LAWYERS
What do Ford Law students enjoy most about this program?
INVESTING
IN FUTURE
LAWYERS
Today’s lawyers are critical to the development of the next generation of lawyers. And there are abundant opportunities for law firms, lawyers, legal aid organizations, judges, clerks and more to support Ford Law students and teachers.
Ford has transitioned ownership and management of Ford Law to HFLI to leverage its expertise and facilitate its further growth and success. This also opens up the opportunity for new firms to bring their unique talents and perspective to the next phase of Ford Law.
SUPPORTING STUDENT LEARNING IN MEANINGFUL WAYS
Learning with lawyers and in legal settings is a critical element of students’ Ford Law experience.
Every year, all Ford Law students participate in experiences with attorneys from local law practices and other organizations in the legal community – in fact, of all of the things that students love about Ford Law, these interactions are at the top of their list.
Capstone projects promote students’ deep exploration of individual interests, exposure to in-demand areas or growing trends in law, and planning for their future.
For example, the Ford Law Summer Clerkship Program is a three-week program designed to provide an enriching place-based learning experience for students interested in law while also building strong relationships between school leaders and legal professionals. Thirty-three rising seniors from Detroit completed the 2024 Summer Clerkship, which also included working with a mentor-lawyer to develop their research-based project question.
During the clerkship I realized the impact the Ford Law program is having. I've always had a severe emotional attachment to the concept of becoming a defense attorney, but then some personal, instances changed that to the road of prosecution. I feel that this program gave me the ability to face that so I'm able to communicate what I actually want out of the things that I've been through or the reason why I want to do law in the first place.
HFLI Studio is the homebase for Ford Law’s extensive educator and lawyer resources. Access is free for review and use, in full or in part. HFLI is available to schools and educators for implementation coaching.