Thomas M Cooley Law School

Thomas M. Cooley Law School stands as a testament to the vision of its founders, particularly Thomas E. Brennan, a distinguished former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Established with a commitment to legal excellence, the school was thoughtfully named in honor of Thomas McIntyre Cooley, a titan of 19th-century jurisprudence, who also served as a former Michigan Supreme Court Chief Justice and dean of the University of Michigan Law School. This foundational legacy imbues the institution with a profound respect for the law and its practice.

The journey to establish Thomas M. Cooley Law School was marked by determination and foresight. It was formally incorporated in October 1971, setting the stage for its mission to educate future legal professionals. Despite facing opposition from certain committees of lawyers and professors, the State Board of Education recognized the school's potential and granted its approval in the summer of 1972, paving the way for its opening.

With its operational launch on January 10, 1973, Thomas M. Cooley Law School began its dedicated service to legal education. The institution's establishment, spearheaded by such notable figures and overcoming initial challenges, underscores its enduring commitment to shaping knowledgeable and ethical practitioners ready to contribute to the legal field.