Announcements


Internship

Summer Legal Internship in Washington D.C.

The Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy annually provides stipends for Wayne Law students to spend the summer working as legal interns on Capitol Hill, experiencing first-hand a bipartisan approach to congressional oversight. The students work under the supervision of an experienced attorney who is engaged in conducting oversight on behalf of a House or Senate committee. 

Deadline: Sunday, January 8, 2023, at midnight

More information and application


Scholarships

Wayne Law Scholarships for 2022-2023

To apply to any of these scholarships:

  • Students must submit a short personal statement and resume all as one PDF file to waynelawscholarship@wayne.edu.
  • Files must be labeled with the first initial and last name of the applicant. Applicants must also clearly state the scholarship for which they are applying.

Deadline: Monday, November 28 

Marilyn Kelly Public Interest Endowed Scholarship

This scholarship is to assist law students who demonstrate a commitment to engaging in public interest legal work during and following their law school studies. Public interest is defined as charitable, governmental and educational organizations that primarily address the legal needs of persons of limited means or other underserved groups, direct legal assistance to persons of limited means and/or legal work assisting individuals, groups or organizations seeking to secure or protect civil liberties.

  • Applicants should show financial need (have a FAFSA on file) and academic merit (GPA of 3.0+).
  • Applicants should intend to remain in Michigan.
  • Preference will be given to those who member of any of the following:
    • The Women's Law Caucus
    • The Women Lawyers Association of Michigan
    • The Black Law Student Association
    • The Hispanic Law Students Association
    • Keith Students for Civil Rights
    • Jewish Law Student Association
    • The American Civil Liberties Union

Judges Leona and Leonia Lloyd Twins for Justice Endowed Scholarship Fund

  • Applicants should show financial need (have a FAFSA on file).
  • Applicants should show academic merit (GPA of 2.75+) and have attended a high school (public, private, or charter) in the city of Detroit, resided in the city of Detroit during high school or attended HBCU.
  • Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to the city of Detroit by submitting a statement of no more than three paragraphs.

State Bar of Michigan Intellectual Property Law Section David C. Berry Endowed Scholarship

  • Applicants must have an interest in becoming an intellectual property law attorney.
  • Preference will be given to members of the Intellectual Property Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan.

William Davidson Endowed Scholarship for Student Athletes

  • Applicants should show financial need (have a FAFSA on file).
  • Applicants should have played NCAA Intercollegiate or professionally sanctioned sports.

Mark T. Banner Scholarship

This scholarship is part of The Richard Linn American Inn of Court's commitment to fostering the development of intellectual property lawyers of high ethics, civility and professionalism, and especially those from diverse backgrounds.

Award: The recipient of the scholarship receives $10,000 to be applied to their legal education.

Deadline: Friday, December 2

More information and application

Diversity Scholarship

Armstrong, Lee, and Baker are proud to announce and sponsor its Diversity Scholarship for first- and second-year law students. 

Award: $2,500 scholarship for law school tuition or other school-related expenses

Deadline: Thursday, December 15

Criteria: This scholarship will be eligible for 1L and 2L students who attend an ABA-accredited law school in the United States and identify as members of a historically underrepresented group within the legal profession. The student must also provide a written statement on the importance of diversity and what can be done to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession.

More information and application

Charles J. Cohen 2023 Law Student Scholarship

This year, the Jewish Bar Association of Michigan (JBAM) is pleased to announce that it will award a scholarship to a law student who exemplifies the character and values of the late Charles J. Cohen.

Award: $1,500.00

Deadline: Friday, January 27, 2023

Background: A Michigander at heart, Charles J. Cohen attended Detroit College of Law and was admitted to the Michigan Bar in 1977. He was a staunch advocate for his clients until his untimely passing in 2017. An avid supporter of the JBAM and the Jewish community, Charles, J. Cohen continually stressed the importance of legal education. He would often teach that no matter how long you are in practice, you never stop learning. Legal education starts with attending law school. It was only fitting that JBAM chose to honor the life and legacy of Charles J. Cohen by naming its educational scholarship in his name.

