The University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law has embarked on a bold reconstruction of our Advocacy program
The "A New Day in Court" renovation project fundraising initiative is an effort to transform the student experience at University of Arizona Law, beginning with the construction of new state-of-the-art courtroom, classroom, and lobby spaces that will literally put litigation skills front and center in our law school.
We want to ensure our students are at ease in court long before they take their first case, and that means providing them with the proper courtroom environment right here on campus. Construction kicked off at the beginning of the Spring 2024 semester and is scheduled to be completed in Fall 2024.
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University of Arizona Law Breaks Ground on $4.9 Million ‘A New Day in Court’ Project
How We're Improving the Student Experience
Conceptual renderings do not represent final designs.
J. Michael Hennigan Classroom
The existing Appellate Courtroom will be remodeled to create a flexible, dual-purpose J. Michael Hennigan courtroom and classroom. Flexible furniture will allow for multiple arrangements within the room.
The courtroom arrangement will include a judge’s bench with seating for five judges and a viewing gallery with seating for 36.
Modern technology will be integrated throughout the courtroom, including professional presentation, recording and streaming equipment that will enhance the in-court experience and allow for easy connectivity to remote participants.
Conceptual renderings do not represent final designs.
Kevin R. Boyle Courtroom
The Kevin R. Boyle Courtroom construction includes combining classroom 118 and the current trial courtroom into one professional, modern, trial courtroom that gives students everything they need to learn and practice advocacy.
A glass partition will make courtroom activities visible to all—a visual reminder that, in our core, University of Arizona Law advances education and justice.
The Kevin R. Boyle Courtroom will be spacious with clear sight lines between the judge’s bench, 12-seat jury box, a witness stand and the defendant’s and plaintiff’s/prosecutor’s tables. There will also be a viewing gallery with seating for 50.
Modern technology will be integrated throughout the courtroom, including professional presentation, recording and streaming equipment that will enhance the in-court experience and allow for easy connectivity to remote participants.
A new dual-purpose jury deliberation/conference room will also be constructed. Professional audiovisual equipment will be installed so that faculty and students can review jury deliberations and draw insights for future trial strategy.
Conceptual renderings do not represent final designs.
Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian Lobby
The Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian Lobby will be remodeled to create modern, flexible study and gathering spaces with enhanced audiovisual capabilities. The lobby will also have an unrestricted view of the Kevin R. Boyle Courtroom activities.
Faculty Support
University of Arizona Law aims to establish an endowed faculty chair of advocacy for the director of the program and an endowed professorship in advocacy to add an assistant director.
This investment in faculty development will allow for continued growth and excellence in the advocacy program.
Student Support
University of Arizona Law aims to establish an endowment fund to support student experiential advocacy activities, such as travel to trial competitions.
With a permanent fund to cover these expenses, more students will have easier access and more opportunities to practice and compete at the highest levels around the country.
View project design concepts, renderings, interior design highlights and more.
To learn more about the A New Day in Court initiative, including donor naming and recognition opportunities, please contact the Alumni & Development Office at 520-621-8430 or alumni@law.arizona.edu.
"When you practice in the space you’re going to work in, you perform better."
-Class of 2022 Clarissa Todd, moot court champion
Fundraising Goals
Capital Projects
$4.9 million
Faculty Support
$3 million
Student Support
$1 million
News
Steering Committee
Marc Miller
Barbara Bergman
Ted Schmidt
Karen Kowalski
Bernadette Wilkinson
Michael Wagenheim
Susie Salmon
Megan O’Leary
University of Arizona Facilities Management
Multistudio
Brian Chase
Sean Aiken
Vince Redhouse
Tom Mauet
DPR Construction