2021 Viewbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1
Dean’s Message
2
At a Glance
4
Educating the Complete Lawyer
7
Professors with Real-World Experience
7
Academic Success & Bar Preparation
8
Hands-on Lawyering from Day One
10
Global Perspectives
11
Commitment to Social Justice
13
Expanded Career Opportunities
14
Student Life & Diversity
16
Strategic Location: Downtown Detroit
17
Admissions & Financial Aid
Our Mission
Dean’s Message
University of Detroit Mercy
I am proud to serve as Dean of
School of L aw is a diverse, urban
Catholic law school
in the Jesuit and traditions.
Mercy
We seek to
educate the complete lawyer through a dynamic curriculum that integrates theory, doctrine, and experiential learning; provides unique
Detroit Mercy Law, and I am excited about what we do together as a community. We are part of the great city
of Detroit—not only in our downtown location but also in our connection to the city. Detroit Mercy Law has a strong and longstanding commitment to preparing students to become excellent, engaged attorneys, ready to represent their clients and serve their communities. We provide students with hands-on learning throughout their legal education. We integrate career and professionalism skills needed to succeed in the workplace. We embrace the challenges presented today by giving every student international perspective on the pressing legal issues facing us all. In short, we educate the
global perspectives through
complete lawyer.
transnational educational
While I am proud of the unique opportunities Detroit Mercy Law provides its students,
opportunities; and emphasizes ethics and service to others.
what I am most excited about is being part of the Detroit Mercy Law community. From the moment I walked in the doors of the School, I knew that Detroit Mercy Law was special. Faculty, staff, alumni, and students come together to make a positive difference in our students’ education, in the Detroit community, and in the world at large. Detroit Mercy Law impacts the lives of all who become a part of the School. I invite you to join us.
Phyllis L. Crocker Dean of Detroit Mercy Law
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Admissions Profile
1L Class Size
Canadian & American Dual JD Students
At a Glance
205
85
Religious Diversity
Birth Countries from Around the Globe
Catholic/Chaldean: 13.7% Protestant/Other Christian: 29.3% No Religious Preference: 12.7% Agnostic/Atheist: 7.3% Jewish: 5.9% Muslim: 5.9% Other: 5% Prefer not to Answer: 21%
“The people you meet along the way at Detroit Mercy Law make the experience rewarding. You share
US, Canada, India Syrian Arab Republic, Sri Lanka Poland, Pakistan, Nigeria Kuwait, Kosovo, Iraq, Iran Hong Kong, Herzegovina China, Bosnia, Albania
Age Range
21-57
the experience of law school together and develop relationships that will last throughout your legal career.” – Najah Allaham, American JD Class of 2020
2
At a Glance Data as of 9/10/2020
Race/Ethnicity
34%
American JD Students
120
1Ls who Self-Identify as Students of Color
Entering Class Profile
Entering Class Profile
LSAT: 150/152 /156
GPA: 3.00/ 3.21/ 3.42
1L Scholarships
2.1 million
$
Founded
1912 Total Student Body
591 13 3
Educating the Complete Lawyer Detroit Mercy Law is a leader in preparing students for the practice of law.
We teach students the skills they need to make a difference and be successful leaders in their community and the world.
Programs of Legal Education AMERICAN JD PROGRAM
Study law in the heart of downtown Detroit and immerse yourself in the region’s largest legal community. Choose the American JD program duration aligned with your career goals and commitments. • 3-year Full-Time Day • 4-year Part-Time Day • 5-year Extended Part-Time Day
JD/MBA
This program, offered in partnership with University of Detroit Mercy College of Business Administration, provides an integrated course of study that connects business and legal concepts and develops skills valued by legal and corporate employers. CROSS-BORDER DUAL JD PROGRAM
DUAL CANADIAN & AMERICAN
JD PROGRAM
Study law on both sides of an international border and expand your career opportunities in an increasingly globalized world. Our Canadian & American Dual JD program, offered in collaboration with the University of Windsor Faculty of Law, is the only comparative program of its kind in Canada or the US in which students earn two law degrees in three years. The law schools are located just four miles apart from each other. Graduates of the program are eligible to be licensed in both the US and Canada.
