Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Michigan Law Schools
📌 Thomas M. Cooley Law School (Now part of Western Michigan University Cooley Law School)
Background
Founded: 1972 in Lansing, Michigan.
Affiliation: Initially independent, later became affiliated with Western Michigan University (WMU) in 2014.
Campuses: Lansing (main), with past extensions in Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, and Tampa (Florida).
Motto: “Knowledge, Skills, Ethics.”
Key Features
Accessibility in Legal Education – Cooley has historically been one of the largest law schools in the U.S. by enrollment. It emphasized access by admitting students with a wide range of academic backgrounds, unlike some highly selective law schools.
Practical-Oriented Curriculum – Heavy focus on skills training, legal writing, clinics, and externships. Students often get direct exposure to trial practice and moot court.
Michigan Bar & Beyond – A large number of graduates sit for the Michigan Bar Exam, though many also practice across the U.S.
Criticism & Defense – Cooley has faced criticism for bar passage rates and employment outcomes, yet it has defended itself as a law school providing opportunities to non-traditional students.
📌 Place in Michigan’s Legal Education
Michigan has several recognized law schools:
University of Michigan Law School (Ann Arbor – elite, national reputation).
Wayne State University Law School (Detroit – strong in urban/Detroit legal practice).
Michigan State University College of Law (East Lansing).
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School (Lansing – access-oriented).
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law (Detroit – dual U.S./Canadian law program).
Cooley thus occupies the niche of broad access, practical training, whereas UMich and Wayne lean more academic/elite.
📌 Case Law Illustrations (Michigan Context)
While Cooley itself isn’t usually the subject of reported court cases, Michigan jurisprudence provides many examples of principles taught at Cooley. I’ll give some key ones:
1. People v. Kevorkian, 447 Mich. 436 (1994)
Principle: Assisted suicide and criminal liability.
Relevance: Michigan courts ruled Dr. Jack Kevorkian could be prosecuted for assisting suicides, rejecting arguments that such conduct was constitutionally protected.
Teaching Use: Cooley professors often use this case in criminal law and constitutional law discussions, as it arose from Michigan itself.
2. Williams v. Hofley Mfg. Co., 430 Mich. 603 (1988)
Principle: Workers’ compensation exclusivity – employees injured on the job cannot generally sue their employer in tort; workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy.
Relevance: Important for employment law, torts, and statutory interpretation.
3. Hadley v. Baxendale (1854, UK case) applied in Michigan contracts law
Michigan courts often cite this classic case in contract damages to emphasize foreseeability.
Cooley’s curriculum strongly integrates case briefing from foundational common law principles applied in Michigan courts.
4. Smith v. Department of Public Health, 428 Mich. 540 (1987)
Principle: Michigan Supreme Court dealt with wrongful birth and wrongful life claims.
Relevance: Used in torts and medical malpractice courses. It shows Michigan courts’ cautious approach to expanding tort liability.
5. People v. Aaron, 409 Mich. 672 (1980)
Principle: Michigan Supreme Court abolished the felony-murder rule.
Relevance: Landmark Michigan case that all law students (including Cooley) study in criminal law. It reflects Michigan’s independent jurisprudence, diverging from many states.
📌 Importance of Cooley in Michigan’s Legal Profession
Provides second chances to students who might not otherwise enter law school.
Produces a large number of practicing attorneys in Michigan’s state courts.
Emphasizes practical skills: trial practice, evidence, professional responsibility.
Students often clerk or extern in Michigan trial courts and state agencies.
✅ In Summary:
Thomas M. Cooley Law School (WMU Cooley) plays a vital role in Michigan’s legal education by providing broad access and strong skills training. While sometimes criticized for bar passage rates, its graduates populate Michigan’s trial courts and practice areas. Michigan case law like People v. Aaron, Kevorkian, and Smith v. Dept. of Public Health form the foundation of the curriculum, ensuring students understand how Michigan law diverges from or aligns with broader U.S. jurisprudence.
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