Toledo Law Students Honored with Genesee County Bar Scholarships

Toledo Law Students Honored with Genesee County Bar Scholarships

Three University of Toledo College of Law students were recently recognized by their hometown legal community with the prestigious John S. Beagle Scholarship, awarded annually by the Genesee County Bar Foundation.

Third-year students Jake Riem and Jake Desotelle, along with second-year student Madeline Herman, each received the scholarship of $5,000, which supports academically strong law students from Genesee County, Michigan, who plan to return to the region to practice law.

"It's special to be recognized by the community that shaped us," said Riem, a native of Grand Blanc, Michigan. "Flint is where I grew up, and it's the place I want to advocate for. I look forward to going back and giving back to the people who supported me."

The scholarship honors the late John S. Beagle, a longtime member of the Genesee County legal community, affectionately known as the "Legal Beagle." Awards were presented during a luncheon hosted by the Genesee County Bar Association at the Flint Farmers' Market, attended by local judges, attorneys, and community leaders.

All three Toledo Law students have deep roots in Flint and gained hands-on experience this past summer in the Genesee County Seventh Circuit Court. Riem and Desotelle clerked for Judges Elizabeth A. Kelly and Mark W. Latchana, while Herman served as an intern in Kelly's chambers. She said she plans to continue that work through an externship this spring.

"I really enjoyed working in criminal law this summer alongside these dedicated judges. I'm a second year, so my path is ever changing," Herman said. "But it confirmed for me that I want to build my career in this community."

After graduation, Riem and Desotelle will return to Flint to clerk for local judges. Both students said the experience has strengthened their commitment to serving Genesee County residents.

"Flint has faced challenges, but it's also full of resilience," Desotelle said. "It means a lot to us to be part of a new generation of attorneys working to make a difference."