detroit mercy law school personal statement

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University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law offers an unparalleled opportunity for students and graduates to build a successful legal career. With its esteemed reputation and cutting-edge curriculum, Detroit Mercy Law provides its alums with diverse opportunities to pursue a variety of roles in the legal field. These include positions at renowned law firms, highly sought-after judicial clerkships , and positions in government, business, and public interest organizations across the United States and Canada.

• 2.1 Statistics
• 2.2 Application Deadline
• 2.3 Bachelor’s Degree
• 2.5 CAS Report
• 2.6 Letters of Recommendation
• 2.7 Personal Statement
• 2.8 Addenda
• 2.9 Cost of Attendance
• 3 Academics
• 4 Quality of Life
• 5 Employment Prospects & Bar Passage
• 7 Contact information
• 9 Forum and Discussion
• 10 Reference

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law has been a cornerstone of legal education in the city since 1912, when it became the first law school in Michigan to receive ABA accreditation. With over a century of history and excellence, UDM has produced over 125 judges who have served on the Michigan bench, an Ohio Supreme Court justice, a former Michigan attorney general, three former mayors of Detroit, and more than half the state's prosecuting attorneys. UDM is proud to maintain its tradition of producing leaders in law whose impact continues to be felt across the United States.

UDM aims to provide graduates with an exceptional legal education through rigorous coursework and experiential learning opportunities. UDM law students have access to state-of-the-art technology, a mentorship program with successful alums, externship programs with federal and state courts, and corporate and public interest employers. With its location in the heart of Detroit's burgeoning business district, UDM provides unparalleled access to various legal opportunities.

UDM is committed to providing an outstanding learning experience for its students, and it is proud to be one of the nation's most respected law schools. With a strong tradition of excellence and access to some of the best resources in legal education, UDM provides students with a well-rounded foundation for their future legal careers. For students looking to make a difference in the legal profession, UDM is an ideal choice.

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law invites prospective students to apply to its esteemed legal education program. Applicants can complete their application on the LSAC website, which is free. Detroit Mercy Law provides an excellent learning experience for its students, as they can explore various aspects of the law in a challenging yet supportive environment.

If you're unsure about applying to law school or just beginning the application process, please take the time to read some of the excellent pre-law articles found here .

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is a prestigious institution with 1,028 applicants during the 2022 application cycle. Among those applicants, 541 were offered admission, and 222 were accepted, representing an impressive yield rate of 41.04%. The median LSAT score for the 1L class was 154, with 25th and 75th percentile scores of 150 and 158, respectively. The median GPA for the 1L class was 3.32, with 25th and 75th percentile scores of 3.09 and 3.55, respectively. If you're considering applying to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, carefully research their admissions policies and ensure your credentials are competitive with those accepted in the 2022 cycle.

Application Deadline

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is dedicated to providing students with a high-quality legal education. Students can submit their applications for admission beginning on September 1. Those who apply by the February 1 priority scholarship deadline will be given priority scholarship consideration. In addition, those who apply by April 15 will receive priority consideration for admission.

Bachelor’s Degree

Students interested in attending the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law must first obtain a bachelor's degree. This can be done by applying to law school while still in their final year of undergraduate studies or after receiving their degree. Regarding what type of bachelor's degrees are accepted, the school welcomes applicants with a wide range of degrees, including liberal arts, education, criminal justice, business, and STEM. The school also encourages students to maintain a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher for admission; however, they will also consider other aspects of the application. All in all, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law welcomes applicants with a range of bachelor's degrees and GPAs. The school is dedicated to helping students achieve their dreams of becoming a lawyer. With the guidance and support of the faculty, staff, and alums, you can take your first steps toward a successful legal career.

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law requires applicants to have a recent LSAT score within the past five years. Aspiring students must have an LSAT score within the 15th percentile of test administration to be considered for admission. To be as competitive as possible, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law encourages applicants to strive for a score in the 50th percentile or better. However, they will consider various applications when considering all application elements. For those planning to take the LSAT, you may submit your application before taking and receiving your LSAT score. The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law will complete and hold the application until scores are released.

