project salute

The University of Detroit Mercy has pioneered a unique service project to assist low-income veterans with their federal benefits claims while providing law students with hands-on practical legal training. Visit Project SALUTE to learn more.

2008-2009 Moot Court Success

2008-09 Chicago City Bar National Moot Court Competition Champions

UDM Selected for National Competition January 2009

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Lunch With a Lawyer

The Lunch With a Lawyer program was developed by the Career Services Office and the Alumni Relations & Development Office to host attorneys, judges, and business leaders (many of whom are School of Law alumni) who come to the School of Law to visit with students over a noon lunch or late afternoon hors d'oeuvres. The number of students at each event is limited, in order to give all students who participate an opportunity for truly meaningful interaction and conversation with our guests.

For more information, contact Assistant Dean Markeisha Miner at 313-596-0260 or email mminer@udmercy.edu.


Lloyd A. Semple Named University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Dean

New Dean Brings Experience and Leadership

DETROIT, Mich. – May 7, 2009 – Lloyd A. Semple, former Chairman and CEO of Dykema Gossett, PLLC, and Distinguished Visiting Law Professor, has been named Dean of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law effective April 18, 2009. 

In making the announcement, UDM President Gerard L. Dean Lloyd SempleStockhausen, S.J., said, “It is my hope that Lloyd Semple can continue the good and creative initiatives that the School of Law has set in motion.  I and the rest of the UDM administration look forward to working with Lloyd to help make that happen.”

Semple joined the UDM School of Law faculty in 2004 after more than 40 years practicing law with Dykema, one of Michigan’s largest and most prestigious law firms.  He practiced general corporate and healthcare law, including acquisitions, divestitures, mergers and financings.  He served as outside counsel for several Michigan-based business enterprises, primarily in the health care and automotive industries, and as securities and bond counsel for several health care institutions.  He has also advised boards of directors of public and not-for-profit companies in recapitalization transactions and governance matters.

Semple was Chairman and CEO of Dykema from September 1995 through April 2002.  Prior to that time, he served for many years on the Executive Committee and as Dykema’s Corporate Finance Practice Group Leader.  He retired from Dykema in July of 2004, although he remains affiliated with the title of Chairman Emeritus.

One of Detroit’s top legal professionals, Lloyd Semple has been active in public service and has considerable experience in dealing with governmental agencies and regulators.  He has served as a director and officer of several prominent businesses and organizations, including:  Chair of the Board of the Detroit Medical Center (1997-2001), directing the reorganization and financial turn-around of one of the country’s largest health care systems; Chair of the Executive Committee of the Detroit Zoological Society; Vice Chair of the National Audubon Society; and Chair of the Michigan Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.  Since 2004, he has also served on the Board of Directors of Argon ST, Inc., headquartered in Fairfax, VA.

In addition to teaching courses in Corporate Law and Corporate Procedure at the School of Law, he was a member of the School’s Curriculum Committee, co-creator of the School’s nationally-recognized Law Firm Program, and the School’s first Distinguished Visiting Professor.

Semple has the resounding support of the law faculty, administration, alumni, and students.  Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Law Gary Maveal stated, “We are extremely fortunate to have Dean Semple leading the law school.  His stature, skills, and vision will allow us to enhance our innovative program of legal education.”

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as a Distinguished Visiting Professor over the past five years,” said Semple.  “As Dean, I look forward to working with the UDM faculty and community to build upon the groundbreaking initiatives of recent years, while also addressing the evolving demands of providing a practical legal education.”

Semple received his B.A. from Yale and his J.D. (with distinction) from the University of Michigan.  He resides in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan, with his wife, Goody.  They are the parents of four children and grandparents of ten.

Moot Court Advances to Compete Among Nation's Best!

UDM was a Regional Finalist at the Jessup International Moot Court Competition.  As a finalist the team will have the honor of competing in Washington D.C. against schools from around the world in late March.  The team members are Yalda Riahi, Amanda Gossai, Carla Hanneman, and Robert Walker.
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UDM School of Law wins 2009 Moot Court National Championship at the Texas National Invitational! Congratulations to Jennifer Dukarski, Daniel Whittal, Shannon Snee, and coach Prof. Michelle L. Streicher!
Read the Official Press Release.

UDM Law in the News

UDM Law among 10 Most Innovative Law Schools
January 2009 The National Jurist

JD/LLB Program: Train for the Future
January/Febraury 2009 American Bar Association

The Attorney Multipass
07/08 ABA Journal

UD Mercy law program will allow grads to practice in Mexico and U.S.
04/29/08 The Detroit News

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