Serving on the Michigan Supreme Court requires more than knowledge of the law. Each case presents complex questions that affect individuals, families, and communities in profound ways. Legal principles and precedent are essential, yet they are only part of the equation. Effective decision-making also depends on subtle skills such as critical thinking, ethical judgment, reflection, and practical problem solving. These are the same skills I aim to cultivate when mentoring students. Teaching students to solve real-world problems goes beyond theory. It emphasizes hands-on engagement, creative analysis, and the disciplined application of principles. It prepares students not only for professional success but also for responsible and thoughtful participation in society.
Moving Beyond Legal Theory
In law school, students are trained to understand statutes, case law, and procedural rules. This knowledge is foundational. In practice, however, theoretical knowledge must be applied to situations that are rarely straightforward. Every case is unique. Every fact has consequences. Mentoring students to navigate this complexity helps them understand that decision-making is an active and disciplined process.
For example, early in my career, I worked to enhance accessibility at Michigan Stadium. Coordinating with the Michigan Paralyzed Veterans of America, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the University of Michigan required careful attention to practical and legal considerations. Developing seating, parking, and pathway solutions demanded collaboration, resource management, and thoughtful judgment. Students who examine this experience learn that problem solving in the real world is rarely linear, and that thoughtful planning and careful reasoning can yield meaningful outcomes.
Critical Thinking and Creative Analysis
Real-world challenges demand creative thinking. As a Justice, I must consider not only the letter of the law but also its practical consequences. Students can benefit from the same mindset by learning to explore multiple perspectives, anticipate outcomes, and identify novel approaches that respect underlying principles.
Endurance athletics has provided valuable lessons in creative problem solving. In Ironman competitions, I swim with a guide, but communication is limited. I must continuously evaluate my surroundings, adjust my movements, and respond to unforeseen circumstances. In the courtroom, a comparable skill is required. Cases often present unexpected complexities, and the ability to adapt reasoning to changing circumstances while remaining grounded in legal principles is essential. Creative analysis is not about inventing new rules but about applying knowledge thoughtfully to achieve fair and practical outcomes.
Ethical Judgment in Practice
Ethical reasoning is inseparable from effective problem solving. Students may devise innovative solutions, but if those solutions fail to consider fairness, respect, and broader consequences, they are incomplete. When mentoring, I emphasize evaluating choices not only for their feasibility but for their ethical implications. In the legal context, every decision impacts lives. It is imperative that solutions are consistent with principles of justice, equity, and professional responsibility.
In my own work, I often consider the broader societal impact of decisions. Even a seemingly minor ruling can influence institutions, communities, and individual behavior. By demonstrating how ethical reflection informs practical problem solving, I aim to equip students with the mindset necessary to navigate complexity with integrity.
Reflection as a Judicial Practice
Reflection is central to the work of a Justice. After a case is decided, I examine the process and the reasoning that led to the outcome. What approaches were effective? Were there alternative perspectives that could have been considered? Reflection allows me to refine judgment, anticipate future challenges, and strengthen the quality of decisions over time.
I encourage students to adopt a similar habit. Reflecting on their own problem-solving processes (both successes and challenges) enhances understanding and builds judgment. Reflection transforms experience into insight, bridging the gap between knowledge and wisdom.
Personal experience has reinforced the importance of reflection. In 2012, I was struck by a cyclist while fast-walking through Central Park. The accident shattered the left side of my body and required months of recovery. Returning to training and completing a marathon the following year demanded careful planning, patience, and adaptation. Reflecting on that experience has influenced how I approach complex cases. It underscores the value of measured thought, persistence, and thoughtful evaluation in all decision-making.
Mentorship as a Bridge to Practical Skills
Mentoring students allows me to translate judicial experience into actionable guidance. I encourage them to confront challenging problems, weigh competing considerations, and develop confidence in applying knowledge. Effective mentorship emphasizes not only analysis but also judgment, ethical reasoning, and accountability. By working through tangible examples, students learn to approach decisions deliberately and responsibly.
I remind students that problem solving is rarely about a single correct answer. It is about engaging with complexity, balancing competing priorities, and making informed, responsible choices. These lessons extend beyond law, equipping students to navigate challenges in leadership, public service, and personal endeavors.
Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders
Real-world problem solving is essential for cultivating thoughtful leaders. Students who learn to integrate critical thinking, ethical judgment, and reflective practice are better prepared to address complex challenges with clarity and integrity. By guiding students through practical problem-solving exercises, mentors provide tools that endure throughout their careers.
Every case I review reinforces this principle. Law is not merely a body of knowledge. It is a discipline of reason, judgment, and applied principle. Mentoring students in practical problem solving teaches them to approach decisions with rigor and discernment. Through careful analysis, ethical consideration, and reflection, they can develop the capacity to make decisions that are not only correct but consequential and just.