Dean's Welcome
Dear Students,
I am honored to welcome you to the first class in the history of the Wilmington University School of Law. I am grateful that you have embraced our mission and I am thankful that you trust us to build a different type of law school with you. I promise that you will not regret your decision to join us.
This Student Handbook contains the rules and policies that will shape your experience until you graduate. We have incorporated the best provisions that are typically included in similar handbooks of other law schools. However, we have also altered many of them to reflect our mission and to implement changes which we know will improve your legal education. Therefore, please read this Handbook and familiarize yourself with its concepts. The Handbook may change as the years progress, but the values that underlie these provisions will not.
One of the benefits of being first is that your class will be small. You will therefore receive a personalized legal education in the classroom. In addition, you will also have the opportunity to help us shape our future law school. We plan on surveying your class frequently to give us your feedback on what is working and what is not. I encourage you to also talk with us about your experience and what you find helpful. Please take some ownership of this Handbook and the future of the law school. You may not always get what you want but you will always be heard.
Law school is a major commitment of your time and resources. Many lawyers feel that law school is the hardest educational experience they have ever done. I can’t tell you the hours won’t be long – they will. I can guarantee you that we will do everything we can to make your journey with us as easy and rewarding as possible. Please know that we are on your side and want you to succeed.
Congratulations on beginning your legal career with us. We are excited to teach you and help you to learn and grow. The provisions in this Student Handbook are designed with those values in mind. Let this handbook serve as your introduction to the responsibilities of the legal profession.
Very truly yours,
Phillip J. Closius
Dean