Jake Putala’s dedication to honing his advocacy skills is evident in his participation in several moot court competitions. Notably, he served as a briefwriter and oralist in the Summer 2023 Zehmer National Moot Court Competition, where his team achieved the remarkable feat of national runners-up among 26 competing teams. His success continued in the Winter 2023 and 2024 Kurth National Moot Court Competition, where his team secured the same national runners-up position in a challenging 16-team “best of the best” competition. Putala’s prowess extended to the Spring 2024 Wechsler Criminal Law Moot Court Competition. Acknowledging the importance of moot court experiences, Putala emphasized, “Moot Court is great training for appellate-related opportunities, like clerking. Competitions require students to study tough legal issues and then identify the strongest arguments on each side.”
Putala’s commitment to academic excellence is reflected in the numerous Jurisprudence Achievement (JP) Awards he received for achieving top grades in various courses like Research, Writing, & Analysis; Government Relations & Lobbying Law; Pretrial I; Pretrial II, Professional Responsibility; Trial I; and Michigan Civil Procedure. His academic achievements underscore his dedication to mastering the intricacies of the law.
Jake Putala is quick to acknowledge the pivotal role MSU Law played in preparing him for this unique opportunity. He credits his interest in legal writing and analysis to the guidance of Professors Stephanie LaRose and Deanne Lawrence during his 1L writing courses. Professors Jennifer Copland, Veronica McNally, and Phil Pucillo further supported him, imparting valuable lessons on analyzing complex legal issues and translating findings into compelling written arguments—essential skills for an appellate clerk. Putala also extends his appreciation to Kristina Bilowus in the Career Services Office. Jake strongly encourages fellow MSU Law students to leverage the resources provided by CSO when seeking professional opportunities.
Jake Putala’s journey from a small town in Michigan to a clerkship at the state’s highest court exemplifies the power of dedication, academic excellence, and the support of a solid legal community. As he embarks on this new chapter, Putala stands as a testament to the exceptional talent emerging from MSU Law, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape of Michigan.