This edition of Spotlight features Baker College alumna, Angela Medley, a family law attorney and managing partner at Polizzi & Medley Law in Mount Clemens, Mich.
Welcome to Baker College’s Spotlight feature, a series of brief interviews with notable Baker College students, faculty, and alumni who are making news and reaching new heights in their educational and professional pursuits.
This edition of Spotlight features Baker College alumna, Angela Medley, a family law attorney and managing partner at Polizzi & Medley Law in Mount Clemens, Mich. Medley was recently profiled in the Detroit Legal News and has been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers for two consecutive years.
Baker College (BC): What year did you graduate from Baker College and what degree did you earn?
Angela Medley (AM): I earned an associate degree in general business in 2003, and a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 2005. I completed my bachelor’s through Baker’s 15-month accelerated degree program.
BC: Why did you choose Baker College?
AM: At the time, I had a girlfriend who was enrolled at Baker (in the early childhood program), and she encouraged me to check it out. I transferred to Baker from Macomb Community College. I loved the small campus and its close proximity to my home, and the variety of classes offered at night were the main reason I chose Baker. I was divorced with three kids, and I worked full-time during the day. That same friend babysat my children for me in the first year, so I could attend night classes.
BC: What is your current job title/professional role?
AM: I am an attorney and managing partner at Polizzi & Medley Law, located in downtown Mount Clemens. I practice primarily family law.
BC: What were your career goals when you enrolled at Baker College? How do they compare to where you are today?
AM: Initially, my goal was to continue my education and obtain an MBA. I thought I would secure a position as a Human Resources Manager with a big firm. I changed my mind when I got to law school. A lot of changes were taking place in my personal life, and I decided to change my professional path too, choosing to practice family and criminal law.
BC: What do you like best about your job/career path? What do you find most challenging?
AM: The best part of my job is going to court. I love going to court and attending hearings. Every case has its challenges, and no two cases are identical. My job is incredibly diverse and never boring. With the current COVID 19 public health crisis, things are changing and evolving, and I am continually learning new policies and procedures.
BC: How do you feel your time at/degree from Baker College has contributed to your professional success?
AM: Going away to school was not an option for me. I wasn’t raised in an environment where children were expected to attend a university. Baker gave me a college experience, while still allowing me to support my family. I was a non-traditional student, and Baker College accommodated my needs as such. It was hard work, and I had to designate a lot of free time to my classes. My kids made sacrifices too. But I learned to prioritize and multitask as a college student, and Baker College prepared me for the rigors of law school. I also learned the value of good friends, like those who helped me with babysitting so I could pursue my degrees and my professional pursuits.
BC: What best piece of advice would you share with current college students?
AM: Be proud of your accomplishments. Be proud of being a Baker College student. Your education is priceless. The contact you have with the outside world through your college classes is so valuable. Believe it or not, you may miss it when it’s all over!
BC: What would you want others to know about Baker College?
AM: When I attended Baker College, the campus was initially very small. Although it has since expanded, it is still a modest campus compared to many large-scale colleges and universities. However, the education that Baker College can provide cannot be judged by the size of its campus or how many buildings it contains. The professors and instructors at Baker College are top-notch with practical experience, and the educational opportunities available there provide a path to a successful career.