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“ The quality of legal education is exceptional. The influence of the Dual JD program provides a unique addition to our community, making the experience the only one of its kind in the United States.� Aaron Pattison, American JD Class of 2020
5
“ Professors teach in a practical way to ensure you are prepared for your first legal work experience.� Jailah Emerson, American JD Class of 2020
6
Professors with Real-World Experience At Detroit Mercy Law, you will learn the art of lawyering from experienced faculty who are committed to shaping the next generation of legal professionals. 100% of
our faculty practiced in their area of expertise before joining Detroit Mercy Law and bring real-world experience into the classroom. The law faculty is 60% women, 40% men, and 24% people of color.
Academic Success & Bar Preparation Our comprehensive Academic Success & Bar Preparation program will assist you from the time you enter law school through the bar exam. As a first-year
student, get the most out of your legal education from day one with workshops, individualized plans, and instant feedback. During your second year, receive support selecting courses aligned with your interests and career goals. As you get closer to graduation, prepare for the bar exam with our designated bar prep professional and faculty experts.
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Hands-On Lawyering from Day One COMPREHENSIVE LEGAL RESEARCH &
LAW FIRM PROGRAM
COMMUNICATION PROGRAM
Our nationally recognized Law Firm Program mimics the work
Effective research and communication lie at the heart of effective
assignments, feedback, and professional skills development that new
lawyering and are skills that legal employers demand. Our expert
lawyers experience at law firms, government agencies, non-profit
faculty and law librarians work closely with students, providing them
organizations, and corporate legal departments.
the feedback and guidance necessary to become strong counselors and advocates.
The focus is not on reading a textbook or taking exams. Instead, you gain experience in an area of law of your choice. You learn by working with
American JD Program – 7 credits of legal research and
classmates on assignments that new lawyers would be given in practice
writing spanning your first two semesters to ensure you are prepared
and receive feedback from expert practitioners with extensive real-world
for career success.
practice experience.
Canadian & American Dual JD Program – 9 credit year-long
• Advising Entrepreneurs in
course covers both the American and Canadian legal systems, preparing you for legal work on both sides of the border.
New Business Startups • Anatomy of a Business Transaction
• Intellectual Property • International Commercial Arbitration
• Children and the Law
• Juvenile Justice
• Commercial Real Estate
• Pretrial Civil Litigation
• Family Law
• Pretrial Criminal Litigation
• Health Law
• Small Firm Practice
“My first-year legal research and writing professor went above and beyond to teach us skills that are essential to succeed in practice. The class helped me immensely. I successfully applied my new skillset as a judicial extern the summer after my first year.” Ellen Kim, Canadian & American Dual JD Class of 2020 8
• Immigration Law
CLINICAL PROGRAMS
EXTERNSHIP PROGRAM
Our clinical program, founded in 1965, is among the first clinical
Students complete externships in judicial chambers, public interest
programs in the nation, and is consistently recognized for excellence.
organizations, and government offices to gain hands-on experience,
Our students make a positive difference representing real clients.
earn academic credit, and network with employers. Many externship
In 2019-2020, our students provided 30,000+ hours of free
opportunities are within walking distance of Detroit Mercy Law,
legal services to residents of Detroit and the surrounding
including state and federal courthouses, which makes it convenient to
communities. The clinical program resides in the George J. Asher
gain practical legal experience any time of year.
Law Clinic Center, a converted firehouse built in 1910, located just across the street from the law school. • Immigration Law
• Juvenile Appellate
• Housing Law
• International Patent Law
• Veterans Law
• Family Law
• Appellate Veterans Law
• Federal Pro Se
• Trademark and Entrepreneur • Criminal Trial
Legal Assistance • Environmental Law
“Serving as a judicial extern at the US Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is a highlight of my experience at Detroit Mercy Law and opened many doors in my legal career. It was an honour to spend a summer at the Court and learn from experienced jurists.” Margarita Dvorkina, Canadian & American Dual JD Class of 2019 9
Global Perspectives The practice of law is intertwined with world affairs. At Detroit Mercy Law, you will enhance your legal education and career
opportunities with global perspectives through exposure to international legal issues and legal systems of other countries.
