Page 3 - Delaware Lawyer - Winter 2023

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INTRODUCING THE
WILMINGTON UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF LAW
With its inclusive culture and commitment to accessibility, Wilmington University’s new law school will educate attorneys who meet the needs of the communities they serve and will make a case for a more diverse legal field.
The Wilmington University School of Law will welcome its first classes this fall at the University’s Brandywine Valley location.
That’s good news for Delawareans. According to Delaware State Bar Association (DSBA) President Charles J. Durante, Esq., the need for lawyers in Delaware has “more than doubled.”
At the University’s October press conference, Durante expressed his hope that WilmU’s law school will be able to provide Delaware with a much-needed new generation of well-grounded attorneys, and he pledged DSBA’s support of the school and its students.
While forward-thinking in its curricular design and commitment to affordability, WilmU’s School of Law also reflects the University’s long history of providing career- oriented programs for students from diverse backgrounds while being responsive to the needs of the community.
Dean Phillip Closius, J.D., will utilize his extensive experience in academia and legal practice to ensure student success, as well as realize his vision of an inventive school of law that will meet the demands of modern law practice and students.
The values of this university match perfectly with the ideals I wanted for a truly unique and innovative law school.”
—Phillip Closius, J.D., Dean, WilmU Law
COMMITTED TO ACCESSIBILITY
The law school will serve qualified students from all walks of life, including traditional- and non-traditional-age students, professionals transitioning from other careers, and multicultural populations.
“We are committed to being an active partner in the implementation of the Delaware Supreme Court strategic plan for improving diversity of the bench and the bar, including the severe underrepresentation of the African American community that is noted in that plan,” says Closius.
Convenient schedule options and flexible formats will make earning a legal education a viable option for working adults. Small class sizes will ensure faculty and staff can foster meaningful relationships with students and help them achieve their goals.
MAKING LAW SCHOOL AFFORDABLE
Most of today’s law students face exorbitant tuition rates for their legal education. Even when new lawyers land good jobs, their starting salaries are rarely commensurate with their debts.
As a result, many graduates are forced to choose alternative career trajectories. “Think about the people who want to specialize in areas of law they find meaningful but can’t because they have to choose specialties that aren’t as rewarding—just to pay off their loans,” says Closius. “That’s why one of the biggest barriers to becoming a lawyer right now is the cost of tuition.”
The Wilmington University School of Law will offer the lowest tuition rates of any law school in the region, in addition to scholarships, tuition assistance and comprehensive student services.
CLOSELY INTEGRATED WITH
THE DELAWARE LEGAL COMMUNITY
Students will be encouraged to work with Delaware lawyers and judges and become involved in pro bono activities statewide. Closius notes that students will also have access to mentors, as well as a speaker series featuring lawyers practicing in various specialties.
At WilmU, students in their third year will be able to craft their schedules to include internships, doctrinal courses of interest to them or a combination of both. Students interested in practicing in Delaware will therefore be able to satisfy the Delaware preceptor practice requirement in their final year instead of during their first 21 weeks of practice, which is usually the case.
To learn more about the new Wilmington University School of Law, please visit law.wilmu.edu
The WilmU J.D.
$838 per Credit 3 Program Options
86 Credits
Full-Time Day (3 Years) • Part-Time Day (4 Years) • Part-Time Evening (4 Years)
WilmU is a registered trademark of Wilmington University. All rights reserved. © Wilmington University 2023