2026 School of Law News
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law appointed J. Richard Broughton, Associate Dean of Faculty Research and Development and Professor of Law, as the Philip J. McElroy Professor of Law, in recognition of his distinguished contributions to legal scholarship and teaching.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law awarded Elizabeth Sherowski, Assistant Professor of Law, the 2026 James T. Barnes Sr. Memorial Faculty Scholar Award. Each year, a full-time faculty member is chosen to receive this award based on scholarship, teaching excellence, and public service.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law awarded Voice for Justice Fellowships to Tijani Mohamed, a rising third-year student in the US JD program, and Gabriela Gardner, a rising second-year student in the Canadian and American Dual JD program. The fellowships support their service as legal interns this summer at nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing access to justice.
More than 1,700 Titans graduated from University of Detroit Mercy following the 2025-26 academic year.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law graduate Allura Williams '26 was awarded the 2026 Vivere Ex Missione Award. Each year, Detroit Mercy presents the Vivere Ex Missione—To Live Out the Mission— award to four graduating students, including one from the School of Law. This award is presented as a surprise at the commencement ceremony.
Andre Williams '26 reflects on his journey at Detroit Mercy Law, including his time on the Executive Board of Moot Court, to landing a post-grad job at a large Michigan law firm.
Internships, moot court competitions, mentors and lifelong connections were all pivotal in the Detroit Mercy Law experience for Class of 2026 graduate Andre Williams, who is already preparing for life after law school.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law’s 2025 graduates achieved a 93 percent employment rate in legal and professional positions. Graduates secured employment in a variety of settings, including positions with law firms, courts, and government, business, and public interest organizations across the United States and Canada.
Several UDM graduate programs are once again ranked among the top in the nation by 'U.S. News & World Report.'
Kelsey Dulz and Madeline Withers, who are both 2L students, won the fifth annual national moot court competition focusing on issues of gender, sexuality and law.
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law students won the 2026 Gender and Sexuality Moot Court Competition—a testament to the mission of educating the complete lawyer.
Justice Kyra Harris Bolden '14 made history when she was sworn in as a Michigan Supreme Court Justice on January 1, 2023. As the first Black woman to serve on the highest court in Michigan, she recognizes the importance of her leadership on the bench. “Representation is beyond important,” she said. “It is an honor to serve and to be an inspiration to others who look like me.”
February is Black History Month, and University of Detroit Mercy will celebrate with a series of enlightening events across all campuses.
Two leaders in arts and entertainment law will discuss the field and their careers representing entertainment figures Feb. 12.