By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Law student Jacob Achterhoff originally studied biomedical science in college at Grand Valley State University, where he was an Academic All-GLIAC honoree playing football for the Lakers.
But following the months-long nationwide protests against police brutality in the wake of the 2020 death of George Floyd, Achterhoff decided to pursue a career in law and switched his major to psychology.
“I believe this background will help me communicate with clients, as understanding the mental health of a client who has possibly been through a traumatic event would help me better understand where they are coming from mentally and emotionally, helping me better provide legal and personal assistance in a case,” he says.
The driving force behind his decision to attend law school was the understanding that the law can be used as a tool for positive social change.
“Whether one is passing legislation or litigating a case that will set a new precedent, the law changes with time, and having the opportunity to sculpt that in a beneficial way for society is what drew me to the law,” he says. “I see the law as a very potent way to make systematic changes to better serve the entire community.
“Both my aunt and uncle work for The Detroit Free Press, and their influence has helped shape my interest in the law over the years as well.”
Now a 1L at Detroit Mercy Law School, where he serves as 1L class president, and as treasurer for the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) chapter, Achterhoff enjoys the smaller class size.
“Coming from a small elementary, middle, and high school afforded me the opportunity to connect with everyone in my community on a personal level, and having this opportunity at a law school was a huge plus for me,” he says. “I can truly say I have a strong connection with every one of my classmates and professors, and it makes it feel I’m not even in school but rather learning with friends and family in the goal to better our lives.”
With current interests in criminal law, workers’ rights, and public policy, Achterhoff says his career goals include working in a field that supports employee unions, being a voice for the disenfranchised, and possibly holding public office.
Originally from North Muskegon and a graduate of North Muskegon High School, Achterhoff plans to return to Muskegon after graduation and passing the bar exam.
In his leisure time, he enjoys reading, powerlifting, listening to music, and learning Greek. His mother Christina Baldas Achterhoff is a native of Pylos, Greece, moving to Muskegon at the age of 6, where she is now the clerk for Laketon Township in northern Muskegon County. His father, Andy, is a lifelong resident of Muskegon, and played college football for Bowling Green State University before moving back home, and owning a phone store for several years.
Achterhoff currently lives in Grosse Pointe Park, a short commute from the law school.
“My favorite thing about Detroit is the newness of it all,” he says. “I have family that have lived in Detroit for nearly 30 years—however, this is my first time living in Detroit for a long period of time, and seeing the differences in culture and practices has been an enjoyable way of broadening my world view.”
Legal News
Law student Jacob Achterhoff originally studied biomedical science in college at Grand Valley State University, where he was an Academic All-GLIAC honoree playing football for the Lakers.
But following the months-long nationwide protests against police brutality in the wake of the 2020 death of George Floyd, Achterhoff decided to pursue a career in law and switched his major to psychology.
“I believe this background will help me communicate with clients, as understanding the mental health of a client who has possibly been through a traumatic event would help me better understand where they are coming from mentally and emotionally, helping me better provide legal and personal assistance in a case,” he says.
The driving force behind his decision to attend law school was the understanding that the law can be used as a tool for positive social change.
“Whether one is passing legislation or litigating a case that will set a new precedent, the law changes with time, and having the opportunity to sculpt that in a beneficial way for society is what drew me to the law,” he says. “I see the law as a very potent way to make systematic changes to better serve the entire community.
“Both my aunt and uncle work for The Detroit Free Press, and their influence has helped shape my interest in the law over the years as well.”
Now a 1L at Detroit Mercy Law School, where he serves as 1L class president, and as treasurer for the National Lawyers Guild (NLG) chapter, Achterhoff enjoys the smaller class size.
“Coming from a small elementary, middle, and high school afforded me the opportunity to connect with everyone in my community on a personal level, and having this opportunity at a law school was a huge plus for me,” he says. “I can truly say I have a strong connection with every one of my classmates and professors, and it makes it feel I’m not even in school but rather learning with friends and family in the goal to better our lives.”
With current interests in criminal law, workers’ rights, and public policy, Achterhoff says his career goals include working in a field that supports employee unions, being a voice for the disenfranchised, and possibly holding public office.
Originally from North Muskegon and a graduate of North Muskegon High School, Achterhoff plans to return to Muskegon after graduation and passing the bar exam.
In his leisure time, he enjoys reading, powerlifting, listening to music, and learning Greek. His mother Christina Baldas Achterhoff is a native of Pylos, Greece, moving to Muskegon at the age of 6, where she is now the clerk for Laketon Township in northern Muskegon County. His father, Andy, is a lifelong resident of Muskegon, and played college football for Bowling Green State University before moving back home, and owning a phone store for several years.
Achterhoff currently lives in Grosse Pointe Park, a short commute from the law school.
“My favorite thing about Detroit is the newness of it all,” he says. “I have family that have lived in Detroit for nearly 30 years—however, this is my first time living in Detroit for a long period of time, and seeing the differences in culture and practices has been an enjoyable way of broadening my world view.”
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