History
Detroit Mercy Law was founded in 1912.
Detroit Mercy Law has prepared students for the practice of law in the heart of downtown Detroit at the Riverfront Campus since opening its doors in 1912. Our approach to legal education over the years has centered on intellectual rigor, service to others, and inclusivity.
Detroit Mercy Law’s history is marked by Jesuit and Mercy values. The School of Law is part of University of Detroit Mercy. The University of Detroit, originally known as Detroit College, was founded by the Society of Jesus in 1877 as the first Catholic college in Detroit. In 1990, University of Detroit consolidated with Mercy College of Detroit, which was founded by the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, to form University of Detroit Mercy.
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Law School Deans
Law School Deans Though the Years
- 2021-Present Jelani Jefferson Exum
- 2014-2021 Phyllis L. Crocker
- 2013-2014 Troy L. Harris (Interim Dean)
- 2009-2013 Lloyd A. Semple
- 2002-2009 Mark C. Gordon
- 1995-2002 Stephen A. Mazurak
- 1982-1995 Bernard Dobranski
- 1981-1982 Stephen A. Mazurak (Interim Dean)
- 1979-1981 Carl M. Selinger
- 1976-1979 Richard A. Seid
- 1974-1976 Joseph Dante Grano
- 1971-1972 William T. Downs
- 1969-1971 Brian G. Brockway
- 1968-1969 Paul P. Harbrecht, S.J.
- 1967-1968 Philip Colista
- 1964-1967 Paul P. Harbrecht, S.J.
- 1960-1964 Louis H. Charbonneau, Sr.
- 1955-1960 David Cowan Bayne, S.J.
- 1932-1955 Daniel J. McKenna
- 1928-1932 Peter J. Monaghan
- 1927-1928 Hon. John P. Scallen
- 1921-1927 Hon. P. J. M. Hally
- 1912-1921 Hon. George S. Hosmer