As a strong advocate for the balance between the Rule of Law and individual liberties, Emilie DeRemer’s decision to attend law school was inspired by her passion for the criminal justice system and its reform. 

She studied sociology with a focus in criminal justice at Oregon State University, always knowing that she wanted to work in the criminal justice system. During her undergraduate program she explored a few different career avenues – from police officer to corrections officer before, ultimately, deciding to become a lawyer.

“I spent a few years mentoring in a youth prison, studying the disparate impact that race plays in the criminal justice system. It made me want to fight for justice for people who need it the most,” DeRemer said. “I’m passionate about the death penalty and how it affects society’s view on crime and the people in the system.” 

When choosing a law school to pursue her passion, she said MSU Law immediately felt like home. “I love MSU Law. It wasn’t my first choice originally when I was picking out law schools but as soon as I toured the school, I loved it. Everything about the environment was great,” she explained. “In my first year, I was a student ambassador and in my second year I worked for the Office of Admissions because I loved being able to show other prospective students how much I love this school.”

In her third year, DeRemer chose to further convey her MSU Law pride by running for student government. “I thought what better way to show how much I love this school than to represent it as the class president,” she said.

DeRemer also served as president of MSU Law’s Criminal Defense Association, a student group that brings awareness to criminal defense through showcasing people who have dedicated their careers to the pursuit of justice for all and offers a community for students interested in doing the same. 

While her plan had always been to work in criminal law, DeRemer worked throughout law school to figure out which area of defense interested her most. A summer spent interning on the 12^th floor of the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office in the homicide unit prior to her 3L year exposed DeRemer to a lot of tough cases, but it also helped her to solidify her ambition: criminal public defense. 

Along with that conclusion was her choice to take the Michigan Bar and remain in the Great Lakes state upon receiving her degree from MSU Law. She cites love for the state and love itself as key factors in her decision. “It was tough to make the decision to stay in Michigan because I had always planned to move home after graduation. I just wanted to get out of Oregon for a few years and see something else, but I fell in love with it here – and then I fell in love with somebody else here. It turned my life upside down a little bit, but I’m happy to call Michigan home now.”