"In an ideal world, all people would, from the beginning, have been equal in the eyes and hands of the law. But we do not live in an ideal world, which is why the law is so necessary, and potent, and yes -- so precious. Good women and good men use the law not only -- and not first -- to achieve personal success, but first and mainly to achieve justice. Then there is hope."

Of counsel to our firm, Michael Dettmer was appointed by President Bill Clinton to serve as United States Attorney for the Western District of Michigan, a role he served with distinction until 2001. Our firm is especially partial to this speech of Mike’s, delivered as the commencement address for Wayne State University Law School. Mike’s vision of lawyers expresses what we all strive to be.

Read the full transcript of the speech via the PDF download below.

Wayne State University Law School commencement address
Saturday, May 11, 1996