Fall 2017

Features

All Articles in This Issue

Fred Furth Fred Furth

Class Note

Fred Furth, ’59: Deploying His Not-So-Secret Weapon for Success

“Doubt doesn’t occur in my life,” Fred Furth, ’59, says. “I fear nothing. I know that whatever the problem, I’m either going to go around it, under it, over it, or right through it.”

Brenda Abdelall Brenda Abdelall

Class Note

Brenda Abdelall, ’05: From Newsweek’s Cover to the Front Lines of Social Justice

“When 9/11 happened, there was no longer a choice about whether you could be politically aware and politically savvy,” Brenda Abdelall, ’05, says. “We all, especially as American Muslims, had a responsibility to be informed, engaged citizens.”

Chris White Chris White

Class Note

Chris White, ’07: Finding His Passion Amid the Recession

The Great Recession forced many to rethink their careers—Chris White, ’07, being among them. He has gone from BigLaw practice to legal head hunting, and along the way founded the Chicago Beer Experience.

Sara Gibson, ’13 Sara Gibson, ’13

Class Note

Sara Gibson, ’13: Keeping the Peace in Dangerous Territory

Not far from Sara Gibson’s base in the central region of Mali, Al Qaeda-affiliated extremists enforce their interpretation of Sharia law and commit heinous abuses of human rights. 

James Beatty James Beatty

Impact

Beatty, ’55: An Unforgettable Feeling

From day one, James Beatty, ’55, was captivated by the Law School. “It was like stepping into a new world,” he says. “I have never forgotten that feeling.” 

International Dignitaries and MLaw Students Develop Guidelines on Refugee Protections International Dignitaries and MLaw Students Develop Guidelines on Refugee Protections

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International Dignitaries and Michigan Law Students Develop Guidelines on Refugee Protections

Hungary, after lining 109 miles of its border with razor wire, passed a law requiring asylum-seekers to remain in camps constructed from shipping containers while their cases are reviewed—a process that could take years. Human rights groups condemned the action, but does it violate international law?

Adelman Scholarship recipients at table with donor Adelman Scholarship recipients at table with donor

Impact

Scholarship Dinner Brings Alumni, Students Together

At the 2017 Scholarship Dinner in Ann Arbor, the Law School brought together donors and scholarship recipients—some meeting in person for the first time—for an evening of gratitude and community. 

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

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Michigan Law Alumni Recognized as U-M Volunteer Leaders

John Nannes, ’73, and Irving Stenn Jr., ’55, are recipients of the 2017 Hermelin Awards, the University’s highest honor recognizing alumni volunteers.

May Liang leaning against a building May Liang leaning against a building

Impact

Liang, ’89, Named National Chair of the Law School Fund

“It is important to me that Michigan Law doesn’t stay static, but rather that it continues to evolve and meet the needs of 21st-century students. In order to do that, the Law School needs unrestricted giving,” says May Liang, ’89, the newest national chair of the Law School Fund.

Beauty image of the Arches in the Law Quad at the University of Michigan Law School Beauty image of the Arches in the Law Quad at the University of Michigan Law School

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Jentes, ’56, and Bogaard, ’65, Named Michigan Law Distinguished Alumni

William Jentes, ’56, and William Bogaard, ’65, are recipients of the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Award, the Law School’s highest honor.

Nancy Quaife Nancy Quaife

Impact

Quaife, ’78: Providing Disadvantaged Students with Access to a Michigan Law Education

“My parents instilled in me the value of a good education,” she says. “My father, Donald Quaife, ’36, paved the way for me.” With a significant bequest that she documented recently, Nancy Quaife, ’78, follows in her father’s footsteps by paving the way for the next generation of law students.

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Reunion 2017

“Reunion is a powerful reminder that the Michigan Law community extends far beyond the halls of the Quad,” says Janice Glander, executive director of annual and reunion giving. 

Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker

In Practice

Bringing Stability to the State Bar of California

Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. But even she was hesitant to take on the role of executive director of the State Bar of California, a beleaguered organization that was badly in need of a turnaround. 

Stunning image of the iconic Law School arches leading the way into the prestigious Law Quad, a breathtaking beauty that captures the essence of legal scholarship and tradition. Stunning image of the iconic Law School arches leading the way into the prestigious Law Quad, a breathtaking beauty that captures the essence of legal scholarship and tradition.

Impact

Recent Gifts: Fall 2017

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.

Amanda Grill Amanda Grill

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Inaugural Fiza Quraishi Fellow Begins Work at NCYL

As Fiza Quraishi’s Michigan Law classmates gathered to celebrate their 10-year reunion in September, the inaugural recipient of the Fellowship created in her memory began working at the National Center for Youth and Law (NCYL) in Oakland, California.

Larry D. Thompson Larry D. Thompson

In Practice

Monitoring Volkswagen's Compliance Reforms

Larry D. Thompson, ’74, was enjoying semi-retirement—his second attempt in six years—when he received an offer he couldn’t refuse. 

Beauty image of on of the gothic looking towers from the courtyard at the University of Michigan Law School Beauty image of on of the gothic looking towers from the courtyard at the University of Michigan Law School

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Equal Justice Works Fellows Advocate for Underserved Communities

Equal Justice Works is the nation’s largest post-graduate public interest fellowship program—and one of the most prestigious. The two-year program matches recent graduates who are passionate about public interest work with organizations that need their talents. 

The Tech [R]evolution in Law The Tech [R]evolution in Law

Cover Story

The Tech [R]evolution in Law

The first thing we do, let’s replace all the lawyers with computers. While even a modern-day Shakespeare might think such a paraphrase is science fiction, the legal profession is grappling with whether or not it could be true someday. Technology is changing our society in immeasurable ways, and the practice of law is no exception.

