Judge Aquilina administers honor code oath at Cooley orientation

Incoming students at WMU-Cooley Law School’s Lansing campus participated in a two-day orientation May 3-4. During the program, Judge Rosemarie Aquilina, Ingham County Circuit Court, administered the Western Michigan University Cooley Law School honor code oath, which all entering students, faculty and staff take as a commitment to the law school’s ethical standards.

Before administering the honor code, which states “ethics are as important as academic performance and the mastery of practical legal skills,” Aquilina told the new students how attorneys as professionals are held to a higher standard, so they should prepare themselves from day-one as a student to behave ethically and professionally, not only in the court but in their personal lives.

During the orientation program, students were greeted by and had the opportunity to meet members of the law school’s faculty. Assistant Dean Mable Martin-Scott spoke to students about the importance of professionalism and time management, as well as what it takes to become a lawyer. Additionally, new students had the opportunity to gain insights about law school by asking current students questions during a panel discussion.

Following graduation from WMU-Cooley, Aquilina worked as an assistant to State Senator John Kelley. She eventually partnered with Kelly to form the Lansing-based lobbying firm Strategic Governmental Consultants and at the same time opened her own law firm. Before becoming a member of the bench, Aquilina spent 20 years in the Michigan Army National Guard where she served as the first female JAG Officer.
Aquilina has served on many boards in the Lansing area and is currently a mentor for the State Bar of Michigan Lawyers and Judges Assistant Program. She is an adjunct professor at WMU-Cooley teaching Family Law, Advance Trial Practice-Family Law, Legislative Process, Elder Law, and Military Law.