“When the school offered me a scholarship, I asked my sister to read the letter for me because I just couldn’t believe that something so good is happening to me. Seeing how many people invest in this institution really makes me study as hard as I can.” - C|M|LAW student Erica Molnar
In these final days of 2017, please consider making a tax deductible gift to Cleveland-Marshall College of Law. No contribution is too small (or large!). Please donate here:Believe in C|M|LAW. Please Give Now. It would mean a lot to us.
This is my final Monday Morning Message of the year; it will resume Monday, January 8, 2018. This message is much longer than usual because so many people have said so many great things about our law school this past year, and I wanted to share many of them with you before year-end!
We are a law school that not only makes great lawyers, we make great leaders.
“C|M|LAW is distinctive in all areas of local government, which thrills me because I think I would like to work in policy or legislation. I was blown away by the alumnae who were willing to come back and tell us why we made a good decision….I felt so empowered and inspired to start this journey.” C|M|LAW student Mary Walsh
We are a law school without walls that uses the city as our classroom.
“I love the fact that I go to a school that really encourages and pushes for us to engage with the community.” – C|M|LAW student Vanessa Hemminger
We are a law school where you not only learn law, you learn how to live justice.
“I love Cleveland-Marshall, and I love the opportunity it provides for its students to take the law and apply it toward a life of justice.” –Alana Jochum ‘10
We are a law school that opens doors and shatters ceilings.
“My brother and I are the first generation to go to college….By choosing C|M|LAW, I was choosing to put the weight of the alumni network behind me and that it was worth its weight in the extra loans and money that it would cost me…..Looking back ….I made the right choice.” Kimberly Kendall Coral ‘12
We have been a “door-opener” for many women and men who have broken gender, race, ethnic, economic, and generational barriers to achieve great success.
“My father often told us about the wonderful professors of law he had. Whenever he spoke about his days as a student at C|M|LAW, we caught a glimpse of the young man who was so full of excitement over the incredible opportunity he had to become a lawyer..” –Shelley Stokes-Hammond, daughter of Congressman Louis Stokes ’53
We are a law school that lifts others up.
“I started at C|M|LAW at the age of 40 and was so lost during my first semester that I nearly quit. Fortunately, my 3L mentor stopped me from running away from school and never returning after my first horrible mid-term grades and introduced me to the academic assistance resources that were available. I ended up addressing the 1Ls during my 2nd and 3rd years, and I graduated Magna Cum Laude…I not only received a quality education, but more importantly, I found a community, and I found my voice.” -Betty Burley ‘10
We are a Law School for Life.
“C|M|LAW provided the launching pad to achieve my dreams…. There is a camaraderie and bond among our alumni, and we seek to pass that along to the next generation of lawyers. Not only are our doors open to students and graduates, our alumni will also invite you in.” -Presiding Judge John J. Russo ‘92
What our Students Say
“I had many opportunities - but I chose C|M|LAW for the amazing professors, the diversity of students, the outstanding connection to our current law community, as well as the fact I'm only in my 3rd week and I feel at home. This is my 4th degree and 2nd graduate degree- and in all my history of education I have never felt more supported or cared for.” - C|M|Law student Heather Thomas
“C|M|LAW perpetuates a culture of excellence, as well as a can do spirit. From day one, there is a holistic approach to student success, and a wealth of services and resources made readily available (i.e., academic support, peer mentoring, professional networking). “ -C|M|LAW student Annessa Slate
“Professor (Heidi) Robertson -I want to thank you for your enthusiasm. I fed off your energy. I always came excited to learn because you came excited to teach.” -C|M|LAW student Limi Zheng
“Professor (Karin)Mika – Thanks for a wonderful first semester of law school. They try to tell you how terrible and stressful it will be, but one does not appreciate that until end. With professors like you, however, it was not that terrible! It was actually pretty amazing and confirmed that I made the best decision by attending C|M|LAW!” – C|M|LAW student Taria Chalvaa
“I was fortunate to attend Adjunct Professor (Joe) Dunson's class last night and wanted to reach out and thank you for providing that opportunity. After attending the Admitted Students program, I had little doubt that Cleveland-Marshall Law was the correct path; the opportunities that Cleveland-Marshall Law has provided prospective students has been quite impressive.” -C|M|LAW student Lesley Nelson
“I chose C|M|LAW due to the deep respect that the community has towards the school and its ability to give me the necessary skills and resources which no other school could.” -C|M|LAW student Tyler Wheatcraft
“I can’t tell you enough how inspiring it was to learn about our incredible alumni, founding honorees, and other law school supporters in the community.” C|M|LAW studentLauren Holler
