Grand Rapids Students and Attorneys Learn About Pro-Bono Opportunities

October 15, 2012 - Thomas M. Cooley Law School and the State Bar of Michigan Pro Bono Initiative, in association with the Grand Rapids Bar, hosted the 2012 Grand Rapids Pro Bono Fair on Thursday, Oct. 11 at Cooley's Grand Rapids campus.

The fair featured 20 different organizations that provide free or reduced-fee legal services to members of the public. The purpose of the annual fair is to provide attorneys and law students with an opportunity to learn about various pro bono opportunities that they can be involved in throughout west Michigan.  This year's Pro Bono Fair was graciously sponsored by Rhoades McKee, Miller Johnson, and Community Legal Services of West Michigan.

State Bar President Bruce Courtade addresses Pro Bono Fair attendees. Seated at the speakers’ table to the right are Heather Spielmaker, director, Cooley Law School’s Center for Ethics, Service, and Professionalism; and Robert Mathis, Pro Bono Service Counsel, State Bar of Michigan.

Dustie DeVille, founder and executive director of Community Legal Services, addresses Pro Bono Fair attendees.

Community Legal Services Founder and Executive Director Dustie DeVille (left) and Jan Otto (right), CLS secretary/treasurer, discuss pro bono opportunities with an attendee at the State Bar of Michigan 2012 Pro Bono Fair.

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About Cooley Law School: Founded in 1972, the Thomas M. Cooley Law School is a private, nonprofit, independent law school accredited by the American Bar Association and the Higher Learning Commission. Cooley has provided its more than 16,000 graduates with the practical skills necessary for a seamless transition from academia to the real world. Cooley offers its Juris Doctor program, Joint Degree programs, and Master of Laws programs three times a year with enrollment in January, May and September. Cooley Law School has campuses across Michigan in Lansing, Auburn Hills, Grand Rapids and Ann Arbor, and its new campus in Tampa Bay, Florida.