Ever wonder what it takes to mold legal minds? Here, at the Wayne State University Law School Building in Detroit, history and ambition converge.
Wayne Law was founded in 1927. It was first known as the Detroit City Law School. Allan Campbell was its founding dean. The first class graduated in 1928. They earned bachelor of laws degrees.
In 1933, the City Colleges of Detroit became Wayne University. Later, in 1956, it became Wayne State University. It joined the University of Michigan and Michigan State University. These were the state’s three major public research institutions.
Wayne Law received full ABA accreditation in 1939. Its Moot Court program began in 1938. The Wayne Law Review started in 1954. Members of the Wayne Law Review earned Juris Doctor degrees. This began as an honor and later became standard. In 1965, students founded the Free Legal Aid Clinic. It now operates with Lakeshore Legal Aid and Neighborhood Legal Services.
Wayne Law offers several degree options. These include Juris Doctor, Master of Laws, and an online Master of Studies in Law. They even offer minors in law. The J.D. program has full-time, combined, and part-time options. The online Master of Studies in Law helps HR specialists understand legal principles. The LL.M. program is for lawyers seeking advanced legal studies. A joint J.D. and LL.M. program lets students earn both in seven semesters. Dual degree options combine a J.D. with master’s degrees in other fields. Undergraduate students can minor in law through various WSU colleges.
Wayne Law operates several clinics. These give students hands-on experience. They also assist Detroit residents. Clinics include Appeal and Post-Conviction Advocacy and Asylum and Immigration Law Clinic. There is also a Business and Community Law Clinic. Also, there are Disability Law and Immigration Appellate Advocacy Clinics. Furthermore, there’s the Legal Advocacy for People with Cancer Clinic. Lastly, there is the Patent Procurement Clinic.
Academic journals at Wayne Law include The Journal of Law in Society. The Journal of Business Law is also present. Finally, there is the Wayne Law Review. Externships allow students to earn credit for work at approved placements. These include courts, nonprofits, and agencies. Wayne Law offers Corporate Counsel, Judicial, and Public Service Externships.
The Damon J. Keith Center for Civil Rights opened in 2011. It addresses civil rights needs. The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy was established in 2015. It educates future leaders on institutional oversight. The Program for International Legal Studies focuses on international legal activities.
Wayne Law has been recognized as a Best Value Law School. It has also been lauded for practical training.
Notable alumni include William Davidson and Dorothy Comstock Riley. Damon Keith and John Conyers also attended. Stephen M. Ross and Arthur Tarnow are alumni. Marilyn Jean Kelly and Dan Gilbert also studied here. Gary Peters and Megan Kathleen Cavanagh are graduates too.
Wayne State University Law School continues to shape legal minds. Its rich history and dedication to practical experience define it. The Law School remains a vital institution in Detroit.