The University of Denver Sturm College of Law announced a $2.25 million gift to endow the Mulligan Burleson Chair in Modern Learning, which will lead the school’s drive toward integrating experiential learning across the curriculum.
The school named Professor Roberto Corrada, a leader in experiential learning, to the new Chair. The gift will allow Corrada to work with the Modern Learning Committee, comprised of leaders in the school’s clinical, externship and legal writing programs, along with full-time and adjunct faculty. The support that comes with the new Chair allows the University of Denver to expand experiential learning opportunities and incorporate new ways of teaching across the curriculum.
Dean Martin Katz said Denver Law is already leading the nation in this drive, developing more effective ways to teach law and allow students to integrate hands-on learning into virtually every facet of their legal education.
“We all benefit from these cross-curriculum discussions that cross boundaries, break down silos and change the face of legal pedagogy,” Katz said. “We are committed to developing client-ready graduates who will provide value to their clients and to their employers.”
Denver Law’s commitment to experiential learning will include an expansion of opportunities in the school’s legal clinics, where students practice as lawyers in real cases, in real courtrooms, under the guidance of professors. Students will also engage in more simulations and externships, honing them for the practice of law outside the classroom.
“We ask a lot of our students,” Corrada said. “But students ‘doing’ is the key to this initiative. We’re breaking down barriers, putting what they learn to work. We have a bold vision of building those opportunities into every class.”
