

A.A. Ferris State University 1983
B.S. Ferris State University 1985
J.D. DePaul University College of Law 1988
In 2005, I joined the Cooley faculty as a visiting professor teaching Criminal Law. I became a full-time professor at Cooley in 2006. In July 2022, I took on the additional role of Associate Dean of Academics.
Before joining Cooley, I worked as both a private criminal defense practitioner and as an assistant public defender with the Kent County Office of the Defender in Grand Rapids.
While in private practice, I served as adjunct faculty for the School of Criminal Justice at Ferris State University, where I taught Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure.
During my years in practice, I lectured on a variety of criminal law topics, including "Junk Science in the Courtroom: Cross-Examining the Child Sexual Abuse Accommodations Syndrome Expert" and "Getting Experts in Court-Appointed Cases." I also served on the faculty for the Hillman Trial Advocacy Program.
I frequently appear as a commentator on numerous radio, television, print, and internet media sources regarding criminal law and procedure issues.
I’ve served as co-editor and editor of The Informant, a publication of the former Kent County Criminal Defense Bar. I have also served as editor of Right to Counsel, a publication of the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan.
At Cooley, I teach Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Defending Battered Women, Criminal Sentencing, and Ethics in Criminal Cases. I have assisted with the West Michigan Defenders Clinic, and have coached national mock trial and moot court teams.