Interim President Teresa Woodruff Visits MSU Law, Meets Faculty, Students
Nov. 3, 2022
MSU Interim President Teresa Woodruff met prominent legal scholars and promising law students during a tour this week of the College of Law with Dean Linda Greene.
In a two-hour visit on Wednesday, Dr. Woodruff listened to students interact with practicing attorneys in the Geoffrey N. Fieger Trial Practice Institute, asked faculty questions about their world-renown research; and reviewed pro bono cases students encounter in the college’s seven hands-on law clinics.
“We demonstrated to Interim President Teresa Woodruff our commitment to faculty scholarship and experiential learning opportunities for students,” Dean Greene said. “These are just two examples of what we’re doing at the College of Law that are of importance under the university’s strategic plan.”
Students, many from out of state, said they were drawn to MSU Law by its reputation for exemplary experiential learning. Working in the clinics has given them an opportunity to experience the positive impact of their work on underserved communities.
“Books give us the foundation of our education,” said Shelby Ohstrom, ’24, of the Low-Income Taxpayer. “The clinic space connects it. It’s like, here’s your book, now apply it.”
Kathryn Fort, Director of MSU Law Clinic and Indian Clinic, said about 75 students volunteered 16,000 hours, representing clients in 500 legal cases, last year.
They represent elderly renters on the brink of eviction, unaccompanied immigrant children and Native families struggling to stay together, among others.
Dr. Woodruff told the students they exemplify what it means to be a Spartan.
“You are a great example of what it means to be a Spartan lawyer – to be of service,” Dr. Woodruff told the clinic students. “That is part of your learning. And you are all amazing.”
During lunch with faculty, Dr. Woodruff heard about the wide array of legal scholarship conducted by MSU legal scholars.
Among the research summarized, was Clinical Professor Law Jeremy Francis, Ph.D. and Writing Specialist, who explained his research, titled: “Evolving Approaches to Gender Neutral Singular Pronouns in the Law.”
Associate Professor Wenona Singel presented her research, which is part of her upcoming book, “Five Generations Removed: A Memoir of Indian Child Removal in Michigan.”
Among the research summarized, was Associate Professor Wenona Singel’s upcoming book, “Five Generations Removed: A Memoir of Indian Child Removal in Michigan.”
Assistant Professor Jacob Bronster presented his research, “Is Death Different? Incarceration and the Eighth Amendment.”
Dr. Woodruff also toured the Law College’s library newly renovated computer lab where she met Breia Lassiter, ’24, folding T-shirts. Lassiter, Vice President of the student Criminal Defense Association, said the T-shirts are part of the group’s upcoming fund raiser.
Before leaving, Dr. Woodruff thanked Dean Greene for an informative and enlightening visit.
“The scope of the work done here is very impressive,” Dr. Woodruff said. “Our faculty and students at the Law College are making a difference. I couldn’t be more proud.”