“Detroit Mercy Law is one of the
“The location of Detroit Mercy Law and the experience
most globally focused law
is unlike anywhere else. You are across the river
schools. The school is uniquely
from another country, and you meet both American
situated to offer courses
and Canadian law students. I wanted a school that
directly related to cross-border transactions and litigation.” Parker Mckibbon, Canadian & American Dual JD Class of 2019
would expand my network internationally and that is exactly what I got at Detroit Mercy Law.” Lorena Victoria Bejan, American JD Class of 2019
FRENCH SCHOLAR PROGRAM
STUDY ABROAD
Each year, a Detroit Mercy Law graduate is selected to teach law
Through Detroit Mercy Law’s International Opportunities Program, you
courses at the Université d’ Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
can participate in a summer study abroad program sponsored by an ABAapproved law school. These rigorous programs expose students to legal studies
“Detroit Mercy Law prepared me for a global legal
and practice around the globe.
career. While at Detroit Mercy Law, I met many
“During my study
attorneys with a variety of legal backgrounds,
abroad in Cape Town,
which led to me being selected as a Summer
South Africa, I studied
Associate in the Dubai office of a global law
comparative and
firm. The skills a lawyer uses today transcend
international law with
beyond the mere borders of the lawyer’s respective
law students from
state or country and are used globally. It is imperative that
around the world. I
rising lawyers gain exposure to jurisdictions around the world and learn to adapt to the various circumstances they encounter. It is both an honor and a privilege to represent Detroit Mercy Law as the French Scholar.” Ryan Mardini, American JD Class of 2018
experienced the local community and legal system while interning with a law firm specializing in family law. I learned that traveling the world will teach you plenty, but on the journey you will learn the most about yourself.” Milaka Spann, American JD Class of 2020
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Commitment to Social Justice At Detroit Mercy Law, you will join a community committed to social justice.
You help people throughout your law school experience—starting in your first year.
“I am honored to attend a law school that invests in their students’ legal education and gives their students the tools to make a positive difference within society.” Kourtney Lovett, American JD Class of 2019
CLINICS FOR FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
VOICE FOR JUSTICE FELLOWSHIPS
First-year students work with attorneys
Our community—students, faculty,
Detroit Mercy Law supports students
in the community to gain hands-on
administration, and alumni—volunteer at
making a difference through the Voice for
experience at one-day clinics serving
the Pope Francis Center that is adjacent
Justice Fellowship, which has funded more
clients with matters including housing,
to the law school. We build community
than 100 law students to serve locally
immigration, and criminal expungements.
gardens, distribute blankets to homeless
and throughout the world.
veterans, and help during crises.
“I really enjoyed
“Detroit Mercy Law offers endless
“As a Voice for Justice Fellow,
the one-day
opportunities that remind me
I interned with the International
clinics for
of why I want to be an attorney.
Refugee Assistance Project
first-year
When I reach out a
students. We
helping hand to
helped Detroit residents who were struggling to navigate the judicial system. It
in Amman, Jordan. My work there
my community, it
continues to
reminds me that
inspire and
the core of my
motivate me.
was so rewarding to use what we
passion is to help
learned in the classroom and help
others regain their strength.”
public interest and protecting
people in our own community.”
Randa Asfar,
human and civil rights.”
Bridget Underhill, American JD Class of 2020
American JD Class of 2020
I am committed to
Jenin Sabbah, American JD Class of 2019
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“I chose Detroit Mercy Law because I want to practice law in Detroit. I figured the best way for me to do that was to study law and completely engross myself in the city. Yafeez Fatabhoy, American JD Class of 2018
12
Expanding Your Career Opportunities ALUMNI NETWORK AROUND THE WORLD
You will have an extensive network waiting to welcome you to the legal profession, with 8,000+ alumni practicing around the world in a variety of employment settings. Detroit Mercy Law alumni have achieved success in Detroit and around the globe as dynamic attorneys, judges, politicians, and business leaders. GRADUATE EMPLOYMENT
Many types of employers seek Detroit Mercy Law students and alumni. Detroit Mercy Law graduates launch their careers in law firms, businesses, public interest organizations, government offices, and judicial chambers. 82% of 2019 graduates were employed in legal and professional positions
within 10 months of graduation. CAREER SERVICES OFFICE
Our comprehensive career and professionalism offerings will provide you with timely, real-world perspectives on the legal profession. We will connect you with employers through on-campus interviews, online job postings, and off-campus recruiting events and job fairs. We will support you with application materials, interviews, and professional development to help you achieve your goals.
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Student Life & Diversity At Detroit Mercy Law, you will join a community, build
a network, and form friendships with fellow law students, professors, and alumni that will last throughout your legal career. You can make connections and build your resume through leadership and involvement in student organizations, ranging from the all-inclusive Student Bar Association, to small, special interest student groups, most of which were started by students just like you.
Student Organizations: American Constitution Society Arab American Law Student Association
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Detroit Mercy Law’s Community W.E.B.
