Spring 2015

All Articles in This Issue

Hudson talked with the Princess Royal (Princess Anne) about the value to Lincoln Cathedral of their original copy of the 1215 charter. Hudson talked with the Princess Royal (Princess Anne) about the value to Lincoln Cathedral of their original copy of the 1215 charter.

Briefs

A Royal Reception

Two Michigan Law professors reflect on a February reception honoring the 800th anniversary of the Magna Carta. 

CHC International Hospital in Cixi, China CHC International Hospital in Cixi, China

Cover Story

East Meets West: China Opens to Western Hospitals

Seth Yu, LLM ’08, is on the front lines of a massive change that is just beginning to occur in the Chinese health care system: the opening of hospitals in China, for Chinese citizens, by Western companies.

The Intersection of Health and Law The Intersection of Health and Law

Cover Story

The Intersection of Health and Law

Research has shown that one in six people needs legal care to be healthy. One in six. That figure informed our decision to highlight the intersection between health and law in this issue of Law Quadrangle. From the Law School's Pediatric Advocacy Clinic to WebMD, this issue's stories illustrate that the overlap between health and law is vast. And it is a safe guess that the junction will only become more complex and varied over time.

Exterior View of the Law Quadrangle Exterior View of the Law Quadrangle

Cover Story

Health and the Law: Trends, Challenges, and the Future

We asked alumni who work in health-related legal fields about what is happening in their specialties, the challenges they face, and what we can expect in the future. They shared their thoughts about trends related to pharmaceuticals, mass torts, reimbursements, big data, and the implications of the Affordable Care Act.

Savannah Zuniga, age 8, has two rare conditions that affect her mobility, speech, and cognition. The Pediatric Advocacy Clinic at Michigan Law has worked with her family to ensure that her therapy is covered by her Medicaid managed care plan. “I pretty much take care of her 24/7,” says her mother, Chrystal, pictured at right with Savannah. Savannah Zuniga, age 8, has two rare conditions that affect her mobility, speech, and cognition. The Pediatric Advocacy Clinic at Michigan Law has worked with her family to ensure that her therapy is covered by her Medicaid managed care plan. “I pretty much take care of her 24/7,” says her mother, Chrystal, pictured at right with Savannah.

Cover Story

Doctor’s Orders: Call Your Lawyer

Medical-legal partnerships, such as the Pediatric Advocacy Clinic at Michigan Law, address the social conditions that affect the health and well-being of people and communities. Says Clinic Director Debra Chopp: “The idea is that the legal clinic becomes part of the medical team. We’re all working together to improve the health of the child.”

Justice Ginsburg Justice Ginsburg

@UMICHLAW

Five Former Clerks Share Thoughts About Justice Ginsburg

The U-M Law School has five full-time faculty members who once clerked for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg—more than any other law school. In honor of Justice Ginsburg’s visit to campus in February, we asked them to tell us about their experience with her.

David Schlanger, ’84 David Schlanger, ’84

Cover Story

The JD at the Helm of WebMD

David Schlanger, ’84, used his legal education as the springboard for a career in business. Here, we look at how he rose to the position of CEO of the company behind the most-visited health information website in the world.

Two of Jibu's local entrepreneurs holding a container of water with Jibu logo Two of Jibu's local entrepreneurs holding a container of water with Jibu logo

@UMICHLAW

International Transactions Clinic Helps Jibu Test Waters of Franchise in Africa

When a Jibu franchise opens in Uganda or Rwanda—and provides a new community with access to clean, affordable drinking water—traces of that success are felt 7,500 miles away in the Law School’s International Transactions Clinic (ITC). 

Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA)  in primary care exist in geographic areas (green) and among population groups such as low-income people (purple). Tan areas of the map indicate high needs in the geographic region, while yellow is used in areas that are not primary-care HPSAs. Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA)  in primary care exist in geographic areas (green) and among population groups such as low-income people (purple). Tan areas of the map indicate high needs in the geographic region, while yellow is used in areas that are not primary-care HPSAs.

Cover Story

Immigration Law and the Nation’s Physician Shortage

Lawyers are trying to help foreign-national physicians who trained in the United States stay in the country to treat medically underserved patients. The process is reportedly laborious and burdensome to employers and physicians alike. We look at this lesser-known facet of federal immigration law, one that is potentially vital to the nation’s health care needs.

Adam Pritchard, the Frances and George Skestos Professor of Law at Michigan, speaks on a panel with at a conference in Hong Kong Adam Pritchard, the Frances and George Skestos Professor of Law at Michigan, speaks on a panel with at a conference in Hong Kong

@UMICHLAW

Michigan Law Faculty and International Experts Highlight Conference in Hong Kong

The U-M Law School, the Chinese University of Hong  Kong’s (CUHK’s) Centre for Financial Regulation and Economic Development, and the Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies (LRCCS) at U-M brought together some of the world’s top experts in the public and private enforcement of corporate and securities law at a December conference in Hong Kong. 