“With midterms coming up this week, as a 1L, last night served as an incredible reminder of why I wanted to be a part of this community in the first place. To be a part of a night that honored all of the incredible individuals that have made it possible for me and others to be where we are was a remarkable experience… My mother, Nora Hurley, is an alumna of Cleveland Marshall and in talking to her and her fellow classmates, I heard a general consensus that last night’s celebration re-instilled a sense of family within the legal community for them.” C|M|LAW student Grace Hurley
What our Faculty Say
“For the value, the alumni network throughout Ohio, the student body you'd actually like to have a beer with, and faculty that actually care about your career and your life, I honestly can't imagine going somewhere else…. I didn't know until I started my first teaching job here, years and years ago, that teaching students was the job I had been waiting for my whole life. -Professor Christopher Sagers
“I remember interviewing with over thirty law schools for a Professorship, about ten of which asked me to visit their campuses for a closer look…Three things stood out for me about Cleveland-Marshall, and they stand out for me to this day. First, the faculty genuinely care about their students, and the feeling is clearly mutual. Second, Cleveland-Marshall has always envisioned itself as a school of opportunity….Third, I perceive a markedly different focus in the type of lawyer that Cleveland-Marshall strives to graduate--- Cleveland-Marshall unashamedly graduates lawyers who are leaders.” -Professor John Plecnik
“I was so proud to be a member of this faculty last night! It was wonderful to see the full historical trajectory of this law school as reflected in the diversity and accomplishments of our graduates. I found the whole experience to be deeply inspiring.” -Professor Kevin O’Neill
Our prime real estate places courts, internships, the major law firms, and other institutions within walking distance. Learn Law. Live Justice. isn't just a slogan, but a mission.” -Professor Joseph Mead
“I taught at several law schools before coming to teach at C|M|LAW and I can say that C|M|LAW professors are some of the most dedicated and hardest working teachers in the nation.” -Professor Reginald Oh
What our Recent Graduates Say
“The Academic Support services offered currently by the school are nothing short of astounding… My time as a first-year was much like many others - that of confusion and fear. However, Academic Support provided me the tools, skills and confidence to maximize my ability to find success academically and learn to become a lawyer. -Matt Danese’17
“Since graduating, I have had the privilege of becoming an Officer in the United States Army Reserve Judge Advocate General’s Corps and an Assistant Prosecutor at the Geauga County Prosecutor’s Office….The Office of Career Planning then coordinated and guided me through the process of applying, interviewing, and being selected for the Army’s Judge Advocate General’s Corps…. In choosing a career after law school, the scholarship I received from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law enabled me to choose the path that best fit my interest.” -Matthew Convery ‘16
Towards the end of my first year as a law student at Cleveland-Marshall, Professor Deborah Geier sent out an email to all students encouraging us to take her Tax I course. I had no idea what studying tax law meant at the time, but I could tell from that email just how excited and passionate she was about the subject and I knew right then that I needed to take her class…. From the moment I sat in Professor Geier’s Tax I class, I knew I had found what I wanted to do in law. -Michelle Rood ’16
“Professor (Alan) Weinstein -The MLS (Master of Legal Studies) degree was a "once in a lifetime" opportunity. I am most grateful for having the opportunity to participate in law classes with professors such as Professor (Patti) Falk, Professor (Carole) Heyward and yourself. I hold my education with the law school to be one of the most amazing opportunities I have ever experienced.” – Christine Meador MLS’16
“Professor (Nick) DeSantis -This journey has been the hardest experience of my life….I hope that I made you the proudest teacher because you made me into an amazing student. I hope to remain a good example on how some people stumble, but if they put the work and dedication into improving, that anything is possible.” -Margaret Whitmore ‘15
“Professor (Browne) Lewis- you and your passion for bioethics sparked mine – thank you for being such a terrific professor and introducing me to this incredible world.”– Blair Barnhart ’14
“Cleveland-Marshall provided me with the opportunity to learn what I needed to learn, practice what I needed to practice, and meet who I needed to meet, in order to be a successful attorney.” -Dan Myers ‘11
“My experience at C|M|LAW was the best educational experience of my life. Discussing interesting legal puzzles with great legal minds, both in faculty and the student body, my mind was quickly sharpened. The professors always made time for me, even for questions motivated by pure curiosity, and were always understanding of family obligations when they came up….I would recommend it to anyone looking for a challenging, but flexible environment to train you to become a top-notch legal practitioner, or any of the other plethora of opportunities which a C|M|LAW degree provides.” -Will Norman ‘11
What our Alumni Say
“Lee- I made a very modest pledge to the annual campaign – and that was prompted in part because of the call I received from a student…. . .… C|M|LAW did not get big bucks from me – as I still take a vow of poverty! – but my appreciation for my education is real.” -Sister Joanne Gross ‘86
