Widener University School of Law
Encyclopedia
Widener University School of Law is the ABA
accredited law school of Widener University
. The school, founded in 1971 as the Delaware Law School, operates on two of Widener's campuses, one in Wilmington
, Delaware
, and the other in Harrisburg
, Pennsylvania
.
in 1975 and graduated its first class of 267 that year. The school's name was officially changed to Widener University School of Law in 1989 when the Harrisburg
campus was added. With a current enrollment of over 1600 students, Widener Law has grown to become the largest of all Pennsylvania area law schools.
, the corporate capital of the world, Widener's 40 acre campus is home to nearly 1,100 students. The campus offers numerous degrees, many with an emphasis on corporate law.
campus is located minutes from the state capitol
building and downtown
Harrisburg. The 22 acre campus is home to the Widener Law & Government Institute, which specializes in the study and improvement of government law. The Harrisburg campus boasts a total enrollment of approximately 500 full time and part time students.
In addition to legal clinics and the Trial Advocacy Institute, Widener offers certification in specialized fields of study. At the Delaware campus it offers special certification from the Health Law Institute, the Institute of Delaware Corporate Law, and Trial Advocacy Institute. At the Harrisburg campus special certification is available through the Law and Government Institute.
Both campuses offer a variety of pro-bono work or community outreach opportunities through the Public Interest Initiative on the Harrisburg campus or the Public Interest Resource Center on the Delaware campus. Students also have the opportunity to participate in extra and co-curricular activities such as Moot court
, Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society, and three law reviews; The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law
, The Widener Law Journal, and The Widener Law Review
.
This low grading curve has been the source of controversy for some students. According to a 2007 student survey conducted by the Princeton Review and sanctioned by the school, "Widener's C grading curve is also a source of frustration. Students worry that their curved grade point averages might not stack up to their competitors, 'causing us to lose out on job opportunities.'" In the same survey, students insist that the current grading policy requires some much needed reform.
's Best Law School Rankings, Widener is classified as a "Second Tier" law school and is not given a numerical value. The median LSAT score and the median GPA for the class entering in 2010 were 151 and 3.14 respectively.
Class of 2009
, $122,410;Dickinson
, $117,989; Penn
, $105,297; Duquesne
, $88,908; Drexel
, $32,260) and only slightly above the national average.
to offer streamlined admissions and scholarship opportunities to highly qualified students and alumni from the 14 state universities.
American Bar Association
The American Bar Association , founded August 21, 1878, is a voluntary bar association of lawyers and law students, which is not specific to any jurisdiction in the United States. The ABA's most important stated activities are the setting of academic standards for law schools, and the formulation...
accredited law school of Widener University
Widener University
Widener University is a private, coeducational university located in Chester, Pennsylvania.Its main campus sits on 108 acres , just southwest of Philadelphia...
. The school, founded in 1971 as the Delaware Law School, operates on two of Widener's campuses, one in Wilmington
Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington is the largest city in the state of Delaware, United States, and is located at the confluence of the Christina River and Brandywine Creek, near where the Christina flows into the Delaware River. It is the county seat of New Castle County and one of the major cities in the Delaware Valley...
, Delaware
Delaware
Delaware is a U.S. state located on the Atlantic Coast in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It is bordered to the south and west by Maryland, and to the north by Pennsylvania...
, and the other in Harrisburg
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 49,528, making it the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania...
, Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
.
History
Originally founded in 1971 as the Delaware Law School, the institution became affiliated with Widener UniversityWidener University
Widener University is a private, coeducational university located in Chester, Pennsylvania.Its main campus sits on 108 acres , just southwest of Philadelphia...
in 1975 and graduated its first class of 267 that year. The school's name was officially changed to Widener University School of Law in 1989 when the Harrisburg
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 49,528, making it the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania...
campus was added. With a current enrollment of over 1600 students, Widener Law has grown to become the largest of all Pennsylvania area law schools.
Delaware
Strategically located in WilmingtonWilmington
-People:* Spencer Compton, 1st Earl of Wilmington, British Prime Minister, 1742–1743, who gave his name to many of the places called Wilmington.* Earl of Wilmington, a title in the Peerage of Great Britain created in 1730 for Spencer Compton...
, the corporate capital of the world, Widener's 40 acre campus is home to nearly 1,100 students. The campus offers numerous degrees, many with an emphasis on corporate law.
