nicholas Johnson (McAllisterClass, 2005) announce the birth oftheir son, Logan Nicholas Johnson,born on March 8, 2008. Loganweighed in at 8 lbs., 9 oz. Phone:(847) 625-8200.Johnson, Nicholas, has joinedthe law firm of Chilton, Yambert &Porter, LLP, in their Waukegan, Ill.,office. He focuses his practice onauto liability, commercial litigation,and construction litigation. He andhis wife, Jennifer (Smith) Johnson(McAllister Class, 2005) announcethe birth of their son, LoganNicholas Johnson, born on March8, 2008. Logan weighed in at 8 lbs.,9 oz. Phone: (847) 625-8200.2006 Reid ClassUlmer, Johnny, has accepteda job as Deputy City Attorneyfor Elkhart, Ind. Phone: (574)294-5471, ext. 322; e-mail:johnny.ulmer@coei.org.Fitzgerald ClassChialastri, Carlo, has joinedDarren Silver & Associates asan associate in the Business,Entertainment and Employmentdivision of the Los Angeles-basedlaw firm. He has built up a careeras an immigration lawyer focusingon all aspects of business,employment, and entertainmentimmigration law with respectedlaw firms in Miami, Fla.34 BENCHMARK HILARY 2008

Cooley graduates are making their marks on society in ways both great andsmall across America and in dozens of countries.Kauten, Debra, is a law clerkwith James R. Meyer, Attorney atLaw, 7915 Main St., Birch Run, Mich.2007 Fisher ClassAndres, Barbara, was marriedto Gavin Hunyady on Oct. 6, 2007,in Howell, Mich. She is a researchattorney for probate and circuitcourts in Livingston County, Mich.Bosley, Becky, was married toNicholas Lederer on Dec. 22, 2007.She is an attorney with Favigan,Anderson and Andrews.Messing, Elizabeth M., hasjoined Potestivo & Associates P.C.,as an associate attorney in the firm’seviction department.Nees, Daniel J., has been namedShiawassee County (Michigan)Assistant Prosecuting Attorney.He previously worked for Brown& Stewart, P.C., in Owosso, Mich.2007 Boston ClassHall, Ann Gamboe, along withfellow Boston Class graduatesSharon L. Yoder and Lacy R.Whaley have opened PathfinderLegal Services, PLC, at 317 S. Elm,Suite 206, Owosso, Mich. Phone:(989) 723-7900.Hurley, Meghan, has joined thePresque Isle County (Michigan)Prosecutor’s Office as an AssistantProsecutor. She handles cases inthe family division of the circuitcourt, the district court docket,and civil matters.Pourcho, Benjamin W.,married Sara R. Rosenbaum on Sept.29, 2007, in Lansing, Mich. Thecouple lives in Los Angeles, Calif.Terpstra, Rachael, has joinedthe firm of Parmenter O’Toole inMuskegon, Mich. She works inmunicipal law, civil litigation, andbusiness law.Tomak, Tracie L., has openedthe Tomak Law Office in BattleCreek, Mich.Whaley, Lacy R., along withfellow Boston Class graduatesSharon L. Yoder and Ann GamboeHall have opened Pathfinder LegalServices, PLC, at 317 S. Elm, Suite206, Owosso, Mich. Phone: (989)723-7900.Yoder, Sharon L., along withfellow Boston Class graduates LacyR. Whaley and Ann Gamboe Hallhave opened Pathfinder LegalServices, PLC, at 317 S. Elm, Suite206, Owosso, Mich. Phone: (989)723-7900.INMEMORYNotices1981 Dethmers ClassBuckingham, Michael B.,56, died suddenly from a heartattack at his home in Petoskey,Mich. He was a member of theState of Michigan AttorneyGrievance Committee, theResort Township PlanningCommission, former chair andmember of the PetoskeyPlanning Commission, boardmember for FriendshipCenters of Petoskey, andtrustee for Petoskey UnitedMethodist Church.1989 Copeland ClassO’Neill, Dennis Patrick,45, died April 30, 2008. Hepracticed law for several yearsin the Detroit, Mich., area. Atthe time of his death he waspursuing his Ph.D., in history atthe University of Nevada-LasVegas.1998 Sharpe ClassAlmas, Mark R., of Livonia,Mich., died Dec. 9, 2007.BENCHMARK HILARY 200835