“You have a lot of alumni who cherish our school and are grateful everyday to have the opportunity to positively impact our families and communities by practicing law.” –Jerry Walton ’79
“I have been blessed and have had a wonderful career as a trial lawyer. Much of that success is due to the professors and faculty at C|M|LAW. I'm happy to be able to give back to the school that helped me become successful.” -Michael Monteleone ‘74
“I tell everyone who will listen that Cleveland Marshall was and continues to be a major influence in who I am as a lawyer.” -Nancy Berardinelli-Krantz ’02
“The entire event exuded warmth in the recognition of what the Law School has produced, and our graduates have accomplished locally, statewide, and nationally.” Tim Collins ‘85
“I have the pleasure of conducting the on-campus interviews for my firm at C|M|LAW and I sit on my firm’s hiring committee. In our experience, the students at C|M|LAW stand-out among their peers as pragmatic, hard-working and ready to hit the ground running as new attorneys.” -Patrick Burke, ‘03
“It is hard to imagine anyone not realizing the tremendous advantage our school has over others in Ohio… C|M|LAW laid the ground work by giving me a chance at a legal education. The faculty taught me how to think analytically. C|M|LAW prepared me for life as a professional and an attorney.” -Keith Weiner ‘82
“My fondest memories of law school – yes, there are fond memories – are faculty-related: working as a research assistant with my antitrust professor, laughing in tax class with our very charismatic professor who made tough subjects digestible, sitting rapt in an evidence class as we drilled down on very nuanced issues. They cared that we cared, and strove to bring out the best in us.” - Scott Wilson ‘81
“Going to CSU law school provided me the opportunity to delve deeply into issues relating not only to law, but to rights and administrative procedures and rules that govern our society. These tools helped me transition from a 50 year-old TV producer living into a development executive using arts and culture as a catalyst for economic development in Cleveland.” -Joy Roller ‘08
“I am forever grateful to Cleveland-Marshall for giving me the opportunity to live my dreams. I wanted to be a civil rights lawyer and that is what I have been doing for the past 45 years…It was THIS law school that made me be able to realize my dreams and I am forever grateful to the school taking a chance on me….. Its faculty and staff bend over backwards to assist students succeed, and succeed they do. Think about what you want to get from your law school education and you will want to come to Cleveland-Marshall.”- Alan Rom ‘72
“Dean Fisher, the faculty, the staff, and the Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association (CMLAA) will do everything possible to insure that you receive a comprehensive and rigorous legal education at an affordable cost and that you graduate and pass the bar exam -- any bar exam in any state… I received a great education at a low cost and fulfilled my dream of becoming an attorney, which culminated in a 27-year career as an Assistant Ohio Attorney General.” -Vincent T. Lombardo ‘81
“If not for C|M|LAW’s night program, I would have never been a lawyer. I worked full time as a CSU police officer while attending C|M|LAW…. I went on to Carlton Fields in Tampa. I became the main tax lawyer and have chaired the tax practice for decades, while the firm grew from 75 to nearly 400 lawyers... Without the opportunity C|M|LAW gave me and my excellent education, I would not have been able to do what I have been blessed to do.” -David Burke ’80
“The decision to go to C|M|LAW was the best decision I made to advance my career and professional growth. It was all about access, fit and compatibility….Because C|M|LAW offered an evening program, I was able to pursue a law degree and continue working so I wouldn’t need to take on debt. I am grateful for the quality education I received and the sense of justice further instilled in me because of C|M|LAW. – Laura Mimura ’92
What our Hall of Fame Inductees Say
“Now, let us build on this momentum and keep C|M|LAW as a beacon of opportunity, a place of academic rigor and professional excellence, and an institution that inspires civic engagement for all its graduate for another 120 years!” –Kelly Tompkins ’81
“Cleveland-Marshall's distinctiveness is the connected learning processes that go on throughout your law school years and continue beyond those years, in addition to the faculty and staff's commitment to the details of what it takes for student success.” -Judge Melody J. Stewart ‘88
“Every day something happens that reminds me how my life has changed since earning ng my law degree.”-David Paris ’78
“If you aspire to do good things for good people and to improve the quality of the human condition C|M|LAW is exactly where you want to be.” -Avery Friedman ’72
“A truly American institution creating opportunity for all.” -José Feliciano Sr. ‘75
“The evening was a vivid reminder of how important Cleveland Marshall has been, and continues to be, to the realization of the hopes and dreams of so many.” -Judge Solomon Oliver, Jr., U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
“The C|M|LAW curriculum of courses taught by full-time faculty coupled with the extensive array of clinical and hands-on courses taught by adjunct faculty (practitioners and judges) provides a unique opportunity for students to gain the academic knowledge and the practical experience needed to launch their careers as attorneys.” -Judge Dan Polster, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
