By Sheila Pursglove
Legal News
During her first year at Detroit Mercy Law, Kristina Tiessen’s father-in-law bought her Bryan Stevenson’s book, “Just Mercy.”
“I think he could sense that among the long hours of studying and limited time with family and friends, I needed a reminder of why I decided to study law,” she says. “The book remains on my nightstand as a constant reminder of why I undertook this journey.”
Coming from a family of educators, Tiessen earned her undergraduate degree in social development studies and Social work from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, and then pursued a bachelor of education and taught in Ontario—and hopes some day to apply those skills and interests to her law career.
During her time in the education field, Tiessen worked part-time for the nonprofit Mennonite Central Committee, and became increasingly interested in advocacy and policy work, internationally and locally.
“I debated whether acquiring a law degree would allow me to pursue my interests in social justice but being in my third year, I’ve no doubt this is the correct path in my journey,” she says. “It may not be the typical path of an average law student, but I’ve started to see the connection between litigation, social justice, policy, and advocacy.”
A 3L student, Tiessen is enjoying her law school experience.
“Over the past two-and-a-half years, Detroit Mercy has introduced me to some phenomenal and inspirational professors and staff—and building strong relationships with these professors is what has brought me through law school,” she says.
Tiessen has taken numerous classes with adjunct professor Jennifer Pilette, a retired Referee from the Lincoln Hall of Juvenile Justice, who also has a passion for social justice and juvenile justice.
“Professor Pilette’s classes reaffirmed my desire to remain in the area of social justice or poverty law,” Tiessen says. “She took time out of her busy schedule to meet with me and to encourage my desired path.”
After her 1L year, Tiessen spent the summer studying International Law in The Hague and in Nuremberg, Germany, where she learned about the Holocaust and its influences on modern day international law.
Highlights included visits to Auschwitz, Dachau, the International Court of Justice, The International Peace Palace and countless other places.
“I can’t even begin to describe how these experiences will shape and mold my future career in law,” she says.
In the summer after her 1L year, Tiessen interned at the Michigan Attorney General’s Office in the Civil Rights and Liberties Division under the supervision of Assistant Attorney General Ron Robinson.
“After a tiring first year, Ron gave me the encouragement and support I needed to continue my education in law, and provided me the opportunity to display my potential,” she says. “He walked me through motion writing, a court of appeals brief, and countless other beneficial experiences that would no doubt add to my resume. His patience, kindness, support and encouragement has made me the person I am today. As a mentor, he invested his time into my future career, and with that inspiration, I can hopefully do the same.”
When Tiessen realized the Mennonite Central Committee had an office at the United Nations and non-governmental organization status, she was thrilled to be accepted for an internship this past summer. Fellow interns and staff quickly made her feel at home in New York City, showing her around, recommending good eating places, and walking her around Central Park. While most of her days consisted of meetings at the UN, a highlight was walking into a security council meeting and seeing Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon sitting across the room.
“The people I met inspired me to become a lawyer dedicated to social justice and change, and inspired me to become a better person,” she adds. “To be surrounded by a group of people that were dedicated to being conscious global citizens and attorneys was overwhelming. I was in my element. This was undoubtedly what I wanted to do with my life. I miss New York and my co-workers everyday, as well as the food, shows and culture—I had to be dragged home.”
Tiessen’s time at the United Nations was perhaps the most influential experience in her journey to become an attorney.
“I’m still trying to tie together the web that connects litigation, social justice, advocacy and policy but my time at the UN certainly assisted,” she says.
Eager to now gain experience with a law firm, Tiessen is working at Whiting Law in Southfield.
“My experience has been nothing but positive,” she says. “I have a wonderful boss and mentor who takes time every day to ask me how I’m doing and give me feedback on my drafting and writing assignments—that’s invaluable in a large firm.”
In her leisure time, Tiessen has enjoyed traveling all over the world, with her favorite memory a five-day hike up the Salkantay pass to Machu Picchu in Peru.
“Crossfit has kept me sane during law school, and I’ve tried to make time for it since the beginning,” she adds. “I also love coming home and making a delicious meal.”
“Law can be exhausting—it’s so important to take time for your family, friends, and most importantly, yourself,” she adds. “Good food, friends, and supportive family is what has sustained me during my time in law school. I doubt that will change when I enter my law career—I know I can expect long hours and a heavy workload. I want a career that can provide a challenge but that will also provide me with the time to spend with family and friends. This balance is key.”
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