Criteria: Scholarship applicants must be:

  • enrolled full- or part-time at a Michigan Law school;
  • a 2L at the time of application submission;
  • in good academic and administrative standing; with a minimum of a 3.00 GPA;
  • committed to practicing law in Michigan; and
  • able to demonstrate a history of involvement within the Jewish community, the law school community and the legal community at-large.

Each applicant must submit the following:

  1. A detailed letter of interest explaining how they meet award criteria, and any relevant connections and commitments to the State of Michigan
  2. A resume
  3. An official law school transcript
  4. Letters of recommendation (no more than 2) as part of their application.

Submit to: Andrew Cohen, andrew@theclo.com

Please note: Application materials must be submitted in a single pdf packet and in the order listed in the preceding section.

Information about The Jewish Bar Association of Michigan can be found here www.jewishbar.org.

SBM $5,000 Scholarship Opportunity

The State Bar of Michigan Insurance and Indemnity Law Section invites law students to apply for this scholarship by submitting an article on the topic set forth below.

Award: $5,000 to be awarded to one applicant only

Deadline: Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Writing topic: Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies present both emerging risks, and opportunities, for insurers and consumers alike. As increasing numbers of companies worldwide begin using bitcoin and other digital assets for a host
of investment, operational, and transactional purposes, it raises an important question: How is cryptocurrency defined
for the purposes of insurance coverage? What are some of the coverage issues that could be anticipated for both
businesses and consumers?

See United Am. Corp. v. Bitmain, Inc., 530 F.Supp. 3d 1241 (S.D. Fla. 2021) and Kimmelman v. Wayne Ins. Group,
Case No. 18 CV 1041, 2018 WL 11417314 (Ohio Com.Pl. Sep. 25, 2018).

Submission details: Submit an article of original work, up to 2,500 words or 6–8 pages double-spaced, in 12-point font, analyzing and advocating a position supported by appropriate legal authority, such as case law, statutes, legislative history, scholarly articles or other authoritative sources with proper citations. Submission is deemed permission for publication in the
July edition of The Journal of Insurance and Indemnity Law, the quarterly publication of the Insurance and Indemnity Law Section. 

Email your submission with a cover page containing your name, phone number, email address, law school, and anticipated year of graduation to sbminsuranceindemnity@gmail.com.

Questions: Email sbminsuranceindemnity@gmail.com.

JT Legal Group Law School Scholarship

The passion and commitment of a student with ambitions and dreams towards the enhancements of society are characteristics that JT Legal Group sincerely acknowledges. Higher education brings opportunities for prosperity and no obstacle should get in the way of that, especially financial ones. JT Legal Group is looking to award a law school scholarship opportunity in the amount of $5,000 to a student who presents the most equipped and original understanding of the facets of law and legal support.

Deadline: Friday, June 30, 2023

More information and application

What Does Justice Mean to You - Law School Scholarship Contest

As criminal defense attorneys in Ohio, Gounaris Abboud believes in checks and balances found within the judicial system. We are proud to present our latest scholarship contest exclusively for law school students.

Essay overview: Understanding the justice system, why it is important for democracy and how we can teach others the importance of our judicial system

Award: One student will be selected via email and be awarded $1,500 to put towards their law school education.

Deadline: Tuesday, August 1, 2023

More information and application

The Blanch Law Firm Scholarship Award – rolling deadline

The Blanch Law Firm is looking for an excellent writer to contribute an outstanding article to its online publication. You will be assigned a topic in the criminal law field that applies to a Federal or State legal issue. Each applicant will be given an outline to guide them on their research and writing. The contest is open to all students. Ambitious applicants are permitted to submit multiple articles. No co-authored essays are accepted. Scholarship prizes include a $5,000 cash award, publication credit and the opportunity to work in the Blanch Law Firm in New York City for a day.

Deadline: Rolling - Submissions due within 14 days of receipt of the assignment

Additional information and application


Writing competitions

 American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers

The American College of Consumer Financial Services Lawyers is pleased to announce its 2023 annual writing competition to recognize significant written contributions to the field of U.S. consumer financial services law in the following categories:

(a) books
(b) publishable articles, book chapters, or substantial book reviews by a professional in the field
(c) publishable student case notes, articles, or comments

Note: Official publications of or by government agencies are not eligible.

