The University of Delaware is taking the first steps toward establishing a law school. The school unveiled its intention to examine bringing the state’s first public law school to UD’s Newark campus Tuesday at the University Board of Trustees semiannual meeting.
A feasibility study will be conducted and presented to the Board of Trustees at its May 2011 meeting. If the board gives its approval, two years of curricular design, financial analysis and operational planning would follow, leading to final decision by the board in 2013 on whether or not to formally approve establishment of a law school. If approved, the law school would open in 2015 with a first year class of approximately 200 students.
UD President Patrick Harker believes a law school at the university could separate itself from others in the region in one significant way. ""By operating a first-class law school in a state known for its considerable influence in corporate law, the University of Delaware could occupy a special niche in the nationwide legal community, attract top-notch students and faculty from across the country and produce future law and business leaders for Delaware,” said Harker in a statement. Harker also believes a law school could also "strengthen multidisciplinary research and teaching within UD's existing academic programs."
DFM News sat down with University of Delaware Vice President and General Counsel Larry White to discuss the university’s law school plans. Excerpts from that interview are below:
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