Canadian native Camille DeSumma, a 3L student at Cooley Law School, received the Distinguished Student Award at the recent Honors Convocation. She is pictured with her parents, Sam and Cathy.
By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
Camille DeSumma got her first taste of the legal world by working at a law firm after her first year of undergrad. The experience reinforced her belief this was a field where she could excel, and it solidified her decision to pursue a career in law.
“Although my role wasn’t directly hands-on with legal work, gaining an understanding of how a law office is organized, how documents are filed, and learning the behind-the-scenes processes of a legal environment was incredibly beneficial at that stage of my educational journey,” she says.
Now a 3L student at Cooley Law School, DeSumma—who hails from the Ontario city of Sault Ste Marie— earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Ottawa, studying political science and law.
“Studying political science in Canada’s capital, was an incredible experience,” she says. “The intersection of politics and law is fascinating, and being able to study these subjects in the political heart of my country was invaluable. The skills I developed during my undergraduate studies in social science—especially in research and writing—translate exceptionally well to law school. These experiences provided a solid foundation that has been instrumental as I’ve advanced in my legal education.”
She was inspired to apply to Cooley after one of her mentors, a Cooley alum, spoke highly of the school and shared her experience there.
“Studying in the U.S. was something I’d always wanted to do, and Cooley gave me the opportunity to live out that dream,” DeSumma says. “Growing up in a cross-border town, so close to the U.S., it was always a vision I had for myself. Cooley’s alumni are known for being hardworking and dedicated lawyers—qualities I pride myself on—which made Cooley the perfect fit for me.
“From my very first day, I felt the professors genuinely care not only about our academic achievements but also about our well-being as individuals,” she adds. “I can’t say enough good things about the professors—they’ve played a crucial role in helping me and my classmates grow, not just as future lawyers, but also as individuals. Cooley has truly special professors, and they make all the difference.”
A recent highlight was receiving the Distinguished Student Award at Cooley’s Honors Convocation.
“It was truly an honor to be nominated by my fellow classmates—there’s nothing more rewarding than having your peers recognize your hard work over the years,” she says. “My classmates have made my time at Cooley so enjoyable. It’s a privilege to say that even though some classes were challenging, being around my classmates made every lecture a joy to attend. Cooley fosters a wonderful community of students, and this award reflects the impact I’ve had on my peers—something I didn’t fully realize until receiving the nomination. I can think of several other students who could have received this award alongside me, which speaks to how special the student body is at Cooley. Representing my class in this way is an honor, and this award will always hold a special place in my memories of my time here.”
This summer’s externship at the Chippewa County Prosecutor's Office immersed her in the practical aspects of criminal law, offering in-depth research opportunities and courtroom exposure—observing proceedings, assisting with trial preparation, and engaging in court-related tasks.
“The supportive environment fostered by every prosecutor was particularly impactful--they went above and beyond to ensure I had a meaningful learning experience, providing guidance, answering questions, and involving me in substantive legal work,” she says. “This externship was an enriching experience that provided me with practical skills, a deeper understanding of the legal system, and a strong foundation for my future in the legal profession.”
Although she has a particular interest in transactional law, this externship has sparked a growing interest in criminal law and she also is passionate about mediation and alternative dispute resolution methods.
“Ultimately, I’m eager to gain as much experience as possible across various legal fields, from civil litigation to wills and estates,” she says.
“I aim to be a legal advocate who blends logic and empathy in my practice, regardless of the area of law I pursue. One of my career goals is to become a professor, inspired by the profound impact the professors at Cooley have had on me. When I was little, I dreamed of being a teacher, and while that dream has evolved over the years, I believe it’s something I can still achieve after gaining more practical legal experience.”
The law school’s Expungement Clinic was DeSumma’s first opportunity to assist people directly while under the supervision of an attorney.
“It was incredibly rewarding to apply the knowledge and skills I’ve gained in a real-world setting, knowing my efforts were making a tangible difference in someone's life,” she says.
Participating in Mock Trial, she played a key role in coordinating events and ensuring everything ran smoothly, developing her organizational and leadership skills.
“It was fulfilling to see the event come together and to support my peers in having a successful and educational experience,” she says. “Mock Trial at Cooley is something special and being a part of it in any manner made my time at Cooley that much more enjoyable.”
Being part of the WLAM leadership class was also a special experience.
“It was the first time I really put myself out there as a 1L, and it helped me overcome the jitters of networking. The community of lawyers that WLAM fosters is truly remarkable, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it,” she says. “This experience, coupled with my involvement in the Organization of Women Law Students—OWLs—made my law school journey incredibly enjoyable. OWLs felt like a supportive girl gang, where we not only had fun together but also created service projects that benefited both our school and the Lansing community. Building these relationships during law school has been essential, and OWLs provided me with tremendous support and unforgettable memories.”
DeSumma also is a member of the Phi Alpha Delta Christiancy Chapter.
“It’s provided me with a strong sense of community and connection with like-minded individuals who are equally passionate about the law and its potential to serve justice,” she says. “Through this chapter, I’ve had the opportunity to engage in meaningful service projects, such as gathering supplies for local shelters, which align with my values of giving back to the community. The chapter has also offered a supportive environment for professional development, networking, and personal growth, helping me to build lasting relationships and further my commitment to a career in law.”
Growing up across the border from Michigan, the Great Lakes State has always felt like a second home, and she hopes to work here once she is licensed.
“After spending my undergraduate years 10 hours away, being back in a place that feels so familiar is special,” she says. “There’s also nothing like a Michigan fall—something everyone should experience at least once in their life.”
She enjoys life in Lansing, and its many coffee shops and bookstores. Reading helps her unwind and escape the stresses of law school; and she dreams of opening a bookstore in her hometown one day.
“I take great joy in recommending books and seeing others enjoy the stories I've discovered,” she says. “I’m also passionate about sports, from hockey to pickleball. My friends know me as a devoted Boston Bruins fan, a budding F1 enthusiast, and an ardent supporter of all things Italian soccer.”
DeSumma’s parents, Sam and Cathy, have been her biggest supporters since she first shared her plans to attend law school.
“They allow me to dream without limitations, something for which I’m endlessly grateful—words cannot fully capture the impact they’ve had on my law school journey,” she says.
“I’m also blessed with an incredibly supportive extended family—my older cousins, aunts, and uncles—who are some of my biggest fans. I love making them proud.”
She also is thankful for her group of friends who are like family, including those she has met in law school.
“Their unwavering support has been instrumental in pushing me to keep going, especially on the tough days,” she says.
“Lastly, I want to honor my grandparents, who, although no longer with us, left a lasting impact on my life. Both sets of grandparents immigrated from Italy to create better lives for their families, instilling in me the values I hold dear today— to always do good and be kind. Being a legal advocate is my way of honoring their legacy. My family means the world to me, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”
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