Awards: The awards include cash payments of $5000, $3500, and $1500 respectively for the above categories, and a Certificate of Recognition from the College. In any given year, depending on submissions, awards may be made in all, some or no categories.

Deadline: Thursday, December 1

More information

2022-2023 American Indian Law Review National Writing Competition

This year’s American Indian Law Review national writing competition is now welcoming papers from students at accredited law schools in the United States and Canada. Papers will be accepted on any legal issue specifically concerning American Indians or other indigenous peoples.

Awards: Three cash prizes will be awarded: $1,500 for first place, $750 for second place, and $400 for third place.  Each of the three winning authors will also be awarded an eBook copy of Cohen's Handbook of Federal Indian Law provided by LexisNexis.

Deadline: Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 6 p.m. EST.

More information


Student support

Free Study Aids

All Wayne Law J.D., LL.M., and MSL program students, faculty, and staff have free access to the West Study Aids through the Law Library. 

If you have questions about what's available in our Study Aids subscription or need assistance setting up your account, please contact the Law Library's reference desk at (313) 577-6180 or talk to our librarians to get in-person assistance.

SOLACE

The Student Board of Governors (SBG) is thrilled to share that the State Bar of Michigan’s SOLACE program provides legal assistance to law students—and other members of the legal field—who face certain hardships. Wayne Law students can learn more about the SOLACE program by clicking here.

American Bar Association Mental Health Resources

One of the biggest challenges the legal profession faces is erasing the stigma of addressing mental health issues within the profession. The ABA has created several mental health resources for lawyers and law students. 

Mental Health Resource Page

Mental Health Toolkit for Law Students

 


Wakeful Wednesdays

The Mindfulness in Law Society hosts online meditation sessions for law students around the country every Wednesday at 5 p.m. ET. The sittings include a 15- to 20-minute meditation practice and are designed to introduce mindfulness to emerging lawyers and to provide an opportunity to share how mindfulness can support students. There is a five-minute gathering time in the beginning and an opportunity at the end for reflections, questions and ideas on incorporating mindfulness and meditation into our daily lives to reduce the stress and anxiety associated with law school and get the most out of our legal education.

Click here to join the session. All law students are welcome to attend!

MILS membership is FREE to law students – become a member.


Guidelines for planning meetings and events (in-person and virtual)

Terms and conditions

1. All Wayne Law meetings and events must comply with the Wayne State University Special Events guideline, along with policies put forth by the Law School.
2. If an event requires approval from the Campus Health Committee, as specified in the Special Events guideline, approval must be obtained before submitting a reservation request and attached to the Law School Event Reservation Request Form.
3. All Wayne Law meetings and events, whether in-person or virtual, require a reservation to avoid conflicts with existing programs, approved events and class schedules.
4. Reservation requests should be submitted as early as possible, ideally no later than 14 days before the event date. Submissions are processed in the order in which they are received.
5. All in-person meetings and events must have a Zoom backup plan, and the Zoom link must be provided when making an in-person request.
6. Requests for virtual meetings and events must include the Zoom link.
7. Reservations are confirmed when a confirmation email is sent from Law Events, usually within two business days after requests are submitted.
8. Available timeslots for virtual and in-person events are limited.
9. Reservations are not available during final examination periods.
10. Questions and advanced inquiries can be sent to lawevents@wayne.edu.

For more information and to access the event form, visit the Law School's events and reservations page.

