USD Law Advocate, Spring 2026

Planned renovations to Warren Hall include an emphasis on flexible teaching spaces that optimize natural light and promote student well-being. (conceptual rendering by Gensler)

The law school has initiated an ambitious campaign to reinvigorate, upgrade and reimagine how space shapes learning DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE

and global learning. We need the tech nology and infrastructure to make a USD education accessible to people anywhere who can benefit from a USD Law educa tion, regardless of where they live.” With the guidance and input of many stakeholders—including faculty, staff, alumni, students and commu nity members—USD Law has done an extensive analysis of different scenarios for growth and conducted comparisons with law school peer facilities. A 2023 concept study by architecture and design firm Perkins and Will examined vari ous options for improving and possibly expanding the facilities, giving the law school several road maps for future development. The top priorities include creating versatile teaching spaces that meet professional education standards, estab lishing more consolidated and productive

E ver since USD School of Law was founded in 1954, it has provided a stimulating intellectual envi ronment that supports first-rate education and scholarship. Over the decades, its commitment to excellence has never wavered, but to remain a leader in the way law is taught and learned, the law school must contin uously—and nimbly—embrace change. Thus, to ensure its relevance in the evolving field of legal education, USD Law has embarked on a bold campaign to dramatically improve its facilities. With a focus on enhancing the student experience and increasing well-being and

collaboration, the law school buildings of Warren Hall and the Pardee Legal Research Center (LRC) are slated for sig nificant renovation. Plans to add on to the facilities are also under consideration. “It is not just that our buildings are dated, which they are, it is our mission to lead the way with purpose and innova tion to renovate existing spaces and reimagine new, dedicated environments designed for the impressive future of legal education,” explained Assistant Dean of Development and Alumni Rela tions Debbie Rider ’84 (JD). “Our goal is to create more collaborative learning spaces and have the flexibility for remote

SPRING 2026

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