It was the unthinkable possibility of losing my children that propelled me to become a lawyer.
I am the mother of four. Many years ago, one of them suffered an accidental injury that resulted in an investigation by Child Protective Services. As horrifying as that experience is, it is extremely common.
According to a 2022 report by the National Coalition of Child Protective Reform, 3.1 million children are the subjects of CPS investigations each year. And of those, 78 percent are subjects of false reports.
I was one of the fortunate parents. I could afford a lawyer. While I was cleared of any wrongdoing, the experience prompted me to want to help the families that cannot afford legal representation.
I came to MSU Law in my mid-thirties to receive a hands-on practical legal education that would prepare me to practice law in the state of Michigan.
The generous scholarship I received made my career change possible. Assistant Dean Goldie Pritchard with the Academic Success Program ensured that I had the support I needed to be successful. Assistant Dean Mary Ann Ferguson steered me to the Student Parent Alliance that helped me find my place in law school.
I worked for Legal Services of South Central Michigan as a law clerk during law school. As I helped clients avoid evictions and secure financial assistance, I understood that this type of advocacy promotes family stability.
After graduating Magna Cum Laude from MSU Law in 2018, I was hired fulltime by LSSCM. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, I was on the front lines of the eviction and foreclosure crises.
I worked with local courts and community organizations to implement new rules and facilitate access to financial assistance with the goal of helping to prevent homelessness and protect victims of domestic violence and elder abuse.
Eventually, I returned to MSU Law as a clinical fellow and, most recently, as Interim Director of the Housing Justice Clinic. I am grateful that I was able to continue representing indigent clients and advocating for housing justice – while teaching law students practical lawyering skills.
Our work included filing an appellate brief bringing a novel mobile home contract issue before the Michigan Court of Appeals; securing a property tax extension for a client with a disability; pursuing fair housing complaints with HUD and MDCR; commenting on pending legislation; and presenting on tenant rights in conjunction with community partners.
As my interim position as director of the Housing Justice Clinic expires this summer, I reflect on the work my students and I accomplished with great pride. It has been a rewarding and unforgettable experience. As an MSU Law alumna, I will always cherish the opportunity.