Presented by the Midland Bar Association, Event Features Nearly 250 Legal Professionals, Rotarians, and Guests
Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh delivered a keynote to nearly 250 guests today in the Hach Student Life Center at Northwood University as part of a Law Day Luncheon presented by the Midland Bar Association.
The event celebrated the longstanding American tradition of Law Day, first established in 1958 to honor the role of law in the foundation of the country and to recognize its importance in American society.
“Northwood University is privileged to host Law Day, an annual event dedicated to the rule of law and the foundational legal principles that sustain a free and just society,” stated President Kent MacDonald.
“Hosting Law Day at Northwood affirms our commitment to the rule of law, protecting individual rights, and advancing justice and equality under the law. These are all cornerstones of our belief system, as reflected in The Northwood Idea. The event also complements our award-winning Mock Trial program, which cultivates critical thinking and civic engagement and prepares many students for successful careers in the legal field.”
During her keynote, Chief Justice Cavanagh stressed that justice is not limited to the courthouse — “it is first and foremost a public service.”
“Our justice system must engage the people and the communities we serve, and meet them where they live,” she added. “Whether that is physically, like bringing our court into communities, or supporting legal aid and access to justice issues, and efforts to close the justice gap. And that is why we are working hard to encourage judges all across Michigan to invite local residents to come and visit their court for an open house or town hall, and we also urge judges to sponsor court events in their community so students can learn about legal careers.”
Chief Justice Cavanagh was introduced by Midland County Probate Court Judge Angela Cole. Other presenters included Midland Circuit Court Judge Stephen Carras and Dr. DeLois Leapheart, who coaches Northwood’s highly-ranked Mock Trial team, which earned a Top 5 finish at last month’s American Mock Trial Association National Championship Tournament.
“Law Day was an incredible opportunity for students to network with respected judges, attorneys, and civic leaders — which helps students hone their skills, build their confidence, and prepare for successful futures in law and beyond,” stated Professor Leapheart.
“Working with Northwood University to host this year’s Law Day Luncheon has been a fantastic experience,” stated Patrick Czerwinski of the Midland Bar Association. “It was very encouraging to see so many students in attendance, including some who are in high school and others who are well into their collegiate careers through Northwood Mock Trial.”
The Midland Noon Rotary Club also supported the event, presenting a Paul Harris Fellow Award to U.S. District Judge Thomas Ludington, who provided a memorable Law Day keynote during a Rotary luncheon last year.
“Rotary was honored to be one of the sponsors of today’s luncheon and to recognize Judge Ludington for his outstanding contributions to the legal community,” said Midland Noon Rotary Club President Christian Velasquez. “Law Day reminds us of the importance of service, justice, and leadership — values that both Rotary and Northwood champion.”
Other event sponsors included Warner Norcross + Judd LLP, Stephen E. Durance P.C., and Michael M. Mishic P.C.
The event — attended by more than 120 members and guests of the Midland Bar Association, over 70 Rotarians, dozens of Northwood Mock Trial students, and over 30 high school guests — also included a presentation of the Liberty Bell Award to Leland A. Burton, a highly respected local defense attorney.
Dr. Christie McDonald, executive director of undergraduate enrollment and financial aid at Northwood University, noted the luncheon’s speakers and honorees inspired not just Northwood students but the many high schoolers from across the Great Lakes Bay Region and beyond who came to explore Northwood’s pathways for students interested in attending law school.
“Northwood is an ideal undergraduate destination for these students because our rigorous economics and finance degree programs cultivate analytical skills prized by law schools,” McDonald explained. “And our Mock Trial program, while highly competitive, is truly an exhilarating intercollegiate activity that is as fun for students as it is beneficial — which is more evidence that Northwood is an exceptional choice for students planning to pursue legal careers.”
For more information about Northwood’s Mock Trial program, visit: https://www.northwood.edu/student-life/organizations/mock-trial/
