Cooley law School professors Named to Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame
Three distinguished members of the Cooley Law School community are set to be inducted into the Michigan lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame in 2025,recognizing their significant contributions to the legal profession and the state of Michigan.
Published: [Current Date]
Tonya Krause-Phelan: A Champion for Justice and Legal Education
Tonya Krause-Phelan, associate dean of academics and professor at Cooley Law School, has been selected for the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Her career is marked by a deep commitment to both the practise and the teaching of law.
Krause-Phelan’s journey began in 1989 as an assistant public defender at the Kent County Office of the Defender. After three years of dedicated service, she transitioned to private practice in 1992, focusing on criminal defense. Her success in securing not guilty verdicts for numerous clients in both state and federal courts cemented her reputation as a formidable advocate.
In 2005,Krause-Phelan joined Cooley Law School as a visiting professor of Criminal law,becoming a full-time professor the following year. Her expertise spans a range of critical subjects, including Criminal Procedure, Defending Battered Women, Criminal Sentencing, and Ethics in criminal cases. Beyond the classroom, she actively supports the West Michigan Defenders Clinic and coaches national mock trial and moot court teams, shaping the next generation of legal professionals.
Her influence and reach were formally recognized when the Student Bar Association presented her with the inaugural Professor of the Year award, a testament to her profound impact on students’ lives and careers. In 2022, she assumed the role of associate dean of academics at Cooley, further expanding her ability to enhance the student experience and contribute to the law school community.
Cooley Law School President and Dean James McGrath nominated her for the award.According to McGrath, “Tonya Krause-Phelan upholds a fervent commitment to providing excellence in the practice of the law and promotes perpetual improvements to the legal community and justice system in Michigan, all while leading and preparing students throughout their journey to become future law practitioners.”
The Role of Associate Dean of Academics
In her role as Associate Dean, Krause-Phelan is instrumental in shaping the academic experience at Cooley Law School. This involves curriculum growth, ensuring academic standards, and fostering an environment conducive to learning and professional growth. Her experience in both public defense and private practice brings a practical perspective to legal education, preparing students for the realities of the legal profession.
Karl Numinen and Rebecca Walsh: Cooley Law School Alumni Honored
Joining Krause-Phelan in the Hall of Fame are two accomplished Cooley Law School graduates: Karl Numinen (1992) and Rebecca Walsh (1991). their diverse careers demonstrate the breadth of impact Cooley Law School alumni have on the legal landscape.
Karl Numinen, a partner at Numinen, DeForge & Toutant, PC in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, specializes in criminal, divorce, real estate, and personal injury law. He also serves as counsel to the barone Defense Firm and conducts master classes on trial skills for the Criminal Defense Attorneys of Michigan. Numinen exemplifies the commitment to advocacy and education that defines the Cooley Law School community.
Rebecca Walsh is a partner and senior attorney at American Baby & Child Law Centers: Birth Injury Lawyers, were she focuses on birth injury law.Additionally, she is a frequent writer and speaker on insurance litigation and trial practices. Walsh previously shared her expertise as an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School, teaching Legal Methods.
The Impact on Cooley law School and the Legal Community
The recognition of Krause-Phelan,numinen,and Walsh underscores Cooley Law School’s commitment to producing graduates who excel in diverse legal fields and contribute to the betterment of their communities. Their accomplishments reflect the school’s focus on practical legal education and its dedication to fostering ethical and skilled legal professionals.
This honor can be a significant boost for Cooley Law School’s reputation. For prospective students, seeing faculty and alumni recognized in this way can enhance the school’s appeal. It also serves as a point of pride for current students and faculty, reinforcing their commitment to the institution.
Induction Ceremony Details
Krause-Phelan, Numinen, and Walsh will be formally inducted into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly hall of fame during a celebration event on Friday, april 25, at The Mint at Michigan First Conference Center in Lathrop Village.
Hall of Fame Criteria
The Michigan lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame recognizes legal professionals who have made significant contributions to the legal profession, the justice system, and their communities. Inductees are selected based on their professional achievements, leadership, and commitment to upholding the highest standards of the legal profession.
