The law school was originally founded as Detroit City Law School as an evening-only program. It became Wayne University Law School when the university renamed itself in 1922, and turned into Wayne State University Law School when the university joined the Michigan state system in 1956. These days, Wayne State Law's most robust academic strength is its intellectual property law program. The Intellectual Property Institute is jointly run by the University of Windsor in Canada, University of Detroit Mercy and Wayne State, allowing participating students to enroll in courses in all three universities.

Wayne State also offers curricular concentrations in business and corporate law, international law and health law. Students can choose a specialization after they complete a year of core requirements. The school has five joint degree programs, including a JD/MBA and a JD/MA in economics. Classes at Wayne Law emphasize practical skills rather than theory, preparing students for the Michigan bar exam. Most Wayne State Law graduates take jobs in-state, where the school's reputation is strongest amongst employers, but the school has lately been making inroads in neighboring states as well.