Mike Casner, '14 Mike Casner, '14

Cover Story

Prescription: Career Change

After more than a decade as an ER physician, Mike Casner, ’14, decided it was time for a new challenge. He set his sights on law school, and never looked back. Casner describes returning to school after so many years away as “exciting, exhilarating, terrifying, and amusing.”

Transactional Lab & Clinic Opens Doors into Corporate World Transactional Lab & Clinic Opens Doors into Corporate World

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Transactional Lab and Clinic Opens Doors into Corporate World

The partner has asked you to draft an ancillary agreement for a multibillion-dollar M&A deal. But there’s one catch: You’ve just started as a summer associate. Where do you begin? The situation may sound hypothetical, but for Mark Viera, ’14, it was last summer’s reality. And though the experience could have been nerve wracking, the Transactional Lab veteran never doubted his ability to handle the task. 

Carl E. Schneider Carl E. Schneider

Features

Schneider on the Failure of Mandated Disclosure

Mandated disclosure is a Lorelei, luring lawmakers onto the rocks of regulatory failure. Mandated disclosure is alluring because it addresses a real problem, the problem of a world in which non-specialists must make choices requiring specialist knowledge. Its solution is charmingly simple: If people face unfamiliar and complex decisions, give them information until the decision is familiar and comprehensible.

Sam Zell lecturing in front of a class of students Sam Zell lecturing in front of a class of students

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Mercury Fund and Detroit Innovate Offer Students Venture Capital Fundamentals in New ZEAL Lab

The ability to think like a lawyer is what students expect from law school, but what about thinking like a venture capitalist? A new Michigan Law offering provided through a partnership with national and local venture capital firms Mercury Fund and Detroit Innovate is making it possible for students to learn the ins and outs of the venture capital world. 

Students playing tug-of-war in a pond Students playing tug-of-war in a pond

Features

The Memory of Detroit—and Beyond

Alumnus Clarence M. Burton traveled the globe to acquire historical documents. His collection—including some 500,000 books and 250,000 images—spans 400 years of North American history and is regarded as one of the best in the nation. On May 21, the Detroit Public Library will commemorate its 150th anniversary and the 100th anniversary of the Burton Historical Collection.

Prof. Kamisar Awarded Medals for Korean War Service Prof. Kamisar Awarded Medals for Korean War Service

@UMICHLAW

Prof. Kamisar Awarded Medals for Korean War Service

Last November, Michigan Senator Carl Levin presented four military service medals to Prof. Yale Kamisar in a ceremony at the Law School: the Purple Heart Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Republic of Korea—Korea War Service Medal. 

Lisa and Chris Jeffries, ’74 Lisa and Chris Jeffries, ’74

Impact

1L Summer Funding Gets a Boost from Chris Jeffries, ’74

As a long-time real estate developer, Chris Jeffries knows the importance of functional-yet-beautiful facilities in a community, which is why he made a $5 million gift toward the building of South Hall in 2007. But he also knows that buildings are only as good as the people and experiences they house, which is why he recently made a $2.5 million gift in support of the 1L summer funding program.

Theodore J. St. Antoine Theodore J. St. Antoine

@UMICHLAW

Theodore J. St. Antoine Collegiate Professorship Established with Support from Seyfarth Shaw

In honor of one of the Law School’s most legendary professors, the U-M Board of Regents has approved the creation of the Theodore J. St. Antoine Collegiate Professorship at Michigan Law. Professor Richard Primus was named the inaugural chairholder.

A man with white hair and his wife smile with a lake in the distance. A man with white hair and his wife smile with a lake in the distance.

Impact

New Scholarship Aims to Attract Future Leaders

James P. “Jim” Kennedy, ’59, believes that lawyers who are leaders solve problems and work well with clients. He has documented a $400,000 bequest to create a scholarship that will help promising leaders consider the U-M Law School.

Elaine (Murphy) Rice, ’94 Elaine (Murphy) Rice, ’94

Impact

Elaine (Murphy) Rice, ’94: A 20th Reunion Gift

The first gift Elaine (Murphy) Rice, ’94, ever made to the University of Michigan was in 1991 for $19.91, commemorating her upcoming graduation from the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts (LSA). Now, she and her husband, David Rice, Med ’94, are members of the University’s Presidential Society, reflecting lifetime giving of more than $75,000. 

A man in a sweater and button-down smiles in front of a warm wood wall. A man in a sweater and button-down smiles in front of a warm wood wall.

