By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Tyler Webb got started on a law school trajectory during his freshman year at Central Michigan University, where attorney Todd Levitt was his adjunct professor for a business class.
“Todd kind of took me under his wing and it felt like a natural fit,” says Webb, now a 2L student at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
Webb served as vice president of CMU’s American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) that had been non-existent until his senior year.
“I was able to work with the awesome faculty at CMU and students to help establish the group,” he says. “I really wanted to do something to give future and current students an opportunity to explore the role of being a lawyer and what it’s like to prepare and argue a case.
“It was an invaluable experience and I’m really glad it was able to come to fruition before I graduated. Although it was a team effort, I’m glad I was able to help make it happen.”
Webb further tried out the legal world by interning at Todd Levitt’s criminal defense law firm in Mount Pleasant from April of his freshman year throughout the summer and school year until graduation.
“It was definitely a way of testing the waters of a legal career but it didn’t take long until I was sold,” he said. “Todd involved me in every step of the process. I co-hosted his weekly legal radio show and was able to travel to courthouses all over the state of Michigan.
“I saw first-hand how much help and guidance Todd brought to those in need. I felt that I could be truly impactful by pursuing a career in the legal field. By the time I was a sophomore I knew I was likely going to pursue law school.”
After graduation, Webb was accepted to New England School of Law in Boston.
He enrolled, went to orientation and had every intention of settling down in “Beantown.”
“But for some reason it just didn’t feel right, and all signs pointed to it not being a good fit,” he said.
He made the decision to take a gap-year and to re-apply for the following fall.
“It was really tough stepping away from law school — the plan was always to go right to law school after I finished undergrad,” he said. “But, with the support of my parents, I was able to land on my feet.”
His gap year still took him to the Livingston County Probate Court, clerking for Chief Judge Miriam Cavanaugh.
“This was a great experience and really allowed me to see how the ‘wheels of justice’ turn from the inside-out,” he said. “I’m still in constant contact with the friends I made in Livingston County. It was probably one the best decisions I’ve made in my life. I couldn’t be happier with how things have worked out.”
Webb notes that when he headed to Detroit Mercy Law, it was with an attitude of “head down, no friends, all business.”
“I couldn’t have been more wrong,” he says. “My greatest joy in law school is the friendships and relationships I’ve made with other students. Law school is daunting at times — it can be really hard, not just the school work but dealing with stress and other things. Having such a great support system both inside and outside the classroom has made it so much easier — and for that I have to thank my friends and fellow students.
“Additionally, we have great faculty — they really care about your success and it helps to know that you have established faculty and administration firmly in your corner.”
Webb, who gravitates towards criminal law but also enjoys contracts and sports law, appreciates the influence and importance the legal profession plays in society.
“I felt — and still feel — it was the best avenue for me to take to contribute to those who need some help or guidance,” he said.
Serving as 2L class president, Webb enjoys working alongside the other class officers and making sure the needs and concerns of classmates are addressed and dealt with.
The class recently participated in Adopt-A-Family, “adopting” three adult males for the holiday season.
“I’m so proud of our class, and their efforts to make a difference in the community,” he says.
The class officers have several goals and ideas moving towards the 3L year, including fund-raising, class events, and continuing efforts to give back to the community.
“It’s so important to have a good balance of work and fun, so we want to make sure there are some things we can do as a class to blow off steam and enjoy the fruits of our labor,” he said.
“Our class is extremely close and I hope to keep that cohesiveness as we progress towards graduation and beyond.”
While he is taking his studies one day at a time, Webb also keeps his eye on a future prize.
“Ultimately, I think a judgeship is one of the pinnacles of our profession — that would be pretty incredible,” he said.
Webb also was influenced in his choice of career by his parents, who he says have always done what they could to help someone out or to help the community.
“I really owe a big thanks to all my friends, and my parents for their support in law school — it’s been a grind, and I really couldn’t do it without them,” he said. “I take great pride in being a Detroit Mercy law student, but knowing that I’m making my parents and friends proud adds a different level of pride and joy to the journey.”
An Ypsilanti native and graduate of Lincoln High School, Webb enjoys spending time with friends and family, and his new canine buddy, Izzy.
“She’s a lot of work, as any puppy is, but it’s great to come home after class and have her waiting for me,” he said. “Thankfully, I can rely on my parents to help out!”
A huge sports fan, and a “mega-baseball” fan of the Red Sox, Webb played baseball growing up and started umpiring at the tender age of 12. During undergrad, he got involved with the United States Sports Specialty Association (USSSA) officiating for ages 8 to 18 including in state and World Series tournaments.
“I enjoy umpiring so much because I know how important that game is to the kids,” he said. “At that particular moment, the game they’re playing is the only thing those kids care about —ensuring they get the most enjoyment is fulfilling, and it keeps me in involved in the sport.”
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