University of Wisconsin Law School - Traditions

Traditions

The most visible tradition at the law school is that of the Gargoyle. The Gargoyle graced the roof of the original law school building, built in 1893. That building was torn down in 1963, but the gargoyle was found, intact, amongst the rubble, and was saved as an unofficial mascot. The Gargoyle became the symbol of the law school, and was displayed outside the law school building for many years. With the new renovation, it moved to a more protected location inside the law school atrium. The image of the gargoyle graces the cover of the Wisconsin Law Review, and the law school alumni magazine is called the Gargoyle. Its image has been applied to ties, coffee cups, tee shirts and all sorts of other law school memorabilia. In addition to the Gargoyle, "Blind Bucky" is also sometimes used as an unofficial mascot of the Law School.

Another tradition of the law school is homecoming cane toss, which dates from the 1930s. Before the University's homecoming football game, third-year law students run from the north end of the football field at Camp Randall Stadium to the south end wearing bowler hats and carrying canes. When the students reach the goalpost on the south end of the field, they attempt to throw their canes over the goalpost. Legend has it that if the student successfully throws the cane over the goalpost and catches it, she will win her first case; if she fails to catch it, the opposite will hold true.

Another tradition at the law school is an annual fall competitive challenge between the law and medical schools at the University. This set of competitions is called the Dean's Cup and not only serves as a social outlet for law and med students, but also raises funds to support local charities.