By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Drawn to the field of law out of a passion for justice and fairness, WMU-Cooley Law School 3L student Jennel Davoren racked up a slew of awards during her studies.
“I’m inspired by the idea of advocating for individuals who have been wronged and ensuring everyone has equal rights under the legal system,” she said. “And the intellectual challenge and problem-solving aspect of law has always appealed to me. I love the fact that in the legal profession, every case presents a unique set of circumstances. It’s stimulating there are so many areas of law that intersect, and policy is always changing.
Receiving the 2023 Florence King Scholarship, provided by the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and sponsored by the Women Patent Lawyers was a tremendous honor, according to Davoren.
The award — named for the first female patent attorney in the U.S. and first certified female member of the American Association of Engineers — acknowledges outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, and commitment to advancing women's rights and gender equality in the legal profession.
“I was able to share my story and interest as it relates to advancing women in society in the areas of patent law, intellectual property, social justice, domestic violence, family law and child advocacy,” Davoren said.
She also received the "Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Corporate and Business Classes" from the Association of Corporate Counsel, an honor granted to one student from each Michigan law school.
“I’m thankful for the ACC and attorneys for their continued support of law students who consider careers in the corporate legal sector” she said. “I’m also deeply grateful to the State Bar of Michigan, Health Law Section, for selecting me as a recipient of the Academic Achievement Award and Scholarship. The recognition of my achievements in academia and commitment to public service means a great deal to me.”
Last semester, she received the Constitutional & Administrative Law/ “Phil and Bill” Award from the WMU-Cooley Alumni Association.
She graduated in December and will be preparing to complete the bar.
“I’m completely open to see what the future has in store for me,” she says. “I’ve found Michigan has so many opportunities. I’m open and excited to begin my law career journey.”
Davoren launched her career trajectory with an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida, along with a minor in crime, law and deviance, and certificates in behavioral forensics and criminal profiling.
Her legal interests include contracts and public policy; she is also particularly interested in the realm of patent, copyright, and infringement law especially as it relates to sports and entertainment.
“The significance of intellectual property in the modern digital age is undeniable — athletes, artists and content creators rely on the protection of their innovations and original works to ensure fair compensation and recognition,” she said “The sports and entertainment industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, this specialization allows one to work closely with individuals and organizations involved in these industries, addressing legal challenges, and navigating complex contracts and licensing agreements. The potential impact of this field of law is substantial, as it not only protects creators' rights but also fosters innovation and encourages creative thinking across various industries.”
After completing an externship at the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) this past summer, Davoren continued there as a legislative student assistant, involved in researching and analyzing proposed bills and policies related to civil rights.
Davoren found working at the Cooley Innocence Project to be highly rewarding.
“The organization's mission to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals and reform the criminal justice system is a deeply meaningful and impactful cause,” she says. “By actively working to correct and prevent miscarriages of justice, I have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of innocent individuals and their communities.
She adds that the organization fosters a supportive and collaborative environment.
Davoren also has served the Cooley community, as president of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS), that provides valuable networking opportunities, access to industry professionals, and practical experiences in a specialized field that she loves.
Davoren also found membership in the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), where she serves as treasurer, to be a valuable and appreciated experience and where she has found support and the opportunity to engage in meaningful advocacy, expand her professional network, and celebrate her cultural identity.
Through active involvement in community outreach programs, Davoren has sought to bridge the gap between legal knowledge and the public. She has served as an outreach advocate, case manager, and shelter hotline advocate in Florida, for several years. As an AmeriCorps member, she worked to establish partnerships and resources for survivors of domestic violence.
In Grenada, where she grew up, Davoren collaborated with the Gender-Based Violence Unit to raise awareness about domestic and gender-based violence.
She authored a report, "Calculating the Costs of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in Grenada," which set out methods of determining the types of costs associated with domestic and gender-based violence and preventative measures taken to reduce or eliminate those costs.
Additionally, throughout her law school journey, she has actively engaged in pro bono initiatives providing free legal assistance to individuals that cannot afford representation.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact access to justice can have on marginalized communities,” she said.
Legal News
Drawn to the field of law out of a passion for justice and fairness, WMU-Cooley Law School 3L student Jennel Davoren racked up a slew of awards during her studies.
“I’m inspired by the idea of advocating for individuals who have been wronged and ensuring everyone has equal rights under the legal system,” she said. “And the intellectual challenge and problem-solving aspect of law has always appealed to me. I love the fact that in the legal profession, every case presents a unique set of circumstances. It’s stimulating there are so many areas of law that intersect, and policy is always changing.
Receiving the 2023 Florence King Scholarship, provided by the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan and sponsored by the Women Patent Lawyers was a tremendous honor, according to Davoren.
The award — named for the first female patent attorney in the U.S. and first certified female member of the American Association of Engineers — acknowledges outstanding academic performance, leadership skills, and commitment to advancing women's rights and gender equality in the legal profession.
“I was able to share my story and interest as it relates to advancing women in society in the areas of patent law, intellectual property, social justice, domestic violence, family law and child advocacy,” Davoren said.
She also received the "Scholarship for Academic Excellence in Corporate and Business Classes" from the Association of Corporate Counsel, an honor granted to one student from each Michigan law school.
“I’m thankful for the ACC and attorneys for their continued support of law students who consider careers in the corporate legal sector” she said. “I’m also deeply grateful to the State Bar of Michigan, Health Law Section, for selecting me as a recipient of the Academic Achievement Award and Scholarship. The recognition of my achievements in academia and commitment to public service means a great deal to me.”
Last semester, she received the Constitutional & Administrative Law/ “Phil and Bill” Award from the WMU-Cooley Alumni Association.
She graduated in December and will be preparing to complete the bar.
“I’m completely open to see what the future has in store for me,” she says. “I’ve found Michigan has so many opportunities. I’m open and excited to begin my law career journey.”
Davoren launched her career trajectory with an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida, along with a minor in crime, law and deviance, and certificates in behavioral forensics and criminal profiling.
Her legal interests include contracts and public policy; she is also particularly interested in the realm of patent, copyright, and infringement law especially as it relates to sports and entertainment.
“The significance of intellectual property in the modern digital age is undeniable — athletes, artists and content creators rely on the protection of their innovations and original works to ensure fair compensation and recognition,” she said “The sports and entertainment industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving field, this specialization allows one to work closely with individuals and organizations involved in these industries, addressing legal challenges, and navigating complex contracts and licensing agreements. The potential impact of this field of law is substantial, as it not only protects creators' rights but also fosters innovation and encourages creative thinking across various industries.”
After completing an externship at the Michigan Department of Civil Rights (MDCR) this past summer, Davoren continued there as a legislative student assistant, involved in researching and analyzing proposed bills and policies related to civil rights.
Davoren found working at the Cooley Innocence Project to be highly rewarding.
“The organization's mission to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals and reform the criminal justice system is a deeply meaningful and impactful cause,” she says. “By actively working to correct and prevent miscarriages of justice, I have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of innocent individuals and their communities.
She adds that the organization fosters a supportive and collaborative environment.
Davoren also has served the Cooley community, as president of the Sports and Entertainment Law Society (SELS), that provides valuable networking opportunities, access to industry professionals, and practical experiences in a specialized field that she loves.
Davoren also found membership in the Black Law Students Association (BLSA), where she serves as treasurer, to be a valuable and appreciated experience and where she has found support and the opportunity to engage in meaningful advocacy, expand her professional network, and celebrate her cultural identity.
Through active involvement in community outreach programs, Davoren has sought to bridge the gap between legal knowledge and the public. She has served as an outreach advocate, case manager, and shelter hotline advocate in Florida, for several years. As an AmeriCorps member, she worked to establish partnerships and resources for survivors of domestic violence.
In Grenada, where she grew up, Davoren collaborated with the Gender-Based Violence Unit to raise awareness about domestic and gender-based violence.
She authored a report, "Calculating the Costs of Domestic and Gender-Based Violence in Grenada," which set out methods of determining the types of costs associated with domestic and gender-based violence and preventative measures taken to reduce or eliminate those costs.
Additionally, throughout her law school journey, she has actively engaged in pro bono initiatives providing free legal assistance to individuals that cannot afford representation.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact access to justice can have on marginalized communities,” she said.
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