WMU-Cooley Law School workshop series produces literary collection

The book “Lawyer Storytelling: A Sacred Craft” is a collection of 27 short stories created during a summer workshop series at the Grand Rapids campus of WMU-Cooley Law School. These compelling narratives evolved from the imaginations and experiences of participating students, faculty and alumni. They span many genres, including noir, memoir, inspirational, science fiction and suspense.

The tales take readers through law offices, courtrooms, jails and justice systems of the past, present and future, showing why law fascinates and attracts, and what lawyers accomplish because of their skill—and sometimes—despite their failings. The collection is available on Amazon.com.

A little girl’s twisted smile, marred by dog bite, breaks a hard-boiled litigator’s heart…. A dying lawyer refers his last case…. A divorce lawyer faces off against combative counsel with a drug-dealer client…. An inter-galactic encounter leads to sinister criminal charges…. A lawyer-investigator faces his executioner in the middle of a stormy night…. A client wins back her husband by trying to seduce opposing counsel while under cross-examination….

“Each remarkable story reflects the unique experiences and insights of its author,” Associate Dean Nelson Miller said, adding, “I was immensely pleased at the stories’ suspense, surprise twists and haunting or redemptive endings. The stories simply humble me as a writer and inspire me as a lawyer.”

The workshops, held from May to July, were a "best seller," from the introduction through the epilogue. Professors and law students spoke, wrote and contributed insights into what makes a story great—and how effective storytelling makes for a better lawyer.

“The experience was truly unique and inspiring,” said WMU-Cooley student Matt Levin, “as is the collection. I hope it finds a wide audience.”