joseph Kozakiewicz earned his bachelor's and law degrees from Columbia University in 1985 and 1988, respectively. He earned a master's degree in social work from Grand Valley State University in 2000. A native of New York State, Mr. Kozakiewicz moved to San Diego, California following his graduation from law school. Mr. Kozakiewicz practiced business and securities law for 3 years and then taught at the University of San Diego School of Law for 4 years before relocating to West Michigan. In 1997, Mr. Kozakiewicz began working for the Children's Law Center, a non-profit agency devoted to advocating for children in variety of legal matters. Between 1998 and 2003, Mr. Kozakiewicz worked for the Ottawa County Family Court, first as a referee conducting hearings in a variety of family court cases, and then as the Director of the Friend of the Court, the county agency responsible for enforcing child support, custody, and parenting time orders. In 2003 Mr. Kozakiewicz accepted the position of Director of the Michigan State University Chance at Childhood Program. This interdisciplinary program serves to promote and protect the well-being of children and families through integrated education and advocacy.

B.A. and J.D. Columbia University
M.S.W. Grand Valley State University