Shanda Vander Ark, a 2020 Cooley Law School graduate, was convicted of murder and child abuse in the starvation death of her disabled 15-year-old son who weighed just 69 pounds was sentenced to life in prison without a chance of parole on January 23, 2024.   A day later was also stripped of her parental rights regarding her remaining minor child who was also living with her during Timothy's abuse.  Court records showed she should have never had custody of Timothy in the first place as an Oklahoma court had awarded custody to her ex-husband several years ago.  Additionally she was unable to apply to the Michigan bar due to outstanding child support payments of close $50,000.

It seems that had her past been fully known, she should not have been admitted to law school in the first place.  Background checks to determine character are done in order to apply for law school.   So one has to wonder:  did Shanda disclose that she had custody taken away in Oklahoma?  That she kicked her pregnant sister causing her to miscarry?  That she was commonly found on sexual BDSM websites?

From the Cooley Website:

All applicants to the Bar must establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that they possess the good moral character required for admission, or admission will be denied. Your candor in your application to law school is a crucial indicator of your character and fitness for admission to the practice of law. The Bar will compare your disclosures on your law school application to criminal records and other information about you and if they determine that you have not been forthright, they may deny your admission.

The American Bar Association Standard 504(a) states: "A law school shall advise each applicant that there are character, fitness, and other qualifications for admission to the bar," therefore, applicants are encouraged to contact the jurisdiction in which they intend to practice to learn about that jurisdiction's requirements for admission to the Bar prior to matriculation.

Severe Penalties Will Be Imposed For Failing To Fully Disclose
Applicants are responsible for the accuracy and thoroughness of all information provided. Failure to disclose, concealment of information, or failure to fully disclose may result in denial of admission, revocation of admission, suspension, or dismissal after matriculation, withdrawal of certification of graduation, or revocation of the degree. If you fail to promptly update your application with any new information, you could be subject to dismissal from the school, suspension, or placement on administrative probation.

WE BELIEVE SHANDA VANDER ARK'S LAW DEGREE SHOULD BE REVOKED.