Cooley Law School — Local services in Lansing

I love being a student at Cooley Law School. What attracted me to Cooley was the ease of the admissions process, small classroom sizes, and the diversity of students. Since attending Cooley, I have found that the administration has cultivated a culture of respect toward all students. Before starting Cooley, I had a good GPA & LSAT score, and I already held a master’s degree in social science. Before coming to Cooley, I had a successful career. I owned two businesses, and I was at the top of my field. I even had a letter of recommendation from a Judge. I could have gone to one of many schools. I applied to Cooley in July of 2021 and started classes in August of 2021.

On average, I attend class with around 40-50 other students. The cohorts are broken up into two sections to ensure a greater degree of individualized learning. Some law schools will have over 100 students in large lecture halls.

I love the diversity at Cooley. I love that Cooley provides opportunities that open doors for students that may not have been competitive in the traditional law school settings. They have programs to help students that apply with lower GPAs or test scores. Several of my classmates, including myself, were diagnosed with learning disabilities during our formative years. The professors provide multiple approaches to meet all learning styles. The experiential exercises have made a lasting impression. Like the time the criminal law class analyzed “No body no Crime” by Taylor Swift. This analysis was a fun subject to talk about at Thanksgiving Dinner and helped solidify the learning of the elements of the crime. Cooley has more female than male students. There is a wide variety of racial and ethnic groups. There are students of all ages in attendance. I value being in an academic environment where multiple perspectives can be considered.

As an older learner, it takes me longer to learn new concepts. I have found that most of my professors are dedicated to my success. There is a tutoring program on all of the core subjects, held in a group format, online, at a time that does not conflict with the traditional student schedules. The lectures and tutoring sessions are recorded, so students can go back and watch them at their convenience. Further, my professors have an open-door policy. They do not hold office hours. Instead, you e-mail them your availability, and they will meet with you either in person or via Webex at a mutually agreeable time.

I have enjoyed the openness of the administration towards student suggestions. On the first day of law school, I walked into the Dean's office and suggested improving BAR pass rates. She did not know that one of the focuses of my master’s degree involved analyzing organizational systems. I was sure she thought, this student just got here, and she is already suggesting changes. But that was not the case. Instead, she forwarded my suggestion to the upper administration, and exactly what was suggested was implemented the following semester. There appears to be a misconception among students that Cooley is easy. Although it is easy to get into, the rigors of the course work are challenging, even for neurotypical students. The professors expect more from us, and nothing is handed to us. Only two students in my first semester class made the deans list. I had a friend who attended Michigan State University. When I told her about my experience at Cooley, she was in disbelief. Her education was much easier. However, her internship was at a legal aid clinic that included Cooley students. She felt as though the Cooley students were much better prepared for the practice of law than her Michigan State cohort. For those concerned about having a job after law school, and the students in Chicago are not interested, if you are willing to relocate to Northwest Indiana, many well-paid jobs are waiting for you. Just look me up online, and I will help you find a placement. Thank you for your time and attention, and best of luck in your...

Honestly the best educational experience I have ever received. The professors are all wonderful and want to see you succeed. Cooley provides so many programs to help you to become the best attorney you can be.

I've heard horror stories about other schools and the competitve culture they create and foster and I had the exact OPPOSITE experience at Cooley. In fact, before I decided on Cooley, I met with the VP of the corporation I was working at and she was the one who recommended Cooley (even as a grad of another Detroit school). She told me that the corporation picked interns from Cooley because of their GRIT and because Cooley students have the real world experience that other schools don't offer.

Honestly could not have asked for anything more from...

I graduated in '93 and passed the bar with an 80 percent on the first attempt. Impressive for me, since my LSAT was in the range of 55 percentile. The classes are tough, and you need to study hard everyday. It pays off. If you let up on your studies, it will cost you.

My goal was to open a private firm. I accomplished that, after a prominent internship and entry level trial attorney job. I then hung my shingle, and 20 years later, I can say, I never felt let down by the Cooley LS education I earned.

Ignore the naysayers, whiners. Set challenging career goals. If you put your heart and mind into your studies, the effort pays off - Cooley Law School...