Mark Ter Molen
Tell us about what you're doing with your life
Have mostly enjoyed practicing law for 35-odd years, almost all at Mayer Brown LLP in Chicago, with career highlights including establishing the innocence of a man on Illinois' death row and helping end Illinois' death penalty, and more recently conducting the longest trial I’ve been involved in, almost 7 months in federal court in Ann Arbor for the first of the Flint "bad water" cases. Have managed to stay married to Joannie, my wonderful wife of 30 years, with 2 great kids, Evan now 27 and Meg now 24 (see pics). Have yet to make a retirement plan - having too much fun so far.
What was your favorite class at Cornell, or the one you found most useful?
Jeremy Rabkin's government classes. He challenged the conventional narratives and forced me to think and clearly articulate issues.
What is your favorite memory of your time at Cornell?
Many, including parties and hanging out at the Sigma Phi house, brunch at the Statler, and early mornings rowing on Lake Cayuga.
What extracurricular activity or hobby from your time at Cornell was most meaningful?
Probably the semester in Washington when I worked for the Supreme Court. Learned a ton about government and met many interesting and influential people.