I.W. (Bill) Winsten, '79, chair of the Wayne Law Board of Visitors

"Wayne Law combines its exceptional faculty with a location that is near all the courts and employers. This provides a rich experience and the opportunity to gain a diverse work experience so you can better choose the type of law you wish to practice."

Undergraduate degree? When/where?
I earned my undergraduate degree from Wayne State University in 1976.

Why were you interested in earning a JD?
I read "Clarence Darrow for the Defense" as a young boy and was struck by how he made a profound difference in peoples' lives as a trial lawyer.

Why did you choose Wayne Law?
The tuition was a bargain and the education was outstanding.

What student organizations/co-curriculars were you involved in?
I was on The Wayne Law Review, participated in the Trial Advocacy Program, interned at the U.S. Attorney's Office and volunteered for a group that helped indigents in disputes with their landlords.

How did your involvement in student organizations impact your law school experience?
It was quite special to be able to work inside the nearby U.S. Attorney's office, and the Trial Advocacy Program made me very excited about getting started as a lawyer and trying my first case (which happened two months after I passed the bar).

Was there a law professor who really impacted your journey into law?
Yes, there were several. I really was impressed by the intelligence and discipline of Professor Joseph Grano (even though we were political opposites) and I ended up working for my evidence professor, James Robinson, who was an adjunct professor and then the U.S. Attorney, and later became the chair of the Litigation Department at my law firm.

Did you feel well prepared for a career in law?
Absolutely. Wayne Law really prepared me for the intellectual and practical challenges of practicing law.

What is your current professional title?
I am a partner at Honigman, Miller, Schwartz and Cohn, LLP and specialize in trial work involving complex business-related disputes.

How/why did you become involved with the Wayne Law Board of Visitors? Why do you stay involved?
I was asked by a federal judge, Nancy Edmunds, to get involved. I was delighted to do so because of all Wayne Law has done for me. I am now chair of the Board of Visitors, and am pleased that I have the opportunity to help make the Law School an even better institution for the next generation.

What advice would you give to folks considering Wayne Law as their law school?
Wayne Law combines its exceptional faculty with a location that is near all the courts and employers. This provides a rich experience and the opportunity to gain a diverse work experience so you can better choose the type of law you wish to practice.

Anything else you'd like to add?
I look forward to meeting you when you are here.