Perfect fit: Financial expert finds legal niche at UDM Law

Detroit Mercy Law student Jack Cronyn, who served as a team manager for the University of MIchigan football team during undergrad, is pictured with his girlfriend Paulina at “The Big House.” Cronyn had a career as a financial adviser at Merrill Lynch and later was re-deployed in the Financial Crimes-Anti-Money Laundering Unit.

Photo courtesy of Jack Cronyn
 

By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News

John (Jack) Cronyn started his career trajectory with an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of Michigan, to gain a theoretical concept of a field that he notes impacts society every day.  

“I coupled this theoretical knowledge with a master’s degree in business management from the U-M Ross School of Business, to sharpen my skillset in concrete fields of study as it pertains to running a successful business,” he says. 

He then launched a career as a financial adviser at Merrill Lynch, but due to the pandemic and the institution of the CARES Act and the PPP loans, was approached to be re-deployed in the Financial Crimes – Anti-Money Laundering Unit.  

“I accepted this new opportunity and enjoyed the challenges of deciphering white-collar crime,” he says. “After this corporate law experience, I knew acquiring a law degree would propel me to new heights within this field or any other I wish to explore. On top of that experience and with tremendous support from my mother and grandmother, I decided to go back to school to earn my J.D.” 

Recently completing his 1L year at Detroit Mercy Law School, the school is a perfect fit for him as he would like to work within Detroit's city limits professionally after graduation.  

“Having started my higher education journey at the University of Detroit Jesuit High School, I thought it very fitting to conclude my educational journey in the same city,” he says. 

With his previous work experience, Cronyn—who plans to join Law Review—is particularly interested in corporate law and white-collar crime.  

“On top of that, I’m intrigued by the idea of working in prosecution but I’m very open to exploring all of my options,” he says. 

This summer he will extern for Judge Terrence G. Berg at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan—an experience Cronyn is sure will establish a strong foundational grasp in many areas of the law. 

He notes that while the pandemic drastically altered the medium in which a lot of studies and activities are carried out, the remote concept was not too foreign to him and the switch not overbearing. 

“Detroit Mercy Law has done a great job adapting to this new environment,” he says.

A native of Plymouth, where he currently resides, Cronyn receives enormous support from family and friends.

“I have an incredible set of parents, Tim and Mary K, who always push me to succeed and try my best,” he says. “My grandmother, Mary Madek, is a huge inspiration in my life and my grandfather, WIlliam Madek who passed in 2008, knew I would attend law school when I was less than 10 years old. My sister, Erin, is a CPA at Deloitte and is one of my closest friends in this world.  

“Lastly, I have an amazing girlfriend and best friend, Paulina, who is striving for her CPA and works for Plante Moran in Detroit. Her endless support is so appreciated and her energy is contagious.” 

Having served as a team manager for the University of Michigan's football team when he was in undergrad at U-M, Cronyn is passionate about Wolverine football, and anything sports-related. He also enjoys going to the movies; and is trying his hand at baking. 

“I’m learning baking is very difficult for me!” he says.

Cronyn also volunteers each winter for a shopping event founded by—and since named after—his grandfather.  

“The William Madek Knights of Columbus Christmas Shopping event is where my family and I are able to help provide a Christmas for families who would not be able to have a Christmas otherwise,” he says.  


––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/subscriptions
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available


––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available