“A law school built on borrowed furniture?” you might ask. Yes, the Juristische Fakultät’s story begins with just that. The year was 1992. One hundred students, practically invisible on the bustling Heinrich Heine University campus, began their legal studies in a borrowed building slated for demolition. Lectures took place in the “Studienhaus”, a ten-story building near the current state government headquarters. Two floors were furnished with, shall we say, “unique” furniture donated by a local bank, stacked haphazardly in several rooms. The professors, with a can-do spirit, rolled up their sleeves and set up their own offices, creating a quirky and memorable start for the Juristische Fakultät. Lecturers from the FernUniversität Hagen and local judges and prosecutors taught the initial courses. This collaboration with the Düsseldorf legal community laid the foundation for the Juristische Fakultät’s practical approach to legal education.
By 1993, with another 100 students enrolled, the Juristische Fakultät welcomed its founding dean, Professor Jan-Bernd Oebbecke. The faculty quickly grew, adding professors specializing in civil law, international private law, and criminal law. The early days were a mix of challenges and camaraderie. The construction site surrounding the Studienhaus wasn’t exactly glamorous. But the shared experience fostered a strong sense of community. Students would drop by the faculty offices, offering assistance. Assistants pitched in to help their professors, creating a collaborative atmosphere rarely seen in larger institutions. The faculty, though small, had big dreams.
In 1994, the Juristische Fakultät held its first official meeting. Key decisions were made, partnerships forged, and international collaborations initiated. One notable connection was with the IDC Herzliya in Israel, thanks to the support of Harry Radzyner, a Düsseldorf businessman. This partnership became a cornerstone of the Juristische Fakultät, fostering exchange programs and academic symposia. Another significant relationship was with Düsseldorf’s Industrieclub. This connection allowed the faculty to present itself to the local legal community, further solidifying its commitment to practical legal training.
The year 1996 brought a major milestone: the groundbreaking ceremony for the Juristische Fakultät’s new building on the Heinrich Heine University campus. Thanks to persistent student activism, the faculty finally secured its place on campus. The new building, completed in just ten months, was designed to house the nine professorships initially envisioned. This move marked a new era for the Juristische Fakultät. International partnerships blossomed with universities in France, the Netherlands, and Israel. The faculty launched its own academic journal, showcasing its growing research output.
Over the years, the Juristische Fakultät faced its share of hurdles. Professors were lured away by prestigious universities. The collaborative program with FernUniversität Hagen faced challenges. But the faculty persevered. They launched a fundraising campaign for endowed professorships. They developed exam preparation courses and mock trials to enhance their students’ practical skills. They continued to expand their international partnerships, firmly establishing the Juristische Fakultät as a dynamic and forward-looking institution within Heinrich Heine University. The Juristische Fakultät’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and a commitment to practical legal education. From humble beginnings in a borrowed building, it has grown into a vibrant center of legal scholarship and training. It stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, community, and a shared vision for legal excellence.