Sinas Dramis People’s Law School Empowers Community with Practical Legal Education
After a pause due to the pandemic, the popular People’s Law School returned this fall, welcoming Mid-Michigan community members back for an engaging and informative legal education experience. Hosted annually by Sinas Dramis Law Firm, this year in partnership with the Ingham County Bar Association, the program is open to everyone—from students and grandparents to working professionals and retirees.
Designed specifically for non-attorneys, the sessions focus on practical legal topics that impact everyday life, helping participants better understand the legal system and their rights.
“Thank you so much for offering these classes again! We’re so happy to have you back!” said a participant who attended People’s Law School prior to COVID and returned this year.
People’s Law School 2025: What Participants Learned
From October 14 through November 18, participants attended six weekly 90-minute sessions led by attorneys and judges from across Michigan’s court system, including the Michigan Supreme Court and district, circuit, appellate, and probate courts.
A big thank you to our esteemed faculty and moderators, who volunteered their time to share their knowledge and expertise:
- Honorable Lisa Babcock, Judge, 54B District Court
- Chief Justice Megan Cavanagh, Michigan Supreme Court
- Honorable Morgan Cole, Judge, 30th Judicial Circuit Court
- Honorable Shauna Dunnings, Chief Judge, Ingham County Circuit and Probate Courts
- Honorable Molly Greenwalt, Chief Judge, 54B District Court
- Honorable Lisa McCormick, Chief Judge, 30th Judicial Circuit Court
- Honorable Kelly Morton, Judge, Eaton County 55th Circuit Court
- Honorable Amanda Pollard, Judge Eaton County Probate Court
- Honorable Michelle Rick, Judge, Michigan 4th District Court of Appeals
- Honorable Wanda Stokes, Judge, 30th Judicial Circuit Court
- Ernscie Augustin, Attorney, Augustin Law Offices
- Kristina Bilowus, Assistant Director of Career Development, Career Services Office, Michigan State University College of Law
- Mary Bowen, Associate Counsel, Attorney Grievance Commission
- John Dewane, Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney
- Destiny Hughes, Attorney, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC
- Gabrielle Lawrence, Senior Attorney, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC
- Takura Nyamfukudza, Partner & Attorney, Chartier & Nyamfukudza
- Sharon Park, Attorney, Michigan Department of Attorney General
- Alexander Rusek, Attorney & Shareholder, Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC
- Stephen Sinas, Partner & Attorney, Sinas Dramis Law Firm
- Katie Tucker, Partner & Attorney, Sinas Dramis Law Firm
- Chris Wickman, Attorney, Nichols Law Firm
“I was really impressed with the level of the presenters. It’s not likely that I would have gotten the opportunity to hear from the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court,” one attendee shared.
Each session focused on a core area of law, including:
- An overview of the Michigan court system and how cases move through the courts
- Personal injury law, including rights after car accidents and serious injuries
- Family law, covering divorce, custody, and related matters
- Landlord-tenant law, outlining rights and responsibilities for renters and property owners
- Criminal law basics, including charges, court procedures, and constitutional protections
- Probate law, addressing estates and wills
The sessions emphasized open dialogue and encouraged questions, creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment.
“My favorite part of each session was the Q&A,” said one participant.
Another attendee added, “I loved hearing everyone’s questions that were informed by their life experiences. I learned a lot from the people around me in addition to the presenter panels.”
Affordable, Accessible Legal Education for the Community
People’s Law School is intentionally designed to be accessible and affordable. For a $25 registration fee, participants received access to all six sessions, along with food and refreshments.
“I most enjoyed the wealth of information, the fee for attending was very reasonable, and the willingness of the speakers to share their roles was awesome,” one participant noted.
This low-cost model reinforces the program’s mission: making legal knowledge available to everyone—not just those with legal training.
Sinas Dramis Law Firm’s Commitment to Community Service
By hosting People’s Law School, Sinas Dramis Law Firm continues its long-standing commitment to community education, civic engagement, and public service, fulfilling its promise of “We Do More.”
Beyond serving as Michigan’s advocates for the injured, Sinas Dramis has a deep history of supporting initiatives that empower individuals through education and advocacy—demonstrating the firm’s dedication to strengthening communities across the state.
Why People’s Law School Matters
Legal issues can feel intimidating, especially for those unfamiliar with the system. People’s Law School helps bridge that gap by:
- Simplifying complex legal concepts
- Empowering individuals to understand their rights
- Encouraging informed decision-making
- Building trust between the legal community and the public
“Thank you for doing this. I greatly appreciated all of the empowerment and information the presenters gave everyone,” one attendee shared.
Another added, “I loved getting to know our judges on a more personal level.”
People’s Law School 2026: Stay Connected
People’s Law School will return in Fall 2026. Watch for updates on the Sinas Dramis website and social media channels. To be added to the People’s Law School distribution list, email sinasdramis@gmail.com with PLS in the subject line.