Law school honors professor who accepted appointment to judicial bench by governor

Western Michigan University Cooley Law School Professor Anthony Flores was recognized during a reception at WMU-Cooley on March 31 following his being appointed to the post of judge for Ingham County’s 54A District Court in Lansing by Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Flores, who is also a 1992 graduate of the law school, will fill the remainder of the term that was held by the now retired Judge Louise Alderson. He will begin his new role on April 18.

During the reception, which marked his last day at WMU-Cooley, Flores said, “ I am thankful to the administration, the faculty, and the students. Only one job could take me away from the classroom. I am fortunate to have spent time working with all of you. Thomas M. Cooley Law School has been a wonderful place to work and learn and I am very lucky to have been a part of this school.”

Flores has taught at WMU-Cooley since 2005 and most recently taught courses in criminal procedure and evidence and has served as vice chair for the law school’s Faculty Governance. Before joining WMU-Cooley, he was an assistant prosecuting attorney for Mecosta County, and was unit chief  Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office where he handled child abuse cases.

“Tony has dedicated his life’s work to helping people, most recently as a beloved professor at WMU-Cooley Law School,” said WMU-Cooley Assistant Dean Erika Breitfeld, who is  department chair of the law school’s Criminal Law and Procedure Department. “We will miss seeing Tony in the Cooley building, but he has a strong and honest character, and we need people like him on the bench.”