Detroit's Wayne State University Law School: Future Leaders in the Legal Community (Great Lakes Books)

Name: Detroit's Wayne State University Law School: Future Leaders in the Legal Community (Great Lakes Books)
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Book Synopsis: Most histories of law schools focus on the notable deans and professors, and the changes in curricula over time. In Detroit's Wayne State University Law School: Future Leaders in the Legal Community, Alan Schenk highlights the students and their influence on the school's development, character, and employment opportunities. Detroit's Wayne State University Law School begins by placing the school in historical context. Public law schools in major American cities were rare in the 1920s. WSU Law School started as a night-only school on the brink of the Great Depression. It was administered by the Detroit Board of Education's Colleges of the City of Detroit and was minimally funded out of student tuition and fees. From its opening days, the school admitted students who had the required college credits, without regard to their gender, race, or ethnic backgrounds, when many law schools restricted or denied admission to women, people of color, and Jewish applicants. The school maintained its steadfast commitment to a racially and gender-diverse student body, though it endured significant challenges along the way. Denied employment at selective law firms and relegated to providing basic legal services, WSU law students pressed the school to expand the curriculum and establish programs that provided them with the credentials afforded graduates from elite law schools. It took the persistence of the students and a persuasive dean to change the conversation about the quality of the graduates and for law firms representing the largest corporations and wealthiest individuals to start hiring WSU graduates who now heavily populate those firms. In the twenty-first century, the school gained strength in international legal studies and established two law centers that reflect the institution's longstanding commitment to public interest and civil rights. While much of the material was gathered from university and law school archives, valuable information was derived from the author's recorded interviews with alumni, deans, and professors. This book will strike the hearts of WSU law school students and alumni, as well as those interested in urban legal education and history.

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Detroit's Wayne State University Law School: Future Leaders in the Legal Community (Great Lakes Books) offers a unique perspective on the development of one of the most prestigious law schools in the country. Unlike other histories that focus solely on the faculty and curriculum, Alan Schenk's book highlights the students who have shaped the school's character and success. By showcasing the influence of students on the school's development, character, and employment opportunities, this book offers a fresh and compelling narrative.

From its humble beginnings as a night-only school on the cusp of the Great Depression, Wayne State University Law School has overcome numerous obstacles to become a beacon of diversity and excellence. In a time when many law schools restricted admission based on gender, race, and ethnicity, WSU Law School welcomed students from all backgrounds and ensured equal opportunities for everyone. This commitment to inclusivity has shaped the institution and led to a vibrant, diverse student body.

However, the journey was not without challenges. WSU law students faced employment discrimination as selective law firms looked elsewhere for recruits. Determined to change the narrative, these students pushed the school to expand its curriculum and establish programs that would provide them with the same credentials as graduates from elite law schools. Through their persistence and the unwavering support of a visionary dean, WSU graduates began to dominate the legal market, securing positions in prestigious law firms representing prominent corporations and individuals.

The achievements of Wayne State University Law School did not stop there. In the twenty-first century, the school's reputation soared in the field of international legal studies, further solidifying its status as a global leader in legal education. Additionally, WSU established two law centers dedicated to advancing public interest and civil rights, reflecting the institution's unyielding commitment to making a positive impact on society.

Based on extensive research and supplemented with captivating firsthand accounts from alumni, deans, and professors, Detroit's Wayne State University Law School: Future Leaders in the Legal Community is an essential read for current and former students of WSU Law School. Moreover, it offers valuable insights into the history of urban legal education and serves as an inspiration to aspiring lawyers who believe in the power of perseverance and diversity.

Experience the rich history and inspiring journey of Wayne State University Law School. Learn More.

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