Wayne State University Law School’s American Constitution Society (ACS) chapter, in collaboration with Michigan’s ACS Lawyer Chapter, hosted “A Path to the Bench” on Thursday, Apr. 16, bringing members of the Michigan judiciary to campus for a student-led discussion on legal careers and pathways to the bench.
Held in the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium, the event featured Justice Elizabeth Welch of the Michigan Supreme Court and Judges Mariam Bazzi and Dan Korobkin of the Michigan Court of Appeals.
The panel offered insight into their career journeys, experiences on the bench, and advice for students interested in pursuing judicial roles.
The evening began with a brief reception, supported by Wayne Law’s Student Affairs team, followed by opening remarks from ACS student leaders, who also introduced the organization’s incoming executive board. The chapter was recently recognized as the American Constitution Society’s Rising Chapter of the Year in 2025.
Dean Lance Gable welcomed attendees and introduced the panel. Wayne Law student Mariam Amin, ACS co-president, served as moderator, guiding a conversation that explored each panelist’s path to law school and transition into the judiciary.
Panelists emphasized that there is no single path to becoming a judge. “It takes a while to hone your craft,” Welch said. Bazzi echoed that sentiment, sharing, “It was always in me. I just didn’t really think I could do it until I was doing it.”
The discussion also addressed the shift from advocacy to decision-making, as panelists reflected on the differences between representing clients and serving as neutral arbiters. They also discussed the realities of judicial campaigns and the responsibility of issuing fair and impartial rulings.
“Advancing systemic equity, inclusion, and social justice is at the heart of everything we do at the Wayne Law ACS chapter,” said Mariam Amin, ACS co-president. “This event offered students a clear view of the diverse career paths leading to the judiciary, showing that the bench is accessible to those who strive to ensure the law serves the public good, without exception to any person or group.”
The program concluded with an audience Q&A, where students engaged directly with panelists on topics including campaigning, professional development, and navigating complex legal decisions.
“ACS has accomplished so much in the past two years, hosting over 30 events focused on building solidarity on campus, confronting pressing legal issues, and engaging in community service,” said Abigail Detwiler, ACS co-president. “We now stand at almost 140 members strong and have built a coalition with other student organizations and affinity groups as well as in Detroit. This event was a wonderful way to end Mariam and my law school careers and hand off ACS to the new executive board. I am incredibly proud of our board and excited to see where ACS goes in the future.”
Professor Rebecca Robichaud helped connect Wayne Law students with the Michigan ACS Lawyer Chapter, supporting the collaboration behind the event. ACS faculty advisor Professor Daniel Ellman also supported student organizers throughout the planning process.
The program highlighted opportunities for students to engage directly with members of the judiciary and learn about pathways to the bench.
Held in the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium, the event featured Justice Elizabeth Welch of the Michigan Supreme Court and Judges Mariam Bazzi and Dan Korobkin of the Michigan Court of Appeals.
The panel offered insight into their career journeys, experiences on the bench, and advice for students interested in pursuing judicial roles.
The evening began with a brief reception, supported by Wayne Law’s Student Affairs team, followed by opening remarks from ACS student leaders, who also introduced the organization’s incoming executive board. The chapter was recently recognized as the American Constitution Society’s Rising Chapter of the Year in 2025.
Dean Lance Gable welcomed attendees and introduced the panel. Wayne Law student Mariam Amin, ACS co-president, served as moderator, guiding a conversation that explored each panelist’s path to law school and transition into the judiciary.
Panelists emphasized that there is no single path to becoming a judge. “It takes a while to hone your craft,” Welch said. Bazzi echoed that sentiment, sharing, “It was always in me. I just didn’t really think I could do it until I was doing it.”
The discussion also addressed the shift from advocacy to decision-making, as panelists reflected on the differences between representing clients and serving as neutral arbiters. They also discussed the realities of judicial campaigns and the responsibility of issuing fair and impartial rulings.
“Advancing systemic equity, inclusion, and social justice is at the heart of everything we do at the Wayne Law ACS chapter,” said Mariam Amin, ACS co-president. “This event offered students a clear view of the diverse career paths leading to the judiciary, showing that the bench is accessible to those who strive to ensure the law serves the public good, without exception to any person or group.”
The program concluded with an audience Q&A, where students engaged directly with panelists on topics including campaigning, professional development, and navigating complex legal decisions.
“ACS has accomplished so much in the past two years, hosting over 30 events focused on building solidarity on campus, confronting pressing legal issues, and engaging in community service,” said Abigail Detwiler, ACS co-president. “We now stand at almost 140 members strong and have built a coalition with other student organizations and affinity groups as well as in Detroit. This event was a wonderful way to end Mariam and my law school careers and hand off ACS to the new executive board. I am incredibly proud of our board and excited to see where ACS goes in the future.”
Professor Rebecca Robichaud helped connect Wayne Law students with the Michigan ACS Lawyer Chapter, supporting the collaboration behind the event. ACS faculty advisor Professor Daniel Ellman also supported student organizers throughout the planning process.
The program highlighted opportunities for students to engage directly with members of the judiciary and learn about pathways to the bench.
––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available
