University of Arizona Law Unveils State-of-the-Art Courtrooms as Part of $4.9 Million ‘A New Day in Court’ Initiative
Court is now in session!
On Friday, October 18, the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law proudly unveiled its newly constructed, state-of-the-art courtrooms, classroom, and lobby spaces, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing “A New Day in Court” advocacy initiative. These 100% donor-funded renovations will enable students to hone their advocacy skills in a realistic and immersive setting, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real trial experiences.
At the ceremony, Marc Miller, Dean and Ralph W. Bilby Professor of Law, shared his thoughts on the long-term impact of these new facilities. "It’s wonderful to be together to celebrate a momentous occasion—to unveil some extraordinary spaces—spaces that now sit, literally and figuratively, at the heart of our law school," said Miller. "These spaces will shape our students, their education, and through them, our future."
Launched in 2017, the project’s centerpiece is the newly renovated courtroom, classroom and lobby, which represents the first major phase of the initiative. It also includes the renaming of the program to the Thomas Mauet Advocacy Program in honor of Professor Emeritus and renowned trial expert Thomas Mauet, who directed the Advocacy program until his retirement in 2016.
Speaking at the event, Mauet noted, “the best thing that ever happened to me was I came to Arizona, and I met lawyers who were willing to devote their time to make the Trial Advocacy program something special. I’ve not seen that elsewhere, so kudos to all of you. The graduates and supporters of the law school who made this a special place for me. For forty-three years I couldn’t have had a better time.”
An Authentic Courtroom Environment
The College’s original trial courtroom has been transformed into a fully modernized space equipped with cutting-edge technology. This state-of-the-art courtroom, now known as the Kevin R. Boyle Courtroom after alum Kevin R. Boyle (‘97), features professional-grade presentation, recording and streaming capabilities, allowing students to simulate real-world trials. The addition of a 12-seat jury box and witness stand creates an authentic courtroom environment, while the 50-seat viewing gallery offers ample space for peers, faculty, and visitors to observe proceedings. Just off the courtroom lies the Snell & Wilmer Jury Conference Room, a new dual-purpose jury deliberation/conference room with professional audiovisual equipment, that will allow students to observe deliberations and gain strategic insights.
The adjacent appellate courtroom has also been completely reimagined to serve multiple purposes. The newly named J. Michael Hennigan Courtroom, is designed to function both as a traditional courtroom and an interactive classroom, and now includes a judge’s bench that seats up to five judges and a 36-seat viewing gallery. The flexible design accommodates moot court sessions, appellate hearings, and a variety of instructional activities, creating a dynamic learning environment.
Beyond the courtrooms, the renovated Schmidt, Sethi & Akmajian Lobby now includes ample study areas with a dynamic view of both courtrooms thanks to the floor-to-ceiling wall of smart glass that shifts from transparent to opaque with the touch of a button. And the Boyle Family Bear Down Room will serve as a group workspace, where students can engage in collaborative learning.
A Collective Commitment
John Arnold, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Financial Officer of the University of Arizona, spoke about the university's dedication to innovation in education. "The judiciary’s effectiveness lies in its ability to exercise proper judgment, not through power or force, but through wisdom," Arnold remarked. "This room, this place, and this college—married with the guidance of our faculty and the drive of our brilliant students—will cultivate the judgment necessary to uphold the rule of law for generations to come."
Phyllis Hennigan, a key donor and wife of the late J. Michael Hennigan (’70), spoke on behalf of the project’s donors, sharing emotional reflections on her husband’s legacy and celebrating the group’s collective passion for the law school.
“On behalf of all the donors who share Mike’s love for this place, we know generations of lawyers to come will be inspired within and beyond these walls ensuring the ongoing growth of the reputation of this university so that everyone can recognize what we all know: That this program is special.”
Following the remarks, the Student Bar Association President, Maelene Rosales, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with dozens of alums, donors and legal community members joining her. The celebration officially opened the new courtrooms and unveiled the cutting-edge spaces that will serve as the heart of the College's Advocacy program.
The College raised $4.9 million, thanks to the generosity of nearly 150 donors, to complete the construction phase of the initiative with plans to raise additional funds to support an endowed chair of advocacy, an endowed professorship and an endowment fund for student experiential advocacy activities such as travel to trial competitions. Miller acknowledged the many contributors who made this project possible, underscoring the collective commitment to preparing students for the legal challenges of tomorrow.
“Simply put – all you see is only possible because of all of you. So many in the legal community have embraced this project – firms, alumni, and friends throughout the country. This project is 100% donor-funded, a testament to the generosity and dedication of our community. Thank you to our incredible donors who made this dream a reality. At long last, Court is now in session!”