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is dedicated to providing applicants with the best possible educational experiences. To ensure that all candidates have access to the same opportunities, each applicant must take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and submit their scores, transcripts, and TOEFL scores (if applicable) through LSAC's Credential Assembly Service (CAS).

TOEFL scores are required from applicants who earned their undergraduate degree outside the US, its territories, or Canada. Applicants should contact the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for TOEFL registration at www.toefl.org and request that ETS send their TOEFL scores to LSAC (their TOEFL code is 0058).

Applicants who have completed more than one year of post-secondary work outside of the US, its territories, or Canada must use CAS to authenticate and evaluate international transcripts. Transcripts for less than one year of study may be sent directly to Detroit Mercy Law.

Letters of Recommendation

For admission to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law, two letters of recommendation are mandatory and must be submitted via the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). One of the required letters must be from a college professor or someone with relevant knowledge and experience in the subject area if the applicant has been out of college for an extended period. Letters of recommendation should be from individuals who can attest to the applicant’s academic abilities and work or volunteer experience.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is an excellent chance for the Admissions Committee to gain insight into who you are and what unique qualifications you can bring. This statement should be at least two pages and include your name and LSAC account number on each page. This statement provides an opportunity to explain why you chose to pursue a legal education and how the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law can help you meet your professional goals and interests.

Suppose a University of Detroit Mercy School of Law student has had academic or criminal issues. In that case, they must submit an additional supplement to provide context and details surrounding the issue. This document should be no more than one page long unless extenuating circumstances warrant an exception. The addendum should include the date of the issue, a brief explanation of what happened and why it occurred, and any relevant outcomes. This extra information is essential for the admissions committee to consider when making their decisions, so students should assemble an accurate and informative document. By providing this additional information, students can help ensure that the admissions committee understands all the relevant details and can make an informed decision.

Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance Budget is based on direct and indirect expenses for one academic year, and two nine-semester semesters. Direct expenses include tuition and fees, while indirect expenses include estimated costs for room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous personal expenses. Actual expenses may vary depending on lifestyle choices and other personal factors.

For the US JD program, tuition is charged at a per-credit rate, while for the Dual JD program, tuition is charged at a per-term rate. The 2022-23 academic year rates are $1,523 per credit and $13,100 per term, respectively.

Standard Cost of Attendance Budgets

The standard student cost of attendance budget is the maximum estimated expenses a law student will incur during the academic year without submitting additional paperwork. This budget assumes you spend around $1,290/month on room & board. If your budget estimates spending more than that, we can increase your budget reasonably, but you will need to go through the Financial Aid Re-Evaluation Process. The table below is a sample cost of attendance for students in each program track, with the student only taking credits during the fall and winter terms and graduating in the prescribed time. However, some students choose to take credits over the summer term, which can reduce the credits during the fall and winter terms during upper-level years. Budgets will be adjusted based on the actual number of credits for which students are enrolled.

You can complete a personal budget and compare it to the estimated budgets below to estimate your attendance cost. This will help you make the best decisions today to ensure you are prepared for tomorrow.

Sample Standard Cost of Attendance Budgets for Fall & Winter term

Thrifty Cost of Attendance Budgets

The cost of attendance at Detroit Mercy Law is based on a Thrifty Budget, which focuses on reduced expenses for room and board, books and supplies, and miscellaneous personal expenses. This budget assumes that students will live with roommates, purchase used books or rent books, and reduce their spending in law school. The table below is a sample cost of attendance for students in each program track, with the student only taking credits during the fall and winter terms and graduating in the prescribed time. However, some students choose to take credits over the summer term, which can reduce the credits during the fall and winter terms during upper-level years. Budgets will be adjusted based on the actual number of credits for which students are enrolled. Students are not required to use the Detroit Mercy Law Thrifty Budget but should consider it an option when looking for housing, purchasing books, and planning other living expenses during law school. Students are initially awarded financial aid using the Thrifty Budget. If you would like to opt out of the Thrifty Budget and use the Standard Budget, don't hesitate to contact the Detroit Mercy Law Financial Aid Office.

