WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY BREAKS GROUND ON LAW SCHOOL AT BRANDYWINE CAMPUS
BRANDYWINE – Wilmington University celebrated a significant milestone yesterday as it officially broke ground on its new law school and convocation center at the Brandywine campus. The event was attended by university trustees, officials, builders, architects, and bankers, who witnessed the symbolic turning of the earth for the highly-anticipated projects. With a budget of $71 million, both the law school and convocation center are expected to be completed by 2025.
Wilmington University President Dr. LaVerne Harmon expressed her excitement at the occasion, stating, These new buildings represent an exciting and pivotal moment in Wilmington University’s history. The three-story law school will cover an impressive 52,000 square feet, while the convocation center will span 85,000 square feet and have a seating capacity of 2,000. President Harmon humorously requested the architect to explore the possibility of fitting in a few more seats.
The law school, which commenced classes last fall, plans to stand out through its innovative approach to legal education. It aims to offer affordable tuition rates, with fees set at $24,000 annually for full-time students and $18,000 for part-time enrollees. These rates are less than half of those charged by Delaware’s only other law school, operated by Widener University.
The law school also intends to revitalize the third-year curriculum, which has historically been viewed by many students as unnecessary. While the first two years will provide a cross-discipline of legal subjects, the third year will focus on flexible, experiential learning. Students may choose to participate in traditional doctrinal classes, explore a specialty of interest, or combine both options. This restructuring will also accommodate Delaware’s five-month clerkship requirement for bar admittance.
Law School Dean Phillip Closius reported positive early results from the first semester of classes. We have done remarkably well, he stated, adding that the law school had seven faculty members for the current year, with two more professors set to join next year. Wilmington University has initiated the process of seeking accreditation from the American Bar Association, a necessary step for graduates to qualify for bar exams in various states. Accreditation could be granted as early as next year, allowing the law school to solidify its status and reputation.
The university is dedicated to creating a diverse student body and has expressed its commitment to working with Delaware’s Chief Justice Collins J. Seitz, Jr. to achieve this goal. The Supreme Court recently highlighted the importance of reducing the costs associated with a law degree and expanding access to underrepresented students from community college or bachelor’s degree programs.
President Harmon emphasized that the idea of establishing a law school has been part of the university’s long-term agenda. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, its plans were delayed. The design of the new law school was meticulously developed, with a strong focus on creating a welcoming environment for students. The centerpiece of the design will be a three-story glass atrium overlooking the surrounding woods, which is intended to create a lasting impression on arrival. The law school will also feature student lounges on each floor, 15 study group spaces, and state-of-the-art technology.
As the rain held off momentarily, Wilmington University marked a significant moment in its history through the groundbreaking ceremony. With affordable tuition rates, an innovative curriculum, and a dedication to diversity, the new law school aims to make a lasting impact on legal education in Delaware and beyond.
In conclusion, Wilmington University’s new law school and convocation center represent a major advancement for the institution. With construction underway and completion expected in 2025, the law school’s affordable tuition rates and unique curriculum approach are set to make a significant impact on legal education. Wilmington University is poised to become a prominent institution in the legal field, promoting diversity and accessibility, while providing a top-quality education for aspiring legal professionals.