Organizer's responsibilities

1. All Wayne Law meetings and events must comply with the Wayne State University Special Events guideline, along with policies put forth by the Law School.
2. Each person in attendance of your meeting or event must fill out a campus daily screener or a guest screener for each day of attendance.
3. Face masks must be worn at all times during indoor events.
4. Eating is not allowed in classrooms. Eating is allowed outdoors and in common areas.
5. The Law School suggests that all food and beverages provided during events be individually wrapped, though this is not mandatory.
6. Wayne State Catering is the sole provider of food totaling $1,000 or more in Student Center-managed spaces (including snacks). Please read the Wayne State University Food and Beverage Policy for complete information and a list of preferred vendors for food and beverage purchases under $1,000.
7. If you have requested use of any audio-visual equipment or services, it is your responsibility to follow up with the Law IT Dept. at (313) 577-3960 or lawit@wayne.edu.
8. ONLY Law IT can move the podium in the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium. If you need the podium moved, please contact Law IT at lawit@wayne.edu, and Law IT will move it safely with no damage to the electronics system within it. Moving the podium will result in the revocation of future meeting privileges.
9. If the room you reserved is locked, you must sign out a key from the Law Library’s circulation desk during library hours. It is your responsibility to secure all doors at the end of your reservation.
10. Parking passes and special parking arrangements for meetings and events must be arranged through the WSU Parking Office at (313) 577-1979.
11. As the contact person for this meeting or event, you are responsible for the setup and, most importantly, the clean-up of your event. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of future meeting privileges.

For more information and to access the event form, visit https://law.wayne.edu/reservations

Additional resources

Additional resources are available to student organizations that are registered with Wayne State University's Dean of Students Office (DOSO). To register your Wayne Law student organization with the DOSO, click here. Each student organization must update its registration each year. To see resources available to registered student organizations, click here. If you have any questions, please contact lawevents@wayne.edu.


Technology

Law students who need help with technology should reach out to lawit@wayne.edu or 313-577-3960. 

Other resources

Zoom

Wayne Law students can set up a free, licensed Zoom account through the university. Instructions are available here. Unlicensed Zoom accounts can only host meetings that are 40 minutes long. Some professors will require you to activate your licensed account so they can pre-sort you for breakout rooms.

Microsoft Office

Wayne Law students can access Microsoft Office for free. Learn more here

Computer discounts

Wayne Law students also have access to discounts when purchasing certain computers. Learn more here.


Financial Aid

For questions relating to Financial Aid (loans, not scholarships): 

  1. Call 313-577-2100 (general) AND 313-577-5142 (Financial Aid Office in Law School);
  2. Leave voicemails on both numbers if no one answers; AND 
  3. Email finaidlaw@wayne.edu.
  4. Stop by the Financial Aid Office located in the Law School Admissions Suite on the first floor when a representative from the University Office of Student Financial Aid is present (times vary from week to week). 

If you do not receive a response to phone calls/email within 7 business days, email Dean Settlage (rsettlage@wayne.edu).

For questions relating to Law School scholarships (not loans):

  1. Email waynelawscholarship@wayne.edu (email preferred). 
  2. Call 313-577-3996 and leave a voicemail if no one answers. 

Law Library

How to make a reservation at the Law Library

The Law Library has a limited number of physically distanced study spaces available Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access will be limited to Wayne State University faculty, students and staff. A study seat can be reserved online in advance of your arrival. All reference and research services are being provided online through the summer semester via chat, email, telephone and Zoom consultations. You can access these services through the Law Library’s website. The outside doors closest to the Law Library entrance (the doors under the open-air breezeway) will be unlocked while the Law Library is open. 
 
Please complete the Campus Daily Screener on the day that you plan to enter the library. Upon arrival, the QR code sent from the Campus Health Center in response to submitting your screener will be scanned, and you must display your OneCard. 

The Law Library is open to the entire University community. You are strongly encouraged to make your reservations for study space within the Law Library well in advance.

Make your Law Library reservation (click "RESERVE A SEAT AT NEEF")


Student and graduating student access

Westlaw

Returning J.D. and LL.M. students can use Westlaw over the summer ONLY for non-commercial research. Examples of permissible uses for your academic password include:

  • Summer coursework
  • Research assistantship assignments
  • Wayne Law Review/Journals research
  • Moot Court research
  • Nonprofit work
  • Clinical work
  • Internships/externships
  • Graduating students:
    • Sign up for Westlaw’s “Grad Elite” program, which gives 60-hours per month on resources such as Practical Law, drafting tools and form builders for 18 months after graduation
    • More information is available here.  

Questions? Contact the Law Library’s Reference Desk at 313-577-6180 or Michelle LaLonde at 313-577-9381 or mlalonde@wayne.edu.