mentoringmakes adirect impacton students’futures.knowledge. skills. ethics.Give back to Cooley; become an Alumni mentorThomas M. Cooley Law School offers a mentoring service, matching current students and recent graduates withexperienced attorneys.You can be a wonderful partner for a new friend from Cooley in several ways.You maymentor a first-year law student to give that person advice and encouragement in their career.You can also helpa senior-level student or new graduate who is entering a new professional environment and is looking for your helpas they start their career.In turn,as a mentor you’ll benefit knowing that you’ll be helping new,up-and-coming lawyersby giving them the benefit of your experience and contacts.For more information about the Cooley Alumni Mentor Program, please visit the Cooley websitewww.cooley.edu or contact the Alumni Relations Office at (800) 243-ALUM.cooley.edu

Cooley’sAlumni Honor RollCooley Law School Alumni Service to Soldiers Honor RollAndrew Abood(Bacon Class, 1990)Dave Clagett(Ostrander Class, 1994)Richard Gould(Clark Class, 1979)Patricia L. O'Dell(Edwards Class, 2006)Rhonda Ames(Paterson Class, 2002)Timothy W. Cresswell(Goodwin Class, 1982)Russell Green(Hooker Class, 1993)Amanda Roggenbuck(Swainson Class, 2003)Terry Angle(Fisher Class, 2007)Michael Cronkright(Bird Class, 1995)Sandra Hanshaw(Boyles Class, 2005)Steve Savickas(Witherell Class, 1990)Catherine Appel(Adams Class, 1997)Jeffrey Cuthbertson(Fisher Class, 2007)James Johnson(Wing Class, 1982)Phillip Strehle(Champlin Class, 1987)Rosemarie Aquilina(Carr Class, 1984)Jo Robin Davis(Clark Class, 1979)Charles Kleinbrook(Grant Class, 1987)Dennis Strelchuk(Smith Class, 1985)Barbara Bakeromerod(Bird Class, 1995)Brendon G. Basiga(Starr Class, 2005)Winnifred Boylan(Kuhn Class, 1995)Burt Burleson(Mundy Class, 1986)Brian Casterline(Wilson Class, 2001)Mary Chartier-Mittendorf(Johnson Class, 2002)Erica Cicchelli(Rutledge Class, 2000)Michelle R.E. Donovan (Esperance)(Weadock Class, 1999)Patrick Duff(Brooke Class, 1992)Dan Fojtik(Mundy Class, 1986)Joy Fossel(Grant Class, 1987)Don Frank(North Class, 1980)David Gilbert(Clark Class, 1979)Clifford Knaggs(Copeland Class, 1989)Garry J. Kregelka(Paterson Class, 2002)Dave Machado(Fead Class, 1999)Clifford Maine(Wiest Class, 1979)Daniel Marsh(Lawrence Class, 1991)Kelly McDoniel(Toy Class, 2003)Joel Mendoza(Needham Class, 2004)John Tamboer(Martin Class, 1988)Karen Truszkowski(Flannigan Class, 1999)Melisa Werkema(Reed Class, 2006)John Wojcik(Black Class, 1996)Nancy Wonch(Kelly Class, 1978)Darrell Zolton(Lawrence Class, 1991)Thomas M. Cooley Law School was named to the second annual President’s Higher Education CommunityService Honor Roll on February 11, 2008. This distinction recognizes Cooley’s students, faculty, staff, andalumni for helping to build a culture of service and civic engagement in our nation.

Savegoodthe DateAn evening oftasteSaturday,October 11, 2008A World Tour of International Wines and Michigan Brews tobenefit the Alumni Memorial Scholarship Fund featuring fine cuisinefrom Dusty’s Cellar. A Silent Auction, great giveaways, andraffle prizes are a part of Jazz Night and an evening of goodtaste. $30 Admission.Non ProfitOrganizationU.S. PostageP A I DLansing, MIPermit No. 241300 South Capitol Ave.P.O. Box 13038Lansing, MI 48901Change Service Requested