Harrisburg
The HarrisburgHarrisburg, Pennsylvania
Harrisburg is the capital of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 49,528, making it the ninth largest city in Pennsylvania...
campus is located minutes from the state capitol
Pennsylvania State Capitol
The Pennsylvania State Capitol is the seat of government for the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and is in downtown Harrisburg. It was designed in 1902 in a Beaux-Arts style with Renaissance themes throughout...
building and downtown
Downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Downtown Harrisburg, is the central core business and government center which surrounds the focal point of Market Square, and serves a the regional center for the greater metropolitan area of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA....
Harrisburg. The 22 acre campus is home to the Widener Law & Government Institute, which specializes in the study and improvement of government law. The Harrisburg campus boasts a total enrollment of approximately 500 full time and part time students.
Overview
Widener provides a comprehensive legal education program including offering its students the opportunity to work on court cases through legal clinics. The clinics specialize in environmental law, criminal defense, and civil law; which includes bankruptcy, family law, and legal assistance on veteran benefits cases. Another opportunity provided to its students is the Trial Advocacy Institute which offers an eight-day training program that teaches students how to conduct themselves properly in a courtroom trial.In addition to legal clinics and the Trial Advocacy Institute, Widener offers certification in specialized fields of study. At the Delaware campus it offers special certification from the Health Law Institute, the Institute of Delaware Corporate Law, and Trial Advocacy Institute. At the Harrisburg campus special certification is available through the Law and Government Institute.
Both campuses offer a variety of pro-bono work or community outreach opportunities through the Public Interest Initiative on the Harrisburg campus or the Public Interest Resource Center on the Delaware campus. Students also have the opportunity to participate in extra and co-curricular activities such as Moot court
Moot court
A moot court is an extracurricular activity at many law schools in which participants take part in simulated court proceedings, usually to include drafting briefs and participating in oral argument. The term derives from Anglo Saxon times, when a moot was a gathering of prominent men in a...
, Moe Levine Trial Advocacy Honor Society, and three law reviews; The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law
Delaware Journal of Corporate Law
The Delaware Journal of Corporate Law is Widener University School of Law's original law review. The journal was established in 1976 and publishes three issues per annual volume. In addition to scholarly articles, the journal publishes opinions from the Delaware Court of Chancery that are not...
, The Widener Law Journal, and The Widener Law Review
Widener Law Review
The Widener Law Review , is a student-run publication at Widener University School of Law in Wilmington, Delaware....
.
Degree programs
- Juris DoctorJuris DoctorJuris Doctor is a professional doctorate and first professional graduate degree in law.The degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree Juris Doctor (see etymology and...
(JDJuris DoctorJuris Doctor is a professional doctorate and first professional graduate degree in law.The degree was first awarded by Harvard University in the United States in the late 19th century and was created as a modern version of the old European doctor of law degree Juris Doctor (see etymology and...
) - Available in both full-time (3-year) and part-time (4-year) programs. - Juris Doctor/Master of Business AdministrationMaster of Business AdministrationThe Master of Business Administration is a :master's degree in business administration, which attracts people from a wide range of academic disciplines. The MBA designation originated in the United States, emerging from the late 19th century as the country industrialized and companies sought out...
(JD/MBA) - Dual degree offered in collaboration with Widener University School of Business Administration's AACSB accredited graduate program. - Juris Doctor/Doctor of PsychologyDoctor of PsychologyThe Doctor of Psychology degree is a professional doctorate earned through one of two established training models for clinical psychology...
(JD/PsyD) - A collaborative effort with Widener University Institute for Graduate Clinical Psychology. - Juris Doctor/Master of Public HealthMaster of Public HealthThe Master of Public Health and the Doctor of Public Health are multi-disciplinary professional degrees awarded for studies in areas related to public health....
(JD/MPH) - Dual degree offered in collaboration with Thomas Jefferson UniversityThomas Jefferson UniversityThomas Jefferson University is a private health sciences university in Center City, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in the United States. The university consists of six constituent colleges and schools, Jefferson Medical College, Jefferson College of Graduate Studies, Jefferson School of Health...
. - Juris Doctor/Master of Marine Policy (JD/MMP) - A collaborative effort with the University of DelawareUniversity of DelawareThe university is organized into seven colleges:* College of Agriculture and Natural Resources* College of Arts and Sciences* Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics* College of Earth, Ocean and Environment* College of Education and Human Development...
