Thursday Profile: Joan Vestrand

Residence: Northville Township on property once used as stables for Northville Downs. What's your idea of perfect happiness? For me it will be the day that all three of my children are happily settled in adult life with healthy, loving and supportive relationships in tact, jobs that they love, and the financial security they need. Then I will feel that my job is done. Greatest fear: That I won't live as long as I'd like (forever). What living person do you most admire? I admire ethical people who are positive in attitude and outlook--the kind who always find silver linings, take personal responsibility and do the right thing. These are people who take command of their lives and their destiny. They set goals, follow through, and persevere regardless of setback. What trait do you most hate in yourself? I wish I could wake up each day like my significant other, Paul does, full of exuberance, literally singing out "Good Morning!" Unfortunately, it takes me at least 20 minutes before the grogginess clears and it is safe to talk to me. A cup of coffee helps. What trait do you most hate in others? A victim mentality. If you suddenly had an extra room in your house ... I would have a temperature-controlled English conservatory-type greenhouse full of exotic orchids and plants and a water feature. I love gardens. Conservatories are so beautiful and every time I step into one I find it very calming and peaceful. Most memorable meal: A dinner at the Midtown Café in Birmingham 13 years ago. It was my first date with Paul, the father of a friend of my daughter's. While I am sure that the food (whatever it was) was good, the company was even better. We lingered for hours and my whole life changed. We've been together ever since and it's wonderful. If you could take back one thing... There are a billion things (conservative) that I'd take back. Unfortunately I make lots of mistakes but thankfully, I tend to learn from them. Most treasured possession: One of my most treasured possessions is the cottage in northern Michigan that my brothers and I inherited and that my parents built. I am surrounded by wonderful memories of my mom and dad every time I am there. If you could do one thing professionally... I would convince the "naysayers" of Cooley Law School's quality, not just because of its great program, emphasis on ethics, and practice ready grads, but its access mission--an unwavering commitment to a profession made up of lawyers that resemble society--a priority most other schools do not dare share because of its impact on rankings. Favorite web sites: Hands down it is Craigslist. We have furnished our whole house off of Craigslist and have had a great time in the process. We love to get great things, including building materials at a total bargain. Proudest moment as a lawyer: Sponsoring the admission of my daughter (a proud and competent Cooley grad) into the Michigan bar. It's 7 a.m. Monday. How are you feeling? Happy to get to campus to start another great week with my students and colleagues here in Ann Arbor. What would surprise people about your job? For people who knew me when, it would be that I got this job! Would you rather save money or time? While I love to save money, what I really need more of is time. Introvert or extrovert? Like a lot of lawyers, I am really an introvert who weirdly comes out of her shell at work. What do you consider the most overrated virtue? High intelligence. Personal experience has shown me that hard work is an effective compensator. When and where are you the happiest? When I am walking or running along the shore on the Marsh Islands of South Carolina, which I try to do two or three times a year. What is your greatest achievement? My three kids. What would you say to your 16-year-old self? Some day you will be able to speak in front of a group without feeling sick. What would be your ideal job? I have it, in every sense of the word. What's one thing you wish people knew about your work? Again, going back to some of the ignorance about Cooley, it would be how well our students fare in practice, the heights they achieve, what good and hard working people they are, and how much they give back to the community. What's one habit you wish you could break: Despite being fairly upbeat, I can worry too much and find as a result the need for an occasional attitude adjustment. What's something most people don't know about you? Once upon a lifetime I was a guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show. No way! What was the theme? And was Oprah intimidating? The theme of the show was juggling parenthood in a two-career household. I was a new lawyer/litigator with an infant daughter (now an attorney) who, thanks to a very understanding boss, came to work with me until she was nearly a year old. That was quite novel in those days. Oprah was very gracious and not at all intimidating and quite kind. In addition to covering all of our travel expenses related to the show, she gave us as a gift a deluxe weekend at the Amway Grand Plaza so that two harried parents could reconnect. What do you wish more people understood? I wish more people understood the importance of personal character and the direct relationship between ethics and success, both personally and professionally. Too, it seems like not enough people understand how important it is to make things happen for yourself - to be an active player in your own life. Too many people just go through the motions and react as opposed to being proactive. If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead: Having lost both of my parents, I would love to see them again. I'd also like a dinner with my children's father with my children present. I know how much they'd like him to see how well they have turned out. It would be wonderful if they could do that. Like my mom and dad, he passed away far too early. Favorite Words: "Where there's a will, there's a way." Favorite Movie: "It's a Wonderful Life." What is one thing you can do now that you couldn't do 20 years ago: Feel comfortable speaking publically. Favorite Place to Spend Money: Craigslist. What is Your Motto? I have a few of them. In addition to "where there's a will there's a way," I truly believe that "you get out of life what you give." I also believe in "gratitude, gratitude, gratitude." Where Would You Like to Be When You're 90? Above ground. Published: Thu, Dec 6, 2012