Detroit Mercy Law Clinic Program Celebrates 60 Years of Service and Impact
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law proudly celebrated the 60th anniversary of its pioneering Law Clinic Program on Thursday, June 12. The evening brought together alumni, faculty, students, community partners, government officials, and other supporters to honor six decades of service and impact through clinical legal education—a legacy that continues today.
Dean Nicholas Schroeck gave welcoming remarks and reflected on the clinic’s unique role in shaping lives, careers, and communities. “Our clinic program is a testament to our mission of educating the complete lawyer and our Jesuit and Mercy values,” stated Dean Schroeck. “To our alumni, faculty, staff, partners, and students—thank you. This anniversary belongs to all of you who have made our clinic program a beacon of purpose, excellence, and hope.”
Founded in 1965 as the Urban Law Clinic, with a progressive vision and a federal grant, Detroit Mercy Law pioneered a groundbreaking chapter in legal education. Faculty and students joined forces in an unprecedented partnership to represent clients from Detroit communities who lacked access to legal representation. This innovative approach to training lawyers quickly gained national attention, laying the foundation for clinical legal education nationwide as law schools across the country began launching clinics.
Ven Johnson ‘86 delivered a tribute to the Asher family. The George J. Asher Law Clinic Center, a renovate historic firehouse steps away from the main law building and the original 1965 clinic storefront, has housed the Law Clinic Program since 2012.
John Urso, clinic director from 1970-1974, reflected on the early days of the Urban Law Clinic, along with former Urban Law Clinic students and distinguished alumni Eugene A. Gargaro, Jr. '67, Justice Maura D. Corrigan '73, and Judge Michael J. Talbot '71.
“In our clinics, that’s where learning meets purpose, where we create a brighter future for the legal profession and a more just world,” said Rebecca Simkins Nowak, Assistant Dean of Experiential Education, who gave an update on the clinic program today, along with Joyce Reasonover '92, Director of the Criminal Trial Clinic.
Current upper-level clinics include: Appellate Advocacy Clinic, Arts & Entertainment Law Clinic, Conviction Integrity Clinic, Criminal Trial Clinic, Environmental Law Clinic, Family Law Clinic, Federal Pro Se Legal Assistance Clinic, Immigration Law Clinic, International Patent Law Clinic, Juvenile Appellate Clinic, Trademark and Entrepreneur Clinic, Unemployment and Workers’ Rights Clinic, and Veterans Law Clinic.
The evening ended with a champagne toast after proclamations by the State of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Office, the City of Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's Office, and the Detroit City Council, District 7.
As part of the continued celebration, Detroit Mercy Law invites alumni and friends to join the mission of educating the complete lawyer though contributions to the Law Clinic Program.“Every gift, large or small, is an investment in the community and the future of legal education,” stated Dean Schroeck. “Contributions will directly support clinic programs, expand access to justice and services to underserved populations, and help train future Titan lawyers.”
To make a donation or learn more about the Law Clinic Program, visit law.udmercy.edu.