Sample Thrifty Cost of Attendance Budgets

The JD degree requirement is 90 credits. A student who intends to graduate in the prescribed time and only takes credits during the fall & winter terms will need to take the credits listed each year over fall & winter. The parking pass is only applied to student accounts once a student signs up for parking at Detroit Mercy Law and receives a parking permit. The per-term rate for a parking pass is $257.

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is an excellent institution for aspiring lawyers, with a robust academic program and ample resources. First-year law students take the same core courses, such as civil procedure, contracts, property, torts, and legal theory. The average class size is around 58 students, making it small enough to foster relationships with professors and classmates while providing a diverse learning environment. With 66 full-time faculty members and a student-to-faculty ratio of 14.1:1, UDM provides its students with personalized attention and guidance.

In addition to the core courses, students can choose from over 75 electives in various areas of legal study. UDM also offers co-curricular activities such as internships, clinics, externships, and research projects that provide hands-on experience in legal fields. Moreover, students can earn a dual degree from UDM's business school or a Canadian law degree from the University of Windsor School of Law in Ontario.

Although the academic program is rigorous, current students laud the quality of instruction and full-time faculty members. However, it's important to note that 26 percent of first-year students do not return for a second year due to the immense workload and competitive grading curve. There is no doubt that UDM Law School provides excellent legal education, so aspiring lawyers should weigh the pros and cons before making their decision.

Ultimately, the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is an excellent choice for those pursuing a legal career. With its small class size, diverse course load, and ample resources, UDM provides students with a comprehensive legal education that will prepare them for their future endeavors.

Quality of Life

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is a well-known institution that provides a comprehensive legal education to its permanent residents of Detroit. While the school does not offer houses, the city has various affordable living options. Many houses in the area can be purchased for as low as $10,000 - making it a great place to live while attending school. The campus is located in the heart of Detroit. It is generally safe during the day, though it can become dangerous at night - so it's always important to use common sense when traveling throughout the city.

The surrounding neighborhood offers little entertainment or modern amenities. Still, there are bars and restaurants nearby, and the Student Bar Association puts on several academic and social events throughout the year. Additionally, Canada is just a short train or car ride away for those looking to travel internationally. Overall, UDM School of Law provides its students with an excellent legal education that prepares them for the realities of their chosen profession.

Employment Prospects & Bar Passage

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is a top-tier institution with an excellent track record for producing successful, high-earning graduates. In particular, those who graduate from the JD program can expect an impressive median salary of $65,000 in the private sector. Furthermore, upon entering the private sector, attorneys may earn up to $58,000.

The majority of the University of Detroit Mercy graduates go on to become successful attorneys working for law firms . 75.4% of them work in this field immediately upon graduating from the JD program. The other University of Detroit Mercy School of Law graduates finds success in other areas, such as clerking for judges (2.9%) or working in the public interest (4.0%).

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law has also earned a reputation for producing well-prepared graduates who do exceptionally well on their respective bar exams. An impressive 77.1% of graduates pass the bar on their first try, a testament to the quality and rigor of their educational experience at UDM. This success rate proves that the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is a top-tier institution where JD graduates can gain the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in their legal profession.

UDM is situated in a troubled hub of the Midwest, in a state with uncertain job prospects. Its regional value is strong, but students should be wary about taking on $107,000 in interest-bearing debt for a potential median salary of $50,500. Many people hope that Michigan will bounce back, and students who attend UDM may be a part of the region's recovery. Despite economic fluctuations, the school's reputation is as good as any other Tier 4's. It can be a satisfactory choice for those who want to live and work in Detroit.

Contact information

University of Detroit Mercy Law School Admissions Office 651 East Jefferson Avenue Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 596-0264 Email: [email protected] www.law.udmercy.edu

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University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

The information on this page was provided by the law school.

