"The practical experience I gained through such classes as Research and Writing, Moot Court, and Pretrial Skills was invaluable, especially the constructive feedback from experienced legal professionals. The friendly competition with other students over Certificates of Merit and the exchanges with other students in Law Review, Student Intellectual Property Law Association, Environmental Law Society and other extracurricular activities really kept me stimulated, focused and encouraged. I also owe a debt of gratitude to my professors for all the hard work they required of me and for encouraging me to achieve."
Marie Worden had established a successful career in information technology as a Director and Officer of Word N Systems, in Toronto and Calgary, Canada from 1991 - 2007. During her employment she discovered her appreciation for the law. "After a great deal of soul searching, I decided that I wanted to become a lawyer. Although I discovered my passion for a vocation later in life than many people, I felt it wasn't too late to pursue a new dream."
During her second year at Cooley, a professor encouraged Marie to pursue a federal court clerkship and helped her to secure an internship with United States District Court Judge David M. Lawson, Eastern District of Michigan, who teaches Evidence at Cooley. That experience was the impetus to pursue a federal clerkship after graduation. With the assistance of Cooley professors and the Career and Professional Development Office, she applied to federal district court judges throughout the country.
Judge Marvin J. Garbis, United States District Court, District of Maryland, needed a clerk to assist with intellectual property cases. Marie's application highlighted her enrollment in the Cooley joint J.D./LL.M. degree program in intellectual property. The judge is also very active in the international judicial community and noted Marie's focus on international law and participation in the Cooley Study Abroad program. She was selected for an interview and was offered the position on the spot.
Marie briefs legal issues for the judge, prepares for and attends bench and jury trials, briefs motions for summary judgment and motions to dismiss, prepares for and attends hearings on motions, and assists with drafting and editing decisions and orders. "Every day is a new learning experience, but I draw heavily on my education from Cooley."
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Marie Worden
May 2010 graduate
Marie's Honors Scholarship award made it practical to give up her job and move to Michigan and attend law school. "More than just financial considerations, when I investigated Cooley in depth, I discovered the school's reputation for promoting diligence and flexibility."
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