The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law has officially named Nicholas Schroeck as its new dean after he served in the interim role. With a strong background in environmental law, legal advocacy and academia, Schroeck brings years of experience and deep connections to the Detroit legal community.
Now, as he steps into the position permanently, he is focused on ensuring student success, expanding the school’s reputation and embracing innovation in legal education.
Schroeck’s path to legal education was not a straight one but rather a journey shaped by his passion for public service and advocacy. Originally an urban studies and political science major, he worked in electoral politics and at a law firm before deciding to attend law school.
“I thought being a city manager would be an interesting job,” Schroeck said. “Then, in law school, I took environmental law and realized how much it aligned with my background and values.”
Schroeck’s career trajectory demonstrates that legal education can lead to far more than traditional law firm work. After earning his law degree, he worked for environmental organizations, including the Great Lakes Commission and the National Wildlife Federation, focusing on policy issues and climate change legislation. His work not only addressed critical environmental challenges but also deepened his understanding of how law intersects with public policy.
“I was able to work for non-governmental organizations right out of law school,” Schroeck said. “I worked on Great Lakes-related policy issues, legal advocacy and legislative efforts. That experience shaped how I view the law as a tool for meaningful change.”
His passion for advocacy eventually led him to academia, where he established environmental law clinics before joining UDM Law in 2018.
Schroeck quickly moved into administrative roles, serving as director of clinical programs and later as associate dean before being appointed interim dean. His tenure prepared him for the responsibilities of leading the law school.
“It’s humbling,” Schroeck said of his appointment. “I’m the 24th dean of the law school in 113 years, and when you look at the people who have served before me, it’s an honor. But I also know how intense the job is—there’s always something to be done.”
Schroeck’s top priority is ensuring student success, particularly in terms of career opportunities. He believes the law school’s reputation is directly tied to the achievements of its graduates.
“My number one priority is for our students to get the best possible education,” he said. “We measure that by their career outcomes—making sure they secure jobs that require a law degree or where a JD is a preferred credential.”
A major focus will be on improving bar passage rates, ensuring students are prepared for the exam that will allow them to practice law. He also aims to expand faculty to maintain strong student-to-faculty ratios and offer relevant, high-quality courses.
Beyond academics, Schroeck understands that UDM Law’s reputation plays a key role in student opportunities.
“We need to strengthen our presence at legal conferences, get our faculty speaking at events and ensure they’re quoted in media,” he said. “We also need to engage our alumni, as they are our best ambassadors for the school.”
His commitment to student success extends beyond academics—he wants students to feel confident and prepared as they step into their legal careers.
Legal education is evolving, and Schroeck wants UDM Law to be at the forefront of that evolution. He is particularly interested in integrating technology into legal practice, ensuring that students graduate with a skillset that aligns with the future of the profession.
“There are emerging areas of law related to artificial intelligence and blockchain that are changing the profession,” he said. “We need to offer courses that teach students how to use these tools effectively and ethically.”
Schroeck is also working on expanding experiential learning opportunities through UDM Law’s clinics and externships, which provide students with hands-on legal experience while serving the community.
“Our students learn how to be lawyers by serving our community,” he said. “That’s something that sets us apart.”
Schroeck’s selection was met with strong support from faculty members, including Associate Dean Erin R. Archerd, who served on the dean search committee.
“The most important quality we were looking for in a new dean was an understanding of our law school’s mission,” Archerd said. “Dean Schroeck stood out because of how deeply embedded he is in the Detroit legal community. He knows everyone.”
She also highlighted his leadership style.
“He’s a servant leader—low ego, good sense of humor and very supportive of others,” Archerd said. “We heard many concrete examples of him personally reaching out to help students, faculty and staff.”
Archerd pointed out that a major challenge for law schools is the anticipated decline in student enrollment in the coming years. However, she is confident that Schroeck’s strategic approach and commitment to strengthening UDM Law’s ties with the local and regional legal communities will help the school navigate these challenges effectively.
Schroeck is optimistic about the future and sees great opportunities for UDM Law.
“Our community is strong,” he said. “We have a welcoming, service-oriented mission, and we’re providing thousands of hours of legal service through our clinics and externships. That’s what makes us unique.”
With a focus on student success, faculty growth and innovation, Schroeck is eager to lead the law school into its next chapter.
“I want to be a dean who listens,” he said. “I want to be approachable, responsive and focused on making sure our students have the best possible outcomes. That’s how we continue to grow.”