Impact

New Scholarship Fund Focuses on Dual Degree Opportunities

Through the new Shaughnessy Family Scholarship Fund at Michigan Law, Jim Shaughnessy, JD/MPP ’79, wants to help Michigan Law students—particularly those in dual degree programs, who incur an extra year of educational expenses while foregoing a year’s income.

Exterior view of the Reading View Exterior view of the Reading View

Impact

With Planned Gift, John Reed Scholarship Fund Exceeds $1 Million Goal

When Dudley Godfrey, ’52 and fellow members of the Class of 1952 decided to establish the John Reed Scholarship Fund, they hoped it would grow to $1 million. Thanks in part the generosity of Dudley and his wife, Constance, the value of the fund now exceeds $1.2 million.

William K. Davenport, ’53, and Kirk A. Davenport, ’84 William K. Davenport, ’53, and Kirk A. Davenport, ’84

Impact

Father and Son Team Up to Establish Davenport Family Scholarship Fund

For Bill Davenport, ’53, and his son Kirk Davenport, ’84, their shared love of and appreciation for the U-M Law School has led to a desire to give back. Together, Bill and Kirk have established the Davenport Family Scholarship Fund for current and future students at Michigan Law.

Senior canes were a campus tradition from the mid-1800s to World War II. Senior canes were a campus tradition from the mid-1800s to World War II.

@UMICHLAW

A Yearbook Etched in Wood

Before Facebook, LinkedIn, and the Michiganensian yearbook, soon-to-be Michigan graduates carved their signatures on canes to forever remember each other. Senior canes were a campus tradition from the mid-1800s to World War II. A display at the  Law Library now showcases some Michigan Law students’ canes, including one from 1877 that bears the signature of Clarence Darrow. 

Exterior view of the Law School's inner courtyard Exterior view of the Law School's inner courtyard

Briefs

Students and Alumni Unite to Guarantee Summer Funding for All 1Ls

Gifts from the Himan Brown Charitable Trust and from Lisa and Chris Jeffries, ’74—with a startup gift from the Law School Student Senate and ongoing fundraising through Student Funded Fellowships—will support 1Ls taking unpaid or low-paying summer internships in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors, making it the most inclusive program at any top law school. 

Dee and Dickson Brown, ’71 Dee and Dickson Brown, ’71

Impact

Dee and Dickson Brown, ’71 Endow Scholarship Fund

“The more we can do to make Michigan somebody’s first choice—and make it easier to be their first choice—the better.”

Justice Ginsburg Visits Campus Justice Ginsburg Visits Campus

Briefs

Justice Ginsburg Visits Campus

Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Ruth Bader Ginsburg participated in an engaging and spirited 90-minute conversation at U-M’s Hill Auditorium on February 6, during which she spoke about milestones in her own life, as well as key moments in the legal history of the past several decades. 

Morgan Fitch Jr and wife Morgan Fitch Jr and wife

Impact

Morgan L. Fitch, Jr., ’48: A Legacy of Generosity

Morgan Fitch Jr., ’48, was a loyal donor to the Law School—and he continued his generosity through his estate. The Law School Fund received nearly $150,000 through charitable gift annuities established by Fitch and his wife of 68 years, Helen. 

Judge Haddad sitting at desk in front of windows Judge Haddad sitting at desk in front of windows

Briefs

Human Trafficking Clinic Helping to Create New Clinic in Brazil

Michigan Law’s Human Trafficking Clinic is working with a university in Brazil to create a similar legal clinic there in which law students will represent people who have been forced into slave labor in South America’s largest country.

James Zirin headshot James Zirin headshot

Impact

Jim Zirin, ’64: A Gift for the 50th

Jim Zirin, ’64, sees himself as a storyteller. He knows that Michigan Law has been central in his own story. In gratitude, Zirin made a significant contribution to the Law School Fund to commemorate his 50th reunion. 

Robert Fiske, ’55, with the 2014 Fiske Fellows (left to right): Samuel Hall, ’13, Elizabeth Grossman, ’12, Meredith Garry, ’13, and Austin Hakes, ’12. Robert Fiske, ’55, with the 2014 Fiske Fellows (left to right): Samuel Hall, ’13, Elizabeth Grossman, ’12, Meredith Garry, ’13, and Austin Hakes, ’12.

Briefs

2014 Fiske Fellows Gratefully Pursue Their Passions

The Fiske Fellowship was established in 2001 by Robert Fiske, ’55, a senior counsel at Davis Polk & Wardwell and a former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York. Three-year fellowships are awarded annually to up to four Michigan Law graduates who serve as government lawyers.

Beauty image of Windows on the Law School Beauty image of Windows on the Law School

Impact

Recent Gifts: Spring 2015

Giving to Michigan Law is an investment in the future of legal education, and private support ensures that the excellence that has distinguished Michigan-trained lawyers continues for generations to come.