William & Mary Law School Expansion Gets BOV Go Ahead
The William & Mary Board of Visitors approved a proposed $14 million expansion and renovation to the William & Mary Law School during its February 2013 meeting.
The project, currently in the design phase, includes an addition to the Law School’s South Henry Street building, which would feature new classrooms and offices to support the Law School’s Legal Practice Program and legal clinics, and add space for student dining and assembly.
The project will be funded by gifts from alumni and other private donors and revenues from student fees.
Davison M. Douglas, dean of the Law School, said the renovation and expansion idea grew out of the Law School’s recent expanded commitment to emphasize the practical skills training of its law students. This commitment has led to an expanded legal writing and legal practice program, as well as additional legal clinics.
The proposal will also provide for expanded dining and gathering space for law students. Currently, the law school offers only limited food service for its students with the ability to seat only 40 students at time. More than 600 students attend the law school.
“Our students often are here from early in the morning for classes until late in the evening for study,” said Douglas, who also noted the lack of economical dining choices within walking distance from the Law School.
The School, which was previously located in Tucker Hall on the main campus, moved to its current location on South Henry Street in 1980.