No one will argue that earning your law degree is difficult. Life after the degree, however, often proves to be even more challenging. With so many open doors and winding paths, it can be overwhelming and confusing when deciding which path is best for you. Attorney Ben Lesnick knows the feeling, so when the National Association of Women Judges (NAWJ) and Western Michigan 
University’s (WMU) Cooley Law School invited him to serve as a mentor for their MentorJet program, he was more than willing!
On Thursday, June 9, Ben joined several other leading law professionals at Cooley Law School’s Auburn Hills campus for the MentorJet program, which is a speed-mentoring session that gave WMU-Cooley Law School students the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with judges and lawyers from their community about law practice and career opportunities. After the speed-mentoring session, the professionals and students had half an hour to network and share their career-related questions, experiences and aspirations.
“My favorite part of the event was the networking. It was nice being able to take time to answer the student’s questions without a time limit,” said Ben. “I would certainly like to participate again!”
The MentorJet program was hosted by Hon. Michelle M. Rick, NAWJ District 7 Director from the 29th Circuit Court, WMU-Cooley Law School’s Career and Professional Development Department, and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (Auburn Hills Student Chapter).
Bottom Row (Left to Right): Prof. Linda Kisabeth, WMU-Cooley Law School; Hon. Fred M. Mester (Retired); Hon. Michelle M. Rick, 29th Circuit Court; Hon. William Richards (Ret.).
Middle Row (Left to Right): Laura E. Polizzi, Chioini, Sarnacki, Reynolds, Doherty and Polizzi; Kristina Bilowus, Findling Law, P.C.; Rebecca L. Wilson, The Dobrusin Law Firm; Samantha J. Orvis, Collins Einhorn Farrell, P.C.; Jeffrey Lance Abood, Abood Law Firm; Bing Blair, MAHLE Industries, Inc.;
Last Row (Left to Right): Joseph A. Bellanca, Hertz Schram, PC; Colmon L. Potts, Detroit Legal Group, PLLC; Jeffrey May, Kerr Russell; Melissa Durity, Zausmer August & Caldwell, PC; Bryant M. Frank, Soave Enterprises, LLC; Ben C. Lesnick, Olsman MacKenzie & Wallace; Salam F. Elia, Adkison Need & Allen PLLC; Kwame Rowe, Oakland Prosecutor’s Office; Michelle R. E. Donovan, Plunkett Cooney