It was a story of redemption Friday, as Robert VanSumeren, 40, of Jackson County, was sworn in as an attorney by Hillsdale County Circuit Court Judge Michael Smith, the same judge who sentenced him to prison in 1999.
VanSumeren, who has since turned his life around after spending six years behind bars for a string of robberies committed as a teen, is the 169th attorney to be admitted in Hillsdale County since local officials began keeping dated records in 1859.
On Friday, he was joined inside the courtroom by his wife, Dana, his two young sons, and his sponsor, Marie Reimers, who formally motioned for him to be admitted to the state bar during a private swearing-in ceremony.
Smith said he didn’t recall VanSumeren’s case specifically, but said the new attorney should be “commended” for his transformation.
“I don’t remember your case, which in this instance is probably a good thing,” Smith joked.
When Smith asked VanSumeren if he wanted to say anything, VanSumeren credited his family for supporting him throughout his journey.
“I wouldn’t be here today without the support of my wife, family and children,” he said. “It takes a village.”
Following VanSumeren’s swearing-in, in a rare departure from normal courtroom decorum, Smith gave the audience permission to applaud the newly-minted attorney.
“This is one of those occasions where it’s called for,” he said.
A Long, Difficult Journey
Nearly 20 years ago to the day, VanSumeren appeared in the same Courthouse, but under very different circumstances.
His story has its roots in heartbreak and addiction. When his family broke up during his teenage years, he struggled to cope, turning to drugs and alcohol to ease the pain.
At his lowest point, he robbed a gas station with a BB gun, before undertaking an unarmed bank robbery. Smith sentenced him to 70-240 months in prison for his crimes.
While VanSumeren was serving out his sentence, he decided to accept responsibility for his actions and turn his life around...READ MORE