Beauty image of the underground library at Michigan Law Beauty image of the underground library at Michigan Law

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Luxembourg Forum 2017 Convenes at Michigan Law

In April, the Law School hosted the official delegation of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) for a three-day visit. Thirteen members of the EU’s highest court met with faculty, students, the Michigan Supreme Court, and judges from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Students standing in the front of a class at a University Law School Event Students standing in the front of a class at a University Law School Event

Cover Story

Problem Solving Initiative Trains Future-thinking Lawyers

“Law school can get very in the weeds,” says Katie Hart, a 3L. “All your classmates are learning how to speak the same language. But to be an effective lawyer, you need to communicate with clients who won’t be fluent in legalese.” 

JJ Prescott JJ Prescott

Cover Story

Have Your Day in Court Without Being in Court

A day in court is never a day at the beach. But for those who have trouble juggling work and family responsibilities in order to appear in court, or lack a way even to get there, something as minor as a traffic ticket can become a seemingly ceaseless stressor. 

Michael Bloom Michael Bloom

Cover Story

A Praktio Education in Contracts

Michigan Law Professor Michael Bloom says that learning to work with contracts is like learning any language. “So if software can help you learn Spanish or Python, why can’t it help teach you to read and write contracts?”

Lutie A. Lytle group photo Lutie A. Lytle group photo

Briefs

News in Brief: Fall 2017

Michigan Law hosts 11th Annual Lutie A. Lytle Black Women Law Faculty Workshop and Writing Retreat  |  3Ls Win Detroit Bar Association’s Legal Scholar Writing Contest  |  and more...

Simon “Sy” Lorne Simon “Sy” Lorne

Features

Moving Mindfully at Millennium

It was the suggestion of regulatory malfeasance at Millennium Management some 15 years ago that prompted the creation of a chief legal officer role and the hiring of Simon “Sy” Lorne, ’70. “The word given to me was, ‘Solve this problem and make sure we never have it again,’” Lorne recalls.

Desmond Ricks Desmond Ricks

Briefs

Innocence Clinic Victories

The Michigan Innocence Clinic has secured the release of three clients from prison this year, two of whom were exonerated. Desmond Ricks, who, in 1992, was charged with murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison, was released in May. 

Xiuhao “Rachel” Luo Xiuhao “Rachel” Luo

Features

Xiuhao “Rachel” Luo, LLM ’01: On the Leading Edge of Chinese Regulatory Law

China’s legal industry was just taking shape when Xiuhao “Rachel” Luo, LLM ’01, graduated in 1989 with her first law degree from Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou. Today, she is tackling the Wild West of social media retailing—along with compliance and regulatory work—as vice president of legal affairs for Amway China.

Briefs

Senior Day Speakers Celebrate Michigan Law Family

Senior Day on May 5 featured the first parent-child speakers in the 158-year history of the Law School—Richard “Dick” Pogue, ’53, and David Pogue. 

Fred Nance with comedian Dave Chappelle Fred Nance with comedian Dave Chappelle

Features

Fred Nance, ’78: A Career Beyond His Wildest Expectations

“I’ve had so many marvelous adventures during my career,” says Fred Nance, ’78. “One leading to another and resulting in a career representing celebrities, reshaping my hometown, and holding pioneering leadership roles in a mega law firm.” Nance is the new global managing partner of Squire Patton Boggs (U.S.) LLP, which includes 36 offices in 16 countries.

ROME ROME

Briefs

Michigan Law Alumni Reconnect in Rome

Rome was the backdrop for the European Alumni Reunion, which took place in June and brought together JD, LLM, and SJD alumni, as well as former lecturers, visitors, research scholars, and other friends of the Law School. 

L. Hart Wright L. Hart Wright

Features

The Wide-Reaching Legacy of Professor L. Hart Wright

After Michigan Law Professor L. Hart Wright's daughter Robin published “My Last Conversation with My Father” in the June 17 edition of The New Yorker, it triggered an outpouring of memories and fondness from Professor Wright's former students.

Beauty image of the architecture in the Underground Library Beauty image of the architecture in the Underground Library

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Recent Publications Highlight Breadth of Michigan Law Faculty

Michigan Law faculty are leaders in their disciplines, which run the gamut from business law to blood feuds. Apart from their teaching and research, the Law School’s faculty also are prolific and diverse writers, as evidenced by recent publications. 

Brian Arnfelt Brian Arnfelt

Impact

Giving Students Opportunities of a Lifetime

Former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brian Arnfelt describes his time in the National Football League as a great foundation for building a legal career. “Just like in football, I have to read people, quickly analyze a situation, and adapt in the classroom and in the courtroom.” 

Lady Justice with a medical coat on Lady Justice with a medical coat on

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Pediatric Residents Join Michigan Law Medical-Legal Partnership Clinic

Melissa* was at wit’s end. Her daughter Olivia’s school district did not agree that special accommodations were necessary for the little girl, who has a feeding disorder and needs reminders and encouragement to help her eat and use the bathroom. 

Stephen and Faith Brown Stephen and Faith Brown

Impact

Stephen and Faith Brown: Planning for the Next Generation of Leaders and Best

“We decided to make Michigan our ‘child’ in terms of estate planning,” says Stephen. “We both benefitted greatly from our Michigan education, particularly in our careers.” 

Beauty image of the Law Quad Architecture Beauty image of the Law Quad Architecture

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Michigan Law Welcomes New Professors

New faces from both sides of the Atlantic have joined the Michigan Law faculty.