University of Detroit Mercy. in Michigan Law Schools
1. History & Foundation
Established in 1912 as the University of Detroit Law School.
Became Michigan’s oldest private law school.
In 1990, it merged with Mercy College of Detroit, and the school was renamed the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
It follows Jesuit and Mercy traditions, emphasizing ethics, justice, and service in legal education.
Its location in downtown Detroit gives students direct exposure to courts, firms, and government offices.
2. Academics & Programs
Offers Full-Time JD, Part-Time JD, and Extended Part-Time JD programs.
Has a Dual JD Program with the University of Windsor (Canada) — unique because students earn law degrees recognized in both the U.S. and Canada.
Also offers JD/MBA and other dual degrees.
Curriculum balances legal theory, practical training, and ethics.
Strong focus on social justice, community service, and clinical programs.
The Detroit Mercy Law Review (founded in 1916) is one of the oldest student-run legal journals in Michigan.
3. Admissions & Standards
The school has a moderate acceptance rate (around 45–50%).
Typical entering student profile: Median LSAT ~154, Median GPA ~3.5.
This makes it accessible yet competitive, attracting students committed to service-oriented law.
4. Bar Passage & Outcomes
First-time bar passage rate: around 59–60%.
Two-year ultimate bar passage rate: about 89%.
Graduate employment rate: over 85% of graduates secure jobs in law or JD-required/advantaged positions.
Around 80% of recent graduates practice as attorneys in Michigan or nearby states.
5. Notable Alumni & Case Law Influence
While the school itself doesn’t produce case law, its alumni have shaped Michigan and federal law significantly:
Justice Kyra Harris Bolden – Alumna, now a Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. Her judicial opinions focus on fairness, constitutional protections, and criminal justice reform.
Example: In her rulings, she emphasizes defendants’ due process rights, citing precedents like People v. Tanner, where Michigan courts clarified sentencing fairness.
Justice Michael F. Cavanagh – Served on the Michigan Supreme Court (1982–2014), including as Chief Justice.
Example: In People v. Milbourn (1990), Cavanagh contributed to shaping Michigan’s sentencing guidelines, emphasizing proportionality in punishment.
Justice Maura D. Corrigan – Also served on the Michigan Supreme Court.
Example: In People v. Lukity (1999), Corrigan authored an opinion clarifying when evidentiary errors require reversal of convictions, shaping Michigan’s harmless-error rule.
Judge Theodore Levin – U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Michigan.
His federal decisions often dealt with civil rights and labor law in Detroit’s industrial era, balancing workers’ rights with corporate interests.
Judge Thomas Patrick Thornton – U.S. District Judge, Eastern District of Michigan.
Known for rulings on contract disputes and federal procedure, reinforcing Michigan’s influence in national commercial law.
Frank J. Kelley – Longest-serving Michigan Attorney General (1961–1998), Detroit Mercy Law alum.
Famous for bringing consumer protection cases and environmental lawsuits, such as actions against corporations for deceptive advertising or pollution — establishing the Michigan Model of Attorney General activism.
6. Mission & Values
The school integrates:
Jesuit values: service, justice, and academic excellence.
Mercy values: compassion, inclusivity, and advocacy for the marginalized.
Students are trained not just to be lawyers, but ethical leaders in law and society.
7. Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1912 |
| Location | Downtown Detroit, Michigan |
| Programs | JD, Part-time JD, Dual JD (with Windsor), JD/MBA |
| Mission | Justice, service, ethics (Jesuit & Mercy traditions) |
| Bar Pass | ~60% first-time; ~89% two-year ultimate |
| Employment | 85–90% in law/professional roles |
| Alumni Impact | Michigan Supreme Court Justices, U.S. Judges, Attorney General, Politicians |
| Case Law Influence | People v. Milbourn (sentencing proportionality), People v. Lukity (harmless error), consumer protection rulings by AG Kelley |
✅ In short: The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is Michigan’s oldest private law school, deeply rooted in service and justice. Its graduates have authored landmark rulings in sentencing fairness, evidentiary standards, and consumer rights, shaping Michigan’s legal system profoundly.
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