From the Deans' Suite - 7/22/25 - One Week to the Bar Exam

It's almost time for the bar exam!

As I’ve walked through the law library and the Robert and Judy Rawson Learning Commons in recent days, all signs point to the bar exam, which is now just one week away. Study rooms have become bar study command centers—dry-erase boards and windows are covered in outlines; tables are piled with books, snacks, and coffee; and graduates are giving their all in this final stretch.

Every CSU Law bar taker had the opportunity to reserve a private study room from graduation through the weekend before the exam, and they’ve made the most of their spaces. Some rooms are used for quiet solo study; others are alive with collaboration and shared learning. 

From the Deans' Suite - 7/15/25 - Champions of Justice

“There’s never a wrong time to stand up for what’s right” 

That was the inspiring theme of American Bar Association President Bill Bay’s talk last week at the Cleveland City Club. At once a truism and a battle cry, President Bay was referring to the ABA’s response to the disturbing rise in attacks on the legal profession and personal threats to judges and their families. Threats against judges, once rare and unthinkable, have become alarmingly commonplace. U.S. District Court Judge Dan Polster joined President Bay decrying these unprecedented attacks and emphasized that judges need all of us to help defend against them:

We speak through our opinions. We need others, what I call “Champions of Justice,” to speak for us.

From the Deans' Suite - 7/8/25 - Strong Start with Jump Start

These last two weeks have marked exciting milestones for our incoming students as they began CSU Law’s Jump Start Program. Last night, Dean Brian Ray and I had the pleasure of welcoming more than 100 students for the first evening of the in-person Jump Start Program, and last week our new JD Online students began their own Jump Start sessions.  

Jump Start is a cornerstone of the academic support we provide for every incoming student. Jump Start has come a long way since it began back in 2016 as an optional program with just 15–20 students. The student feedback was so positive that we quickly decided to require every student to participate. 

From the Deans’ Suite - 7/1/25 - New Day, New Deans

On our first day as Co-Deans, we would like to express our deep gratitude to Dean Lee Fisher for his nine years of visionary leadership. His legacy leaves CSU Law well-positioned for an exciting future.

That future is already taking shape! We’re on track to bring in another record-setting 1L class. We’re launching innovative programs, including Centers for Intellectual Property and Innovation, International Law, and Law & Leadership. We’re welcoming talented new faculty and staff to the CSU Law family. Add an alumni network that never stops showing up, and it’s easy to see why CSU Law is thriving.

Monday Morning Message 6.9.25 A Bittersweet Moment.....My Final Morning Message

“I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start….” ―J.B. Priestley

This morning is my final Monday Morning Message as Dean of Cleveland State University College of Law.

It’s a bittersweet moment because I’ll be stepping down as Dean in a few weeks on June 30 to become the 10th President of Baldwin Wallace University. While I’m very excited about this rare opportunity to lead such an iconic university, I will always cherish my time serving this iconic law school. Serving CSU Law the past 9 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life.

Ironic Twist of History

Monday Morning Message 6.2.25 You Graduate as Lawyer-Leaders

“I hope you all work with and are mentored by lawyer-leaders who embody the highest ideals of our profession….But you will also encounter others who have used the law to bend truth, exploit technicalities, and abandon core Constitutional principles like due process in pursuit of privilege, position, and power. Recognize them for what they are—and make sure you choose a different path – protect your reputation for that is what others will see as the outward manifestation of your character. You will never have to apologize for being the lawyer-leader whose presence strengthens the rule of law, whose counsel uplifts justice, and whose character inspires trust.

Monday Morning Message 5.19.25 New Co-Interim Deans!

"Just one small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day."   The Dalai Lama

I am very pleased to share that earlier this week CSU President Laura Bloomberg and Provost Nigamanth Sridhar announced that Associate Dean Carolyn Broering-Jacobs and Associate Dean Brian Ray have been appointed Co-Interim CSU Law Deans, effective July 1, 2025 (My last day as Dean is June 30.) Carolyn and Brian will serve as Co-Interim Deans for one year, and a national search for a new Dean will commence in fall 2025.

Monday Morning Message 5.12.25 Special Edition: Student Focus

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” -  Ralph Waldo Emerson
 

This Special Edition of the Monday Morning Message is called CSU Law Student Focus. It is intended to highlight and celebrate the individual and group accomplishments of our very talented CSU Law students. The contents are based entirely on submissions by students.

Team Accomplishments

Mock Trial Team

Monday Morning Message 5.5.25 Pressure is a Privilege

“Pressure is a privilege - it only comes to those who earn it.” – Billie Jean King

My message this morning is to our students.

Today is the second day of final exams. Law Day was May 1.

If you’re looking for inspiration, you need look no further than what Law Day stands for. Ultimately, it’s what a legal education is all about.

On Law Day, we celebrate the rule of law, and rededicate ourselves to the pursuit of a more perfect Union. But the rule of law is not guaranteed. It’s fragile and demands our constant effort and vigilance.

So my advice to you as you prepare for final exams is to remember why you chose this path.

Monday Morning Message 4.28.25 Take Your Own Measurements

“CSU Law is the best choice for students who want to be seen and treated as human beings instead of numbers, and respected in the legal community for the hard work and dedication to the practice of law that is fostered through mentorship and leadership opportunities.”  - 2024 Graduate