Zoe Martinez

Attorney at Gentex Corporation

2011 | Grand Rapids, MI

Calvin College | Political Science and Government

“With the support of many, including the professors and administration at MSU Law, I was able to succeed in law school while not sacrificing my family life.”

Zoe Martinez knew she wanted to practice in Michigan, but MSU College of Law’s convenient location wasn’t the only reason she chose to become a Spartan. “MSU Law provided an attractive scholarship incentive coupled with a roster of diverse and well-credentialed of professors. After touring the campus, I was sold,” she said.

At MSU Law, Zoe acquired complementary and intertwining legal skills. “For example, research and writing are skills that I use all the time, but neither skill is really effective without being able to analyze case law by applying and distinguishing facts,” she said. 

For Zoe, the legal clinic programs at MSU Law were an excellent way to get a taste of what practicing law is like before graduation. “I participated in the Small Business and Nonprofit Law Clinic and took away some great practical skills from the experience,” she said. “If you are a service-oriented person who enjoys being challenged both personally and intellectually, then I don’t think any other profession offers as many opportunities for success.”

Zoe found success both in and outside of the classroom during her time at MSU Law. Her youngest daughter was 9 months old when she decided to go to law school. “Everyone thought I was crazy for even thinking about going back to school, let alone law school,” she said. “With the support of many, including the professors and administration at MSU Law, I was able to succeed in law school while not sacrificing my family life.”