Michigan Supreme Court Justices Share Experience with MSU Law Community

Michigan Supreme Court Justices (from left) Megan Cavanagh, Elizabeth Clement, ‘02, and Elizabeth Welch spoke to students at the College of Law this past Tuesday.

By Jake Jenkins

March 16, 2023

Three Michigan Supreme Court Justices visited Michigan State University College of Law Tuesday to participate in a Q&A panel and share their career experiences with students.

Before an audience of some 50 MSU Law students, heard from Chief Justice Elizabeth Clement, ’02, Justice Elizabeth Welch and Justice Megan Cavanagh.

For Chief Justice Clement, it was a homecoming to the COL, and she talked of how exciting it was to come back and inspire students.

“I love coming to the law building and even had the pleasure of teaching last semester,” said Chief Justice Clement. “It’s incredible to be around young, brilliant, curious and passionate minds. I’m glad that I live close and can still be connected with the law school.”

The justices emphasized that law students are conflicted at times about where their career should head and what paths to take. Proper guidance and solid advice can benefit many when struggling with the process.

“Students have so many options with their careers and there is not just one correct pathway,” Justice Welch said. “We mentioned that throughout today, and I hope students know there are many ways of success in this profession.”

Justice Cavanagh commented on those who may aspire to have a judicial career and how it is important to have a broad base of experience in the legal field to do so.

“If you look at our bench, you can see there is no one path towards it,” she said. “The most important thing, and I know this from personal experience, is to work in an area you absolutely love and figure out a path to the bench.”

An audience of more than 50 College of Law students took part in a Q&A with three Michigan Supreme Court Justices Tuesday.

The event was organized by the MSU Law Review and coordinated by the Editor-in-Chief, Hugh Theut.

“I worked as Justice Cavanagh’s intern last semester and was having such a wonderful experience and thought to bring the Justices in,” Theut said. “It wasn’t very difficult as they happen to be very wonderful and kind people and are generous with their time.”

Students having the opportunity to hear from judicial figures who offer so much experience in the legal field is beneficial. This visit by the three justices comes just a month after another Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Bolden met with students.

“It was eye-opening to hear how they got here,” said Sam Weiser, ’23. “It is rewarding to sit here and listen to their stories. They are humble and caring people, and it was important for me to hear their perspectives.”