Clear Admit: Law School Admissions Blog

William & Mary Law School Welcomes the Class of 2013

Clear Admit — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 16:27:54 +0000

In a recent post to the Admissions Blog from William & Mary Law School, Faye Shealy, Associate Dean for Admissions, welcomed the Class of 2013 to the school’s campus. In her post, Shealy expressed enthusiasm for the day each year when the entering class of 1Ls arrives on campus, going so far as to call it her “favorite day of the year.” This year, the matriculating students arrived on August 16th to begin orientation, during which time they had a chance to hear from the school’s Dean, as well as meet their peers and professors for the first time.

According to Shealy, part of the reason why she’s so excited to meet the new students each year is because of the wide range of experiences, perspectives and interests they bring to the table. In William & Mary’s Class of 2013, for example, the students represent 126 different colleges and universities. Over a quarter of the entering students have studied abroad in the past, and, in addition to the international students in the 1L class, these individuals bring with them a number of diverse global perspectives. Shealy is quick to point out that the students are not only academically accomplished, but have also pursued a number of unique and colorful extracurricular involvements, as well. Some of the entering students have served in the AmeriCorp, while others were recognized as Eagle Scouts. One student even completed a 3,000 mile bike ride on the Continental Divide.

From Shealy’s discussion, it’s clear that William & Mary looks to admit candidates who possess not only impressive academic credentials, but who are also interesting and engaged in their communities – a fact to which that applicants at all law schools should take note. As Shealy aptly points out, the fact that the school year has begun indicates that this year’s admissions cycle is also now in full swing. For guidance in getting started with your law school applications, make sure to check out the Admissions Tips section of this blog.

Admissions Tip: Important Recommender Qualities

Clear Admit — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:00:05 +0000

In early summer, we shared with you our advice about identifying the types of people you should select to be your recommenders. Today we’d like to describe the qualities your recommenders should have, as this will help you select the professors, TAs and employers who will most effectively promote your candidacy in letters of recommendation and the LOR service that LSAC introduced this year.

Most importantly, recommenders should be able to speak to your record of academic success and intellectual ability, as well as your critical thinking skills and written and oral communication abilities. These are the top attributes that law schools are interested in learning about through your recommendation letters, so it’s important that your recommenders can positively discuss your skills and interests regarding these subjects.

To that end, your recommenders should be able to supply specific examples and anecdotes illustrating how you have exhibited the skills and qualities they mention. Since the most persuasive recommendation letters are those which contain concrete examples of your abilities, it’s important that you select recommenders who know you well and can provide detailed accounts about your academic and/or professional work, success, and potential. General statements about your ability to examine multiple sides of an issue, for example, without concrete examples of occasions when you’ve used this skill to great success are unhelpful in persuasively demonstrating your strengths, and aren’t likely to advance the adcom’s understanding of what you have to offer to their law school’s incoming class.

Finally, while you want your recommenders to support the points about your strengths, successes and interests that you make in your personal statement and additional essays, you may also want to select recommenders who can speak to special circumstances that could stand out as a damaging factor of your candidacy. For example, if you have a professor who counseled you through a difficult academic time, this professor could do some “damage control” by assuring the adcom of your excellent academic aptitude and the ways in which you continue to improve.

We hope these tips are helpful for those who are in the process of selecting their recommenders!

Harvard Law School Students Investigate Environmental Repercussions of Mining on Indigenous Communities

Clear Admit — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:05:44 +0000

The Harvard Law School Human Rights Clinic, with the help of two HLS students, recently published a report on the legal ramifications of mining claims on the Takla Lake First Nation people of British Columbia. Susanna Knox ’10 and Lauren Pappone ’11 accompanied HLS lecturer Bonnie Docherty on a fact finding trip to Canada in September of 2009. The trio conducted interviews in remote parts of the Takla Lake First Nation’s over 27,000 square kilometers of territory, a third of which has had its mineral claims staked by outsiders. The report that the clinic ultimately released, “Bearing the Burden: The Effects of Mining on First Nations in British Columbia,” determined that Canadian mining laws benefit mining interests over those of the First nations people. The report also pushed the Canadian government to elaborate on its stance on this issue. Knox, who graduated this summer and now works for the Southern Environmental Law Center in North Carolina expressed how meaningful this work for her:

“It just meant a lot to me to finish this report, and make it really good and effective and informative. It’s really nice to feel like you’re doing something that makes a difference.”

Practice LSAT Logic Game: Linear Setup Challenge

Clear Admit — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 12:30:41 +0000

In an effort to meet the needs of our growing audience, we’re pleased to announce that the Clear Admit Law School Admissions Portal will now regularly feature LSAT practice problems, test-taking advice and more. Content will be provided by a range of test preparation companies, many of which were profiled in the Clear Admit Guide to LSAT Preparation Companies (a free publication available for immediate download). As such, stay tuned to this site for expanded coverage of the LSAT, helpful test-taking strategies and more!

Without further ado, today’s sample problem comes from our friends at PowerScore LSAT Preparation:

Linear Setup Challenge

The following item represents a scenario and corresponding rules similar to those found in an actual Logic Game. To complete this challenge, diagram the setup and include a representation of all sequences, blocks, etc. Then, answer the corresponding question.

Problem

A College dormitory manager must assign five students—P, Q, R, S, and T—to five different floors of the dormitory—floors 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. The assignments must comply with the following restrictions:

P must be assigned to the floor directly above Q.
R must be assigned to floor 6.

1. Which one of the following must be true?

(A) P must be assigned to floor 3.
(B) S must be assigned to floor 5.
(C) T must be assigned to floor 5.
(D) S cannot be assigned to floor 1.
(E) T cannot be assigned to floor 2.

