Sixth Circuit Court Judges visits MSU Law to Discuss Experiences and Provide Insight, Expectations

By Jake Jenkins

April 12, 2023

Judge Larsen & Judge McKeague discussing experiences amongst audience

Judge David McKeague and Judge Joan Larsen headlined an event this past Tuesday at Michigan State University College of Law.

The event titled, “Sixth Circuit Appellate Advocacy from the Judges and the Pro’s” was co-hosted alongside the Western District of Michigan Chapter of the Federal Bar Association.

Students, faculty, and staff were able to experience this unique opportunity to connect with members of the bench and bar of the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan and hear about experiences of oral arguments that were held in the circuit court.

Judge McKeague joined the court in 2005 after being nominated by President George W. Bush. He has had a distinguished career as a practicing attorney and law professor in addition to his service on the federal bench and has served as an adjunct professor at MSU Law.

“It was fun to come back since I haven’t been here when I stopped teaching a year and half ago,” said Judge McKeague. “I have a lot of memories here and I always enjoyed engaging with the students. One thing I hope the students took away from today is to be prepared and be ready to answer questions.”

Judge Larsen was nominated by President Donald Trump in May of 2017 and confirmed by the Senate on Nov. 1, 2017. Before her appointment to the federal bench, Judge Larsen served two terms as a Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, where she was the court’s liaison to Michigan’s drug, sobriety, mental health, and veteran’s courts.

“It was terrific to be here and I’m glad so many students were able to attend,” said Judge Larsen. “I think it’s useful to learn about appellate advocacy while still in law school and I was glad to come speak.”

Judge Larsen continued with advice to those who aim to obtain a seat on the bench one day.

“Best thing to do is devote yourself to your studies,” she said. “You also want to excel in law school and to be open to opportunities. People who are judges come from different areas of practice so if people are asking you to do different things, be open to saying yes.”

Along with judges, legal practitioners were also in attendance to discuss their experiences in the circuit court and how they go about defending their clients.

Mary Chartier, a criminal defense litigator, was glad to be a part of the panel of other attorneys and talk with the MSU Law community.

“I felt very honored to be asked among so many great lawyers in this district and circuit,” said Chartier. “Along with so many practical tips that were discussed, I hope the students also took away to find an area of law they are really passionate about and to recognize their client as a person and someone who is putting their life in your hands.”

Students had the opportunity to hear from attorneys and honorable judges in the circuit court and even connect with them afterwards. Experiences such as these can be rewarding to those still in law school and who aim to have promising careers.

One of those was Isaac Martin, ‘25

“I have been interested in appellate advocacy for a long time,” he said. “I heard great things about Judge Larsen and McKeague, they are jurists of the top class, and if you want to become a good lawyer then you hang out with good lawyers and hear what they have to say.”

Nicholas Langenberg, ’25, is an enthusiast of appellate practice and was pleased with the turnout of the event and the information he gained from the panels.

“I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to be here and it was a wonderful panel,” he said. “I was hoping to get some perspective for upcoming oral arguments which played out as well for me.”