Official Guide to ABA-Approved JD Programs

For more than a century, University of Detroit Mercy School of Law has educated lawyers who lead with a commitment to the pursuit of justice, service to others and the highest standards of the legal profession. With a mission rooted in Jesuit and Mercy traditions, Detroit Mercy Law provides an intellectually rigorous education that combines theory, doctrine, ethics, transnational educational opportunities, and real-world experience.   

Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, within Michigan's largest legal community and steps away from the U.S./Canada border, Detroit Mercy Law students readily access opportunities to connect with local leaders, community partners, employers and an engaged alumni network more than 9,000 strong. At the heart of the School’s partnership with Detroit is a Jesuit philosophy that honors our obligation to create a space for students to give back to the community through externships and our nationally recognized clinical program. 

The JD Program

Detroit Mercy Law educates the complete lawyer through dynamic curriculum that incorporates hands-on learning opportunities with theory and doctrine. From day one, students at Detroit Mercy Law don't just learn the law, they learn how to practice the law. 

Choose between our three year full time program, four year part time program, and five year extended time program. You choose the program that best fits your goals and your commitments. 

Detroit Mercy Law is dedicated to increasing access to a JD education to all who desire one.  

First Year Mini Clinics

As part of our commitment to providing hands-on lawyering experiences for our students from day one, we launched mini-clinics for first-year students in 2015. In mini-clinics, first-year students are trained and supervised by attorneys in the community and help clients with a variety of matters. Students develop legal, leadership, and community service skills.

Recent mini-clinics include:

• Pope Francis Center Legal Clinic
• Driver’s License Restoration Clinic
• Wayne County Tax Foreclosure Hearing
• Crime Stoppers Clinic
• Greening of Detroit Clinic

Clinical Program

At Detroit Mercy Law, all students are guaranteed a clinical experience. Our clinical program, founded in 1965, it is among the first clinical programs in the nation. We offer a variety of clinics for upper-level students to gain hands-on lawyering skills while advocating for real clients who otherwise may not have access to legal services.

Externships

Students complete externships in judicial chambers, public interest organizations, and government offices to gain hands-on experience, earn academic credit, and network with employers. Many externship opportunities are within walking distance of Detroit Mercy Law, including state and federal courthouses, which makes it convenient to gain practical legal experience any time of year.

Law Firm Program

Our nationally recognized Law Firm Program (LFP) is a series of courses that simulate real-world practice experience. The focus is not on reading a textbook or taking exams. Instead, students gain hands-on experience in a specific area of law of their choice.

LFP courses mimic the work assignments, feedback, and professional skills development that new lawyers experience at law firms, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporate legal departments. Students work with classmates on assignments that are representative of the type of work new attorneys are expected to perform, such as drafting and negotiating contracts, taking depositions, and writing motions and arbitration agreements.

Career Placement and Bar Passage

90% of 2021 Detroit Mercy Law graduates secured legal employment, above the national average. Detroit Mercy Law's location in the heart of downtown Detroit allows students and graduates the opportunities to build their legal network and land jobs both during law school and after graduation. 

Tuition and Aid

Detroit Mercy Law awards more than $2 million in scholarships each year to incoming students.

Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the admissions cycle for maximum scholarship consideration  (prior to Feb. 1) . Scholarship offers are generally extended with the offer of admission.

Admitted students are automatically considered for Fellowships, Dean’s Scholarships, and Spirit Awards. Applicants interested in the Henry H. Tarrant Award for Black Student Excellence or the Phillip J. McElroy Scholarship should submit a brief statement (no more than one page per scholarship in length) about their interest in the award and their qualifications for the award.

Admission Decisions: Beyond the Numbers

We consider a range of applicants based on all aspects of the application. In addition to academic credentials and LSAT score, we consider writing and analytical skills, leadership, work experience, and service. We recognize that a diverse student body enhances our community, and we value individuals who offer unique backgrounds and experiences.

Admitted Applicant Profile

25-75% ugpa range at detroit mercy:.

3.11 to 3.67

25-75% LSAT Score Range at Detroit Mercy:

Contact Information