MSU Law Professor Recognized at State Bar of Michigan Luncheon
(L-R): David Thronson, Kathryn Fort, Alana Glass, Dean Linda Greene, Frank Aiello, Veronica Thronson, Catherine Grosso, Jesse Alvarez, Veronica McNally, and Marie Nelson
Michigan State University (MSU) College of Law (COL) was well represented at the annual State Bar of Michigan (SBM) luncheon honoring MSU Law Professor Veronica Thronson. The SBM’s Presidential Inauguration and Awards Luncheon welcomed the incoming leadership of the Board of Commissioners and recognized distinguished service by members of Michigan’s legal community.
Professor Thronson with her
“Champion of Justice Award” Professor Thronson was awarded the “Champion of Justice Award,” which is bestowed on “practicing lawyers and judges of integrity and adherence to the highest principles and traditions of the legal profession, superior professional competence, and an extraordinary professional accomplishment that benefits the nation, the state, or the local community in which the lawyer or judge lives,” according to the SBM website. Professor Thronson is dedicated to improving access to legal services for immigrants as Director of MSU COL’s Immigration Law Clinic.
MSU COL Dean Linda Sheryl Greene joined the SBM at the luncheon to honor Professor Thronson. Coming out in force to celebrate Professor Thronson from MSU COL were Chief of Staff Frank Aiello; Legal Clinic Office Manager Jesse Alvarez; Director of Clinics Kathryn Fort; Assistant Dean Alana Glass; Professor Catherine Grosso; Director of Trial Advocacy and Director of Externships Veronica McNally; Immigration Law Clinic Fellow Marie Nelson; and Professor David Thronson.
In accepting the award, Professor Thronson said, “The clients we represent…are among the most vulnerable: abused, abandoned, and neglected children; crime and trafficking victims; and persons fleeing persecution. All of these clients are unable to afford legal representation. And, without legal representation, the complexity of immigration law and processes is overwhelming. While based in Michigan, this is a national practice that our clients simply could not navigate without representation. And, these cases are great for students to learn all aspects of representation and develop a commitment to social justice.”
Professor Thronson went on to share how she has dedicated her career “to training and preparing law students to provide quality representation of their clients in their immigration cases.” Further, she said, “I feel privileged to work with talented and passionate law students who are committed to ensuring justice and equal treatment of immigrants in this country. Representing victims of domestic violence, unaccompanied children, and immigrants with disabilities is not easy but our students spend countless hours making sure their clients are successful.”
The SBM’s Luncheon also featured inauguration of the 89th President of the State Bar of Michigan, Daniel D. Quick, who accepted the gavel from outgoing President James W. Heath. Additionally, the SBM welcomed the new Board of Commissioners: Joseph McGill, President-Elect; Lisa Hamameh, Vice President; Erika Bryant, Secretary; and Tom Howlett, Treasurer.