As an MSU undergrad, Jerome Crawford already had a strong affinity towards Green and White. “However, MSU College of Law won me over via its commitment to personal service provided by the professors, faculty, and staff. Everyone made me feel truly at home from the day I expressed interest until the day I walked across the graduation stage--and still today,” he said.

For Jerome, the practical experiences he had during law school best prepared him to practice law. “My involvement in the Moot Court and Trial Advocacy Board (Trial) and the Trial Practice Institute (TPI) helped me hone many real lawyer skills that certainly give me a boost in my practice,” he said.

During his time at MSU College of Law, Jerome also served as coordinator of the Alumni Weekend for MSU Law’s Black Law Students Association (BLSA). “I also had the pleasure to serve as a volunteer with a Detroit-based organization called Boys Hope, Girls Hope. I mentored several middle school and high school aged young men about the importance of focus and how to be successful in realizing their goals. Through this incredible experience, I gained a greater realization that the youth are looking up to us as future lawyers in our communities. I understand the great duty we hold because ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’” he said.

Jerome feels that earning a J.D. not only qualifies a person for the practice of law, but also represents a symbol of dedication, prestige, and hard work. “My father once told me that a law degree is like a giant key that can open any door into any field of work you wish to go into. I couldn’t agree more. To those interested, I would say to explore that interest and determine if a legal education can help you attain your goals; if so, then commit fully to law school because the grind will definitely be a vigorous one.”