. - Juris Doctor/Master of ScienceMaster of ScienceA Master of Science is a postgraduate academic master's degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree is typically studied for in the sciences including the social sciences.-Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay:...
in Library ScienceLibrary scienceLibrary science is an interdisciplinary or multidisciplinary field that applies the practices, perspectives, and tools of management, information technology, education, and other areas to libraries; the collection, organization, preservation, and dissemination of information resources; and the...
(JD/MSLS) - Dual degree program offered on the Harrisburg campus in collaboration with Clarion University of PennsylvaniaClarion University of PennsylvaniaClarion University of Pennsylvania, located on a campus in Clarion, Pennsylvania, is one of fourteen universities of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education ....
. - Graduate degrees via the Delaware campus include Master of Laws in Corporate Law and Finance (LL.M.), Master of Laws in Health Law (LL.M.), Master of Health Administration (M.H.A.), Master of Jurisprudence in Health Law (M.J.), Doctor of Juridical ScienceDoctor of Juridical ScienceDoctor of Juridical Science, Doctor of the Science of Law, Scientiae Juridicae Doctor , abbreviated J.S.D. or S.J.D., is a research doctorate in law and equivalent to the PhD It is offered primarily in the United States, where it originated, and in Canada...
(S.J.D.), and Doctor of Laws (D.L.). The graduate Health Law program has been ranked by the 2009 U.S. News & World report as one of the top ten graduate school programs in the nation.
Grading curve
Widener's grading policy is self-described as rigorous. Unlike most law schools, Widener's policy allows the average grade for first-year courses to be set as low as 2.3, which equates to a grade point average between a "C" and a "C+." The average grade for upper level courses purports to be only slightly more lenient.This low grading curve has been the source of controversy for some students. According to a 2007 student survey conducted by the Princeton Review and sanctioned by the school, "Widener's C grading curve is also a source of frustration. Students worry that their curved grade point averages might not stack up to their competitors, 'causing us to lose out on job opportunities.'" In the same survey, students insist that the current grading policy requires some much needed reform.
Ranking
In the 2012 edition of U.S. News & World ReportU.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is an American news magazine published from Washington, D.C. Along with Time and Newsweek it was for many years a leading news weekly, focusing more than its counterparts on political, economic, health and education stories...
's Best Law School Rankings, Widener is classified as a "Second Tier" law school and is not given a numerical value. The median LSAT score and the median GPA for the class entering in 2010 were 151 and 3.14 respectively.
Study abroad
Study abroad is offered through the Summer International Law Institute. There are five institutes available to students; Kenya, Switzerland, Italy, Australia and the most recent addition of China. While abroad students sometimes have the ability to go out on internships with international organizations.Bar passage
Since 1998, over 3,600 Widener Law graduates have been admitted to the Pennsylvania Bar – more than any other Pennsylvania area law school. Recently, Widener Law has experienced a steep upward trend in its bar passage rates. Notably, first time takers from both campuses have achieved all-time high passage rates on the Pennsylvania Bar Exam; Harrisburg in July 2009 with 94.32%, and Delaware in February 2011 with 92.31%.Employment statistics
Class of 2010- Nine Month Employment/Advanced Degree Rate: 93%
- Working in Private/Business Sector: 57%
- Working in Public/Non Profit Sector: 43%
- Median reported private sector salary: $66,750
- Median reported judicial clerkship salary: $45,000
- Median reported government salary: $42,000
Class of 2009
- Nine Month Employment/Advanced Degree Rate: 79%
- Working in Private/Business Sector: 61%
- Working in Public/Non-Profit Sector: 30.4%
- Median reported private sector salary: $65,000
- Median reported public sector salary: $45,000
Student loan debt
Widener's Class of 2010 graduated with an average debt of $111,909. This places Widener in the mid-range of student loan debt compared to Pennsylvania's other private law schools (VillanovaVillanova
Villanova may refer to:In botany:*Villanova, a genus of plants in the family Phyllanthaceae, an invalid name replaced by Flueggea, or bushweed*Villanova , a genus of plants in the family Asteraceae.In education:*St...
, $122,410;Dickinson
Dickinson
- Place names :United States* Dickinson, California ** Dickinson, California, alternate name of Dickenson, California** Dickinson, California, alternate name of Chester, Merced County, California* Dickinson, Minnesota...
, $117,989; Penn
Penn
-Places:England*Penn, Buckinghamshire*Penn, West MidlandsUnited States*Penn, North Dakota*Pennsylvania**Penn, Pennsylvania*Penn Lake Park, Pennsylvania*Penn Township , several municipalities-Education:...