Selection criteria typically include:
- Professional achievements and career milestones
- Contributions to the legal community
- Commitment to pro bono work and public service
- Demonstrated leadership and mentorship
- Adherence to ethical standards
What questions or comments would you like to leave with our audience today?
Archyde Exclusive: Interview with tonya Krause-Phelan on Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame Induction
We speak with the Cooley Law School professor honored by the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame about her career, the impact on the legal community, and her vision for future lawyers.
Interview Introduction
Archyde News Editor: welcome,Professor Krause-Phelan. We’re thrilled to have you here to discuss your upcoming induction into the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame. This is a tremendous achievement,and congratulations on earning this prestigious recognition.
From the courtroom to the Classroom: A Career in Law
Archyde News Editor: Your journey is remarkable, spanning years in criminal defense to transitioning into legal education. What inspired this career shift from practicing law to teaching at Cooley law School?
Tonya Krause-Phelan: Thank you for having me.It was a natural progression. While I cherished my time as a defender,I realized the power of shaping future legal minds. I saw in the students a passion and the hope of making a difference. I believed I could have a broader impact on justice by equipping students with the knowledge and skills to be effective advocates and ethical practitioners.
Shaping Future legal Professionals
Archyde News Editor: You’ve been instrumental in the success of many students. Given your role as Associate Dean and through teaching several courses, how do you see the role of modern legal education adapting to the changing needs of the profession?
tonya Krause-Phelan: Legal education is, and must be, evolving. We’re focusing intensely on practical skills: client interaction, negotiation, and trial advocacy. The field is also becoming more specialized, so a robust curriculum that covers the core principles, while also providing opportunities for specialized areas is important. Plus, there is a great emphasis on helping students to cultivate critical thinking and ethics, something that I believe should be weaved into every course thay take.
The Hall of Fame and its Impact
Archyde news Editor: How does this acknowledgment by the Michigan Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame impact you personally and what do you hope it means for cooley Law school and its students?
Tonya Krause-Phelan: It’s incredibly humbling to be recognized alongside such distinguished attorneys. My hope is that it shines a light on the quality of legal education at Cooley and inspires our students. This recognition shows them that achieving excellence within the practice of law is possible. And, hopefully, this will show the students that with hard work, dedication, and a commitment to justice, they can also make a lasting impact.
Importance of the associate dean role
Archyde News Editor:In your role as Associate Dean, how do you intend to build on this? How are you enhancing the student experience and contributing to the law school community?
Tonya Krause-Phelan:This role provides the opportunity to innovate and refine our curriculum to meet the needs of both students and the evolving needs of the legal system. Furthering improvements in both academic standards and providing a rich and engaging learning habitat is important. This role allows me to create ways to equip our students with what they ultimately need to succeed and make a difference.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Legal Practice
Archyde News Editor: What advice would you give to aspiring law students and young lawyers as they prepare to enter the legal profession today? And what do you see as the major challenges and opportunities facing the future of law?
Tonya Krause-Phelan: My advice is to always be a student of the law. Stay curious, read widely, and embrace continuous learning. The legal landscape will always be changing, so flexibility and the willingness to adapt are vital. Network, seek mentors, and remember that the relationships you build are as important as your legal knowledge. I think the greatest opportunities lie in areas that seek to help society; specifically areas like social-justice, criminal-justice, and access to justice.Young lawyers can impact their communities; It is indeed critically important for them to realize that they have more power than they know.
Engaging with the Legal Community
Archyde News Editor:Beyond your professional achievement, you are clearly invested in the legal community. What are your thoughts and aspirations on how to improve the legal community?
Tonya Krause-Phelan: The future of the legal community will hinge on how well we adapt to the needs of an evolving society.The legal community has many things to offer, the most important of which is working to fix the things that are broken. We should continue to pursue reforms, and we need to be cognizant of the need for diversity, inclusion, and accessibility to continue.
Final Thoughts and Audience Interaction
Archyde News Editor: This has been incredibly insightful, Professor Krause-Phelan. Our readers are always welcome to actively engage with our topics. What questions or comments would you like to leave with our audience today?
Tonya Krause-Phelan: I am incredibly fortunate and proud to give back to a profession that I value so much. What would you consider to be the most critically important qualities that a lawyer should have? I invite our readers to share their thoughts in the comments below. Thank you all.