Immigration Law Society
Middle Eastern Law Student Association
Detroit Mercy Law Hockey
Intellectual Property and Entertainment Law Society
Black Law Students Association
Environmental Law Society
Law Review
OUTLaws
Business Law Society
Federalist Society
Lawyers Lending Hands
Sports Law Society
Criminal Law Society
Hispanic & Latino/a Law Student Association
Mental Health Association
Veteran’s Law Society
Moot Court Board of Advocates
Women’s Law Caucus
“At Detroit Mercy Law, there are endless opportunities to get involved at the law school and in the local legal community. The great thing about our student body is that we take advantage of all those
Statement on Diversity & Inclusion A critical component of helping our students achieve their personal and
opportunities with energy and
professional goals is preparing them
collegial cooperation.�
to live and work in a world that is
Kristoffer Butler,
wonderfully diverse. We include,
American JD Class of 2019, Student Bar Association, President
respect, and welcome into our community diverse individuals and perspectives. We value diversity in many forms, including gender, race, religion, national origin, economic status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, physical ability, and learning style. We strive to reflect this value through the vibrancy of student life and the composition of our student body, faculty, staff, and administration. In accordance with the Jesuit and Mercy traditions, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is firmly committed to enriching and enhancing the diversity of our community.
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A Strategic Location At Detroit Mercy Law, you study law in the heart of downtown Detroit.
Our Riverfront
Campus has been in the same location since the law school opened its doors in 1912. Detroit Mercy Law’s strategic downtown location is within walking distance to major law firms, businesses, government offices, and courthouses.
“I chose Detroit Mercy Law because of the endless opportunities for involvement in the local legal community. Our school’s location in the heart of Detroit provides an advantage to students in terms of networking, volunteering, and obtaining employment.” Jewel Haji, American JD Class of 2019
D E T R o i t
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Admissions & Financial Aid SCHOLARSHIPS
Application Timeline
First-Year Scholarships
September 1
Applications for Fall Admission Begin
Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the admissions cycle
October
Free Application for Federal Student Aid Opens
for maximum scholarship consideration. All admitted students are
Detroit Mercy FAFSA code: 002323
automatically considered for Dean’s Scholarships and Fellowship
Mid–November Admissions Committee begins to review files for
Awards. Applicants interested in the Henry H. Tarrant Award for
decision. Files are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Black Student Excellence and the Philip J. McElroy Scholarship
Candidates will receive a decision four to six weeks
should submit a letter of interest with their application.
after their file becomes complete.
Additional first-year scholarship information is available at
January–May
Detroit Mercy Law Fellows Interviews
lawschool.udmercy.edu/admissions/scholarships-tuition.
February 1
Priority Deadline for Scholarship Consideration
April 1
Tuition Deposit Due
Upper-Level Scholarships
We provide students who demonstrate academic excellence at the end of their first year with scholarships commensurate with
April 15 Priority Application Deadline. The Admissions Committee may continue to accept applications
for Fall Admission on a space-available basis.
to the Detroit Mercy Law community are eligible for leadership
July 1
Financial Aid Application Priority Deadline
scholarships in their upper-level years.
June/July
Detroit Mercy Law hosts a series of “Jump Start”
events to prepare you for your first year of law school.
August
Orientation and Classes Begin
their success. In addition, students who contribute substantially
Veterans’ Benefits
Detroit Mercy Law participates in veterans’ tuition benefit
programs, including the Yellow Ribbon Program. For an eligibility determination, contact the US Department of Veterans Affairs at www.va.gov or 1-800-827-1000. SUMMER PROGRAM
Detroit Mercy Law welcomes applications from all qualified candidates
The Summer Program is a conditional admissions program for
who seek a legal education. Our Admissions Committee carefully evaluates
applicants whose academic history and LSAT score do not meet the
each applicant’s file and considers a variety of factors in making admissions
minimum standards of the entering class, but who show potential
decisions, including academic achievement, LSAT score(s), writing and
for the study of law. Applicants interested in the Summer Program
analytical skills, leadership, work experience, and community service. We
must include a statement with their application that describes their potential for the study of law. The Summer Program application
recognize that a diverse student body enhances our community, and we value individuals who offer unique backgrounds and experiences.
deadline is April 1. The Summer Program begins in late May and
The admissions team welcomes your questions and looks
is approximately eight weeks long. Participants who satisfactorily
forward to assisting you throughout the application process.
demonstrate ability through the Summer Program are eligible for admission to the American JD program.
313-596-0264 lawadmissions@udmercy.edu
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University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, 651 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 313.596.0264 law.udmercy.edu lawadmissions@udmercy.edu @DetroitMercyLaw