, $105,297; Duquesne
Duquesne
-Individuals:* Abraham de Bellebat, marquis du Quesne, governor of Martinique in 1716* Abraham Duquesne, French admiral* Calleigh Duquesne, a character in the television series CSI: Miami...
, $88,908; Drexel
Drexel
-People:* Anthony Joseph Drexel I, a Philadelphia banker, founder of Drexel University* John Armstrong Drexel, aviation pioneer* Elizabeth Wharton Drexel, socialite and author* Francis Anthony Drexel, a Philadelphia banker...
, $32,260) and only slightly above the national average.
Undergraduate programs
Qualified undergraduate students at Widener University are eligible to apply to the law school under three special admissions programs.- Express Admissions Program - Students in the top half of their class who score in the top 50th percentile on the LSAT are eligible to apply for express admission to the law school.
- 3+3 Fast Track Program - Government and politics students can earn their undergraduate degree and law degree in just six years.
- Legal Studies and Analysis Minor - This minor partners the undergraduate college with the law school to help prepare Widener students for the LSAT.
Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education
Since 1998, Widener Law's Harrisburg Campus has partnered with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher EducationPennsylvania State System of Higher Education
The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and a large public university system in the United States. It is the tenth-largest university system in the United States and 43rd largest in the world...
to offer streamlined admissions and scholarship opportunities to highly qualified students and alumni from the 14 state universities.
- Express Admissions Program - PASSHE students and graduates are eligible to apply for express admission to the Harrisburg Campus.
- 3+3 Early Admissions/Joint Degree Program - PASSHE students can earn their undergraduate degree and law degree in just six years.
- Dixon Scholarship Program - A 30% tuition scholarship is available to students admitted under the Express Admissions Program or the 3+3 Early Admissions/Joint Degree Program.
Stockton College
Beginning in 2009, Widener Law has offered an express admissions option to qualified students and alumni from The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey.- Express Admissions Program - Stockton students and graduates are eligible to apply for express admission to either campus.
Notable alumni
As of 2010, the School of Law has more than 13,000 alumni practicing around the world.- Dawn Marie AddiegoDawn Marie AddiegoDawn Marie Addiego is an American Republican politician who represents the 8th legislative district in the New Jersey Senate. She previously served in the General Assembly from January 8, 2008 to November 22, 2010...
(19--), New Jersey State Senator (R) - Peter J. Barnes IIIPeter J. Barnes IIIPeter J. Barnes III is an American Democratic Party politician, who served in New Jersey's General Assembly since 2007, where he represents the 18th legislative district...
(19--), New Jersey Congressman (D) - Hon. P. Kevin Brobson (1995), Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court (R)
- Mark B. CohenMark B. CohenMark B. Cohen is a Democratic politician from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Succeeding Eugene Gelfand, he has represented Pennsylvania House of Representatives, District 202 in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives since June 10, 1974, making him the most senior member in the Pennsylvania...
(1993), Pennsylvania Congressman (D) - Hon. Alan N. Cooper (1985), New Castle County Family Court
- Hon. Deborah E. Curcillo (1987), Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
- Bryan CutlerBryan CutlerBryan Cutler is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 100th legislative district. He was first elected in 2006, defeating incumbent Gibson C. Armstrong....
(2006), Pennsylvania Congressman (R) - Peter DaleyPeter DaleyPeter J. Daley, II is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 49th Legislative District since 1983. His district includes parts of Fayette County and Washington County....
(1993), Pennsylvania Congressman (D) - Carl DanbergCarl DanbergCarl C. Danberg is an American lawyer from Newark, in New Castle County, Delaware. He is a member of the Democratic Party and was the Attorney General of Delaware. and Commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction....
(198-), former Delaware Attorney General (D) - Hon. Alan G. Davis (1999), Chief Magistrate, Delaware Justice of the Peace Court
- Hon. Susan C. Del Pesco (1975), Delaware Superior Court
- Eugene DePasqualeEugene DePasqualeEugene Anthony DePasquale is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 95th Legislative District since 2007...
(19--), Pennsylvania Congressman (D) - Domenick DiCiccoDomenick DiCiccoDomenick DiCicco Jr. is an American Republican Party politician who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2010, where he represents the 4th Legislative District....
(19--), New Jersey Congressman (R) - Hon. Scott A. Evans (1981), Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
- Jon D. FoxJon D. FoxJon D. Fox was a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.Jon Fox was born in Abington, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Pennsylvania State University in State College, PA in 1969, and earned a J.D. from the Delaware School of Law , in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1975...
