Isn’t it remarkable that here in downtown Detroit stands the University of Detroit Mercy Law School? Founded in 1912, Detroit Mercy Law is the oldest private law school in Michigan. It embodies a tradition of education rooted in Jesuit and Mercy values.
Detroit Mercy Law is located between East Jefferson Avenue and East Larned Street. The school stands not far from the Renaissance Center. State and federal government buildings are also nearby. This includes the Third Judicial Circuit Court and the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The University of Detroit Law School was founded in 1912. Later, the University of Detroit merged with Mercy College of Detroit in 1990. This formed the University of Detroit Mercy. Since 1933, the American Bar Association has accredited Detroit Mercy Law.
The University of Detroit Mercy Law School is committed to social justice. Its mission is to educate ethical lawyers. It emphasizes service to the community. All students engage in clinics or law firm programs. They represent real clients before they graduate.
Detroit Mercy Law offers full-time, part-time, and extended part-time programs. It also provides dual degrees. One is a J.D./M.B.A. Another is a three-year Dual J.D. program. This is in partnership with the University of Windsor. Students can earn both Canadian and American Juris Doctor degrees.
The Law School has an annual enrollment of 612 students. The school employs 67 faculty members. 23 are full-time and 44 are adjunct. The student-to-faculty ratio is favorable. The average 1L section size is smaller compared to other law schools.
In 2023, Detroit Mercy Law accepted 52.22% of applicants. Of those accepted, 37.33% enrolled. The average enrollee had a 154 LSAT score and a 3.46 GPA.
Tuition and fees for the 2022-23 academic year totaled $45,824. In 2023, 87.29% of graduates were employed in full-time positions. These positions required bar passage or were JD advantaged. A majority secured positions as lawyers. Most were employed in firms of 1 to 25 attorneys.
Detroit Mercy Law’s main academic publication is the University of Detroit Mercy Law Review. It has contributed to legal scholarship since 1916. The school hosts an annual symposium. It discusses topics of developing legal significance.
Graduates of Detroit Mercy Law include Michigan state prosecutors and sitting judges. These judges serve on the U.S. District Courts and the Michigan Supreme Court. They also serve on the Michigan Court of Appeals. Alumni have held major elective offices. This includes mayors of Detroit and Michigan attorneys general.
Notable alumni include judges James M. Alexander, Kyra Harris Bolden, and Michael F. Cavanagh. Also, judges Maura D. Corrigan and Patrick J. Duggan. Judges Barbara K. Hackett and Kathleen Jansen are alumni. Thomas G. Kavanagh and Thomas M. Kavanagh also graduated from here.
The University of Detroit Mercy Law School stands as a beacon of legal education in the heart of Detroit. It is shaping future leaders. Its commitment to justice and service remains unwavering.