Thomas Kienbaum, '68, vice chair of the Wayne Law Board of Visitors
"Wayne Law will provide an excellent legal education, with practical application emphasized, which can serve in any legal market."
Undergraduate degree? When/where?
I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan in 1965, and applied to the University of Michigan Law School. I had had too much fun during my undergraduate years in Ann Arbor, and had washed out of pre-med. Law seemed like a logical alternative.
Why did you choose Wayne Law?
When I was turned down by UM because of my grades, I applied to Wayne Law as the next best school in the state. I was accepted and did very well in my first year, which would have allowed me to transfer to UM. But I liked my experience at Wayne Law so much, that I decided to stay and to graduate.
What student organizations/co-curriculars were you involved in?
I was a member of a law fraternity, whose name I frankly do not recall. I also served as an editor on The Wayne Law Review, but my most significant student endeavor undoubtedly was the bridge group we put together, which met downstairs in the Library Building to play hours on end, rather than studying. Unfortunately, two of our group - Bill Lightbody and Ed Ruby - are deceased. Fred Ruby was our fourth.
Was there a law professor who really impacted your journey into law?
In the 1960s, our law professors typically were long-time practitioners who in later life decided to teach - a stark difference from the academically recognized professors we see at Wayne Law today. Two of those, Harold Marchant and Boez Siegel, were plain-spoken, down-to-earth professors who made you understand torts and contracts, respectively. They gave us a great foundation in these fields and were terrific professors, notwithstanding that they published little, if anything.
Did you feel well prepared for a career in law?
When we graduated in 1968, we had very little of the more practice-related coursework available to us. Learning how to "practice law" was relegated to the law firm you worked with - in my case Dickinson Wright where I profited from a number of excellent mentors.
What is your current professional title?
After 28 years with Dickinson Wright, where I became the second partner who was a Wayne Law graduate (there are of course many now), I started my own firm in 1997 with three other Dickinson Wright partners. Our firm specializes in labor and employment law and is known as a boutique in that field.
How/why did you become involved with the Wayne Law Board of Visitors? Why do you stay involved?
I became involved with the Wayne Law Board of Visitors at the request of Jim Robinson, when he was serving as Dean. After some initial activity, it lagged, until Nancy Edmunds became chair. She asked us to become reinvigorated, and we did under her leadership. I now see the Board of Visitors as a viable body that can and does make a difference for the Law School.
What advice would you give to prospective students considering Wayne Law as their law school?
Wayne Law presents a unique opportunity to meld an urban experience with a high level of academic endeavor. While degrees from Yale, Harvard or UM may provide a better entree on Wall Street, Wayne Law will provide an excellent legal education, with practical application emphasized, which can serve in any legal market.