Solution:

Linear Setup Challenge Explanation

Of the two variable sets in this challenge drill, the floors should be chosen as the base, and even though the listed floors do not include floor 4, the fourth floor should be shown anyway. The value of this decision will prove itself in a moment. The variable sets are in a one-to-one relationship (1-1-1-1-1), and in this case the best representation is vertical since that is the way the floors of buildings exist in the real world. Here is the best diagram for the game scenario:

By showing floor 4, it becomes apparent that neither P nor Q can be assigned to floor 5 because there is not enough room for the PQ block. In addition, Q cannot be assigned to floor 3 because P can never be on the floor 4, and “P must be assigned to the floor directly above Q.” Because the PQ block cannot be placed above floor 4, we can deduce that the PQ block must be on either floors 3-2 or floors 2-1. Thus, either P or Q must be assigned to floor 2 and S and T cannot be assigned there.

We can also infer that S or T must be assigned to floor 5 because we already know that three of the five students—R, P, and Q—cannot be assigned to floor 5, and that leaves S and T as the only two students eligible to be assigned there.

Question #1. The correct answer is (E). As explained above, the PQ block must be assigned to floors 3-2 or floors 2-1. Consequently, either P or Q must be assigned to floor 2, and no other student, including T, can be assigned to floor 2.

This drill is taken directly from The PowerScore LSAT Logic Games Bible, the ultimate guide for attacking the analytical reasoning section of the LSAT. It features a detailed methodology for attacking the games section, extensive drills, and 21 real LSAT logic games with detailed analyses. The Logic Games Bible is also supplemented by a unique website that provides additional material for the book and answers frequently asked student questions. Available at www.powerscore.com.

Northwestern University School of Law’s Dean to Become President of The New School

Clear Admit — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:29:58 +0000

Late last week, Northwestern University announced that the dean of its School of Law, David Van Zandt, will leave the University at the end of December to take on his new role as president of The New School in New York City. A member of the Northwestern faculty since 1985, Van Zandt has served as dean of the law school for the past 15 years. He will replace The New School’s current president, Bob Kerrey, on January 1st, 2011.

During his tenure as dean of Northwestern Law, Van Zandt led a strategic plan to make the school more competitive. His efforts resulted in the creation of the largest JD-MBA program in the United States, a dramatic increase in annual giving, and a rise in the school’s public profile. Northwestern Law has also become the most diverse top-tier law school in the country as a result of Van Zandt’s guidance.

According to Northwestern’s announcement, Provost Daniel Linzer will soon form a search committee made up of school faculty, students, staff, and community members to spearhead a national search for Van Zandt’s successor. Linzer expects that an interim dean will be appointed later this fall, as the search is anticipated to extend past Van Zandt’s departure date.

The New School’s Board of Trustees revealed their decision on August 26th. Van Zandt will be the university’s eighth president.

Trivia Tuesday: Interdisciplinary Study and Curricular Programs at UC Berkeley School of Law

Clear Admit — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 12:30:20 +0000

Welcome back to Trivia Tuesday, Clear Admit’s weekly look at special programs and opportunities offered by leading U.S. law schools. This week we’re exploring the wealth of interdisciplinary study opportunities available to students at UC Berkeley School of Law, which we discuss in greater detail in the recently released Clear Admit Guide to University of California, Berkeley, School of Law.

In recent years, Berkeley Law has made a concerted effort to provide its students with an interdisciplinary legal education in which instruction in traditional legal subjects is supplemented by an exploration of related academic disciplines. By emphasizing cross-disciplinary study, Berkeley Law encourages its students to not only acquire a comprehensive knowledge of doctrinal law and a well-honed ability to “think like a lawyer,” but also to become deeply familiar with the issues and methodologies of other disciplines, which they can later draw upon to more completely understand their clients’ needs. At Berkeley Law, students may earn up to 8 of their 85 required units of credit from classes offered outside the law school. These eight units count toward the maximum of fifteen units that can be earned for work completed outside of law school classes, whether in student-run journals, independent research projects, externships or clinics. Many Berkeley Law students take advantage of courses offered by the Walter A. Haas School of Business, the Goldman School of Public Policy and the law school’s Jurisprudence and Social Policy Program, as well as the UC Berkeley College of Letters and Science’s Departments of Economics, History and Journalism.

Another option for students interested in pursuing a multidisciplinary course of study is to follow one of the school’s Curricular Programs. Developed by Berkeley Law faculty members, the Curricular Programs are structured suggestions for courses, research projects, practical opportunities and extracurricular activities, both inside and outside the law school, that are designed to give students both breadth and depth of knowledge within a single subject area. Through this concentrated multidisciplinary study, students are expected to acquire a broader perspective on legal practice in their chosen field, which prepares them to pursue advanced research in that area and to become effective legal practitioners immediately after graduating from Berkeley Law.

For each of the school’s six Curricular Programs, which include areas such as Environmental Law, Social Justice and Law and Technology, faculty members have suggested a mix of law and non-law courses to help students develop a nuanced understanding of the legal issues involved in a specific practice area, as well as contextual knowledge about the industries covered by that practice area. For example, students who are focusing on Intellectual Property law through the Law and Technology Curricular Program, one of the school’s most popular, can take at two or more relevant law courses, including Patent Law and Cyberlaw, as well as courses from UC Berkeley’s MBA program at the Haas School of Business.

For more information about interdisciplinary opportunities at Berkeley Law, such as certificate programs and the role of extracurricular activities in some Curricular Programs, be sure to read the Clear Admit Guide to University of California, Berkeley, School of Law – available now for immediate download!

Law School Dean Considers the Value of a Law Degree

Clear Admit — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 16:00