(1975), former U.S. Congressman (R-PA) - Hon. Todd A. Hoover (1979), Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
- Tom HoughtonTom HoughtonThomas D. "Tom" Houghton is a Democratic politician and former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represented the 13th district from 2009 through 2010.-Personal life:...
(199-), former Pennsylvania Congressman - Hon. Richard A. Lewis (19--), Dauphin County Court of Common Pleas
- Matthew McGroryMatthew McGroryMatthew McGrory was an American actor, known for his great height.-Early life:McGrory was born in West Chester, Pennsylvania. McGrory studied pre-law at Widener University, where he resided in campus housing on the first floor of Howell Hall. Studied Criminal Justice at West Chester University....
(dec'd), actor - Patrick J. Murphy (1999), former U.S. Congressman (D-PA)
- William Nettles (1992), U.S. Attorney, District of South Carolina
- Pat QuinnPat Quinn (ice hockey)John Brian Patrick Quinn , is a former head coach in the National Hockey League , most recently with the Edmonton Oilers. Known by the nickname "The Big Irishman",...
(198-), former NHL Coach and General Manager - Hon. Robert J. Rebstock (1983), Philadelphia County Court of Common Pleas
- Cynthia R. Ryan (1979), National Geospatial-Intelligence AgencyNational Geospatial-Intelligence AgencyThe National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is an agency of the federal government of the United States with the primary mission of collecting, analyzing and distributing geospatial intelligence in support of national security. NGA was formerly known as the National Imagery and Mapping Agency ...
General Counsel - John SabatinaJohn SabatinaJohn Sabatina is a Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He was first elected to represent the 174th legislative district on March 14, 2006.-External links:* official PA House website* official Party website...
(1997), Pennsylvania Congressman (D) - Curt SchroderCurt SchroderCurt Schroder is serving his seventh term as a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. He represents the 155th district. Schroder is the Republican Chairman of the House Gaming Oversight Committee, and also sits on the House Insurance Committee....
(1989), Pennsylvania Congressman (R) - John C. SiglerJohn C. SiglerJohn C. Sigler is the current Chairman of the Republican State Committee of Delaware and a former President of the National Rifle Association , an American gun-owners' rights organization. He succeeded Sandra Froman in 2007, and was the organization's 59th President since it was founded in 1871...
(1987), former National Rifle AssociationNational Rifle AssociationThe National Rifle Association of America is an American non-profit 501 civil rights organization which advocates for the protection of the Second Amendment of the United States Bill of Rights and the promotion of firearm ownership rights as well as marksmanship, firearm safety, and the protection...
President - Hon. Howard H. Sherman (1975), New York Supreme Court
- Todd Stephens (politician)Todd Stephens (politician)W. Todd Stephens is a Republican member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives who has represented the 151st District since his election in 2010.-Early life and education:...
(2000), Pennsylvania Congressman (R) - Brian TierneyBrian TierneyBrian P. Tierney is an American a former advertising and public relations executive and publisher of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Born in Upper Darby Township, Pennsylvania, Tierney created Tierney Communications, one of the largest and most successful public relations and advertising firms in...
(1987), former publisher of the The Philadelphia InquirerThe Philadelphia InquirerThe Philadelphia Inquirer is a morning daily newspaper that serves the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, metropolitan area of the United States. The newspaper was founded by John R. Walker and John Norvell in June 1829 as The Pennsylvania Inquirer and is the third-oldest surviving daily newspaper in the...
and the Philadelphia Daily NewsPhiladelphia Daily NewsThe Philadelphia Daily News is a tabloid newspaper that serves Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. The newspaper is owned by Philadelphia Media Holdings which also owns Philadelphia's other major newspaper The Philadelphia Inquirer. The Daily News began publishing on March 31, 1925, under... - Terry Van HorneTerry Van HorneTerry E. Van Horn is a former Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he represented the 54th legislative district....
(1993), former Pennsylvania Congressman (D) - Rebecca Walker (politician) (19--), Delaware Congresswoman (D)
- Mike MissanelliMike MissanelliMike Missanelli is an American sports radio personality for ESPN affiliate, 97.5 The Fanatic, in Philadelphia.Missanelli began his career in Bristol, Pennsylvania as a newspaper writer, working at the Philadelphia Inquirer and eventually moved over to radio working on-air at 610 WIP and 93.3 WMMR. ...
(19--), Philadelphia sports radio personality