“The history of our law school’s graduates is truly inspiring.” -Elizabeth Pugh ’78
“Years ago we all walked through the doors of C|M|LAW with dreams and aspirations about what we might achieve post-graduation. We all ultimately left C|M|LAW armed with an education and experiences that continue to serve as the foundation for who we are individually and professionally All of those achievements help further the reputation and strengthen the higher learning institution we all call ‘home.’” - Mark Smolik ‘87
“Cleveland-Marshall is flat-out Ohio’s most innovative law school. Its career-oriented curriculum is dynamic, up to date….The school has brought together so many people from such different backgrounds and circumstances to do well and to advance a common purpose – service of one kind or another. In short, the real “fame” for a job well done belongs to the school for having steadfastly pursued its mission.” -Carl Stern ‘66
“My own father would have been so happy, being a graduate of Fenn College, the predecessor of Cleveland State University and attending its night program while working and supporting our family after WWII. It is a path I replicated at Cleveland-Marshall after army service, attending nights, working days, supporting my family….. Take it from a former night student and one, I might add, that benefited from the College of Law taking a chance on me for which I will always be grateful.” - Steve Percy ’79
What Leaders Said at our May 2017 Commencement
“Even more impressive is that so many Cleveland-Marshall alums are the backbone of Cleveland’s legal establishment – in the judiciary, in the top law firms, at City Hall, and in corporate and nonprofit boardrooms….Congratulations on training several generations of leaders – including the next generation, right here.” – Linda Klein, President, American Bar Association
Every one of you is an ambassador for the transformative power of public higher education. You represent our greatest hope for the future, and you can be an inspiration to those students who will follow in your footsteps….Now more than ever, the world at large needs you.” –Dr. Ronald Berkman, President, Cleveland State University
“To those of you who may be concerned about getting a job, passing the bar, and other obstacles, I want you to know three things. You are almost there. There will be tough times ahead. Overcoming those difficulties is exactly what leads to success. Please honor your profession and remember that, like your diploma, no one can take away your reputation or integrity.” – Bernie Moreno, Board Chair, Cleveland State University
“We have been very pleased with the quality of the graduates we hire from Cleveland-Marshall….At the present time, Jones Day has ten partners who graduated from Cleveland-Marshall Law School – seven in Cleveland, two in New York, and one in Dallas. Three of those ten partners are practice leaders in important areas in our firm – Brett Barragate ‘96in Banking and Finance, Michael Haas ’94 in Real Estate, and Steve Sozio ’83 in Health Care…We also have, just in our Cleveland office, ten associates, one of counsel, and two staff attorneys who graduated from this excellent law school. And I am pleased to note that three more CSU law graduates will be joining us.” -Richard (Dick) Pogue, former Managing Partner, Jones Day; Senior Advisor, Jones Day, Honorary Degree Recipient ‘17
“…Today, you join the ranks of thousands of alumni of this law school, each of whom has the right to vote each year as to whether this institution is worthy of continued investment and support. Your ballot is your checkbook or your credit card. In these difficult economic times, with a shrinking state education budget, a cyclical downturn in law-school enrollment, and what I believe to be long-term changes in the market for legal education and legal service, people are watching and your vote matters. So, please, serve and give.” -Ben Beckman ’10
“The Cleveland-Marshall Law Alumni Association has been in existence for nearly 70 years and we are regarded as one of the top law school alumni associations in Ohio and arguably, rivals the best in the country…..Our association serves approximately 11,000 living graduates, including members of the judiciary, civic leaders and lawyers who have gone on to successful careers in a multitude of areas….You have been educated to learn and apply the law and live a life seeking justice for all.” -Chief Magistrate Greg Clifford ’80
“When I first started law school as an evening student, I had no idea how I would balance a fulltime job, school and family…..Law school is a demanding rite of passage. It changes you. You begin to interpret things differently and it forces you to question everything…. Recognize the power that we personify. We have the power to change lives and change the world…
As LeBron James stated, ‘nothing is given, everything is earned.’ And Class of 2017, we have earned this law degree.” -Tiffany Henderson ’17
“Regardless of the path we choose, it is important for us to give back. We are agents of change and we must ‘defend the land’ for everyone.” –Elissa Schooler ‘17
“We are not just attorneys, but defenders of justice. A voice for the voiceless. Advocates for fairness….We are advice-givers and role models. Creative minds yet logical thinkers. To merely label us ‘attorneys’ would do a disservice to this great profession…” –Brittany Lowe ‘17
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year – may 2018 be a year of rising to new heights.
Believe in C|M|LAW. Please Give Now.
My best
Lee
For copies of past messages, please go to this link: Monday Morning Messages.