Gershel honored with Integrity in Our Communities Award

On Friday, July 17, WMU-Cooley Law School's Auburn Hills campus honored Alan Gershel, grievance administrator from the Michigan Attorney Grievance Commission, with its "Integrity in Our Communities" award. The award is given to professionals who demonstrate the highest integrity in their profession. Gershel, a former Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, served for 30 years in that role and led the Criminal Division for 19 of those years. He served as a hearing panelist for the Attorney Grievance Commission for nearly 20 years. He taught at WMU -Cooley for six years before being appointed by the Michigan Supreme Court as grievance administrator in 2014, and is currently an adjunct professor at WMU-Cooley. Gershel offered his thoughts on integrity during a presentation sponsored by the Student Bar Association. After an introduction by Assistant Dean Lisa Halushka, who recognized Gershel for the "constant, quiet and humble exercise of integrity" throughout his career, Gershel reflected about the importance of maintaining personal and professional integrity. He gave examples from across the landscape of his career of public officials, prosecuting attorneys, and private practitioners who can find themselves before the Attorney Grievance Commission because of their failure to consistently monitor their integrity He said that, while seeking a position in the legal profession, students should be conscious of making decisions that place them in a atmosphere where integrity, honor and ethics are a priority. He pointed out three factors that will help students recognize whether a prospective employer fosters a culture of integrity in the workplace. Gershel asked, "first, does the prospective employer expect integrity from its employees? Second, does the prospective employer provide a safe environment for you to admit your mistakes? And third, does the prospective employer hold people accountable for their mistakes and lapse of integrity?" The Integrity in Our Communities Speaker Series brings nationally and locally recognized speakers to WMU-Cooley Law School to talk about issues, trials, and lawsuits on ethical and professional matters. The program was also part of WMU-Cooley's Auburn Hills Accepted Students Day event. Student who have been accepted to attend the law school during the fall spend a day on campus to mingle with current WMU-Cooley students, faculty; and staff, attend classes and experience a day in law school during Accepted Students Day. They also get a chance to meet professionals like Gershel during the event. Published: Fri, Jul 24, 2015