Student Spotlight: Detroit Mercy Law student delivers on long ago promise

A rising 2L at Detroit Mercy Law, Keaton Frohn is pictured on a visit to England, near London’s Tower Bridge on the River Thames.
 

Photo courtesy of Keaton Frohn

By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

Keaton Frohn promised his grandmother he would become an attorney. Now a rising 2L at Detroit Mercy Law, Frohn is well on the way to accomplishing that promise.

“Much of what draws me to the study of law is rooted in how you need to look at issues from an objective mindset,” he says. “As well, I promised my nana I would become one. Quick trip down memory lane—my nana was a Catholic school guidance counselor for over 30 years. One day, when I was 14 or 15, she talked about how ‘great it would be if you become a lawyer…. so, you better do it.’ Every once in a while I think about how right she was.” 

Frohn launched his academic trajectory with a business administration degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati, attracted by the degree’s versatility that got him in the door to interview for financial internships, marketing internships, and eventually to apply to law schools. 

During his second semester of junior year at Xavier, he commuted twice a week 80 miles to Frankfort, Ky. At the Kentucky state capital, he was a communications intern although that was not his original placement. One day, when he was the only intern in the office, the Chief of Staff of the Minority Office asked hm to write a PSA on “SLAP” Lawsuits that are designed to silence public discourse. 

“After that project, I became a communications intern that afforded me the opportunity to help draft floor speeches for assembly members or media talking points for proposed legislation,” Frohn says. “I enjoyed the work because it gave me the opportunity to tap into my creative and persuasive writing skills. As well, I enjoyed witnessing all the hard work the members of the minority office put in to represent their constituents.” 

After graduating from Xavier, Frohn took a gap year, working as a legal intern at BELFOR USA Group, known for disaster relief and remediation efforts. The position provided his first experience in working in a legal department or legal setting. 

“It was a good introduction in how to interact with attorney with vast experience in a specific area of the law,” he says. 

Much of his pre-law school interest was centered around the desire to do political work. Even before law school, he had a personal goal of being the most objective person in a room, and look at issues in a non-partisan light. 

“As well, political work introduced me to many constituents in the Metro Detroit area and allowed me to hear their stories on how political issues affect them,” he says. “Sadly, because of today’s inclination to make every issue hypertensive, I no longer had that same desire to work in the political realm.” 

Frohn has not narrowed down a specific legal focus. 

“UDM does an excellent job of pushing you to try multiple different areas of the law to develop which legal interest is right for you,” he says. “So far, my two best areas of study are criminal law and property law, gaining opportunities to learn from experienced members of the Detroit and Michigan legal community should be helpful in my determination.” 

Through the career services office, Frohn was introduced and placed in an internship with Judge Christopher Murray at the Michigan Court of Appeals. 

“The judicial internship allows me to better develop my legal writing skills, and hear, read, and research well-crafted appellate issues in real time,” he says. 

Frohn notes his most formidable career goal is to become the best advocate he can be through his pursuit of his law degree. 

“On a more personal level, I have a goal to wake up each day with the same passion and zeal as the previous in order to tackle the challenges I may face in law school or in a work-setting,” he says. “A quote that has always resonated with me, as Nelson Mandela once said, ‘There is no passion to be found playing small—in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.’”

Frohn’s original and current hometown is the Oakland County village of Beverly Hills. He is one of four siblings, the only boy. 

“As well, I have a twin sister, which is like being born with a best friend you can’t get rid of or live without,” he says with a smile.

He appreciates that Detroit is just a 20-minute drive down the Lodge Freeway (M-10) where he gets to experience all the city has to offer every day. 

“I’m proud of the revitalization of Detroit, and all the work that has gone in to make it competitive on the national stage,” he says. 

In his leisure time, he hits the links, and has been golfing since the age of 10.

“Through all that time, a quote from the legendary golfer Bobby Jones has always come to mind when asked this question. ‘Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots – but you have to play the ball where it lies.’ As well, golf is a great strategic game that improves your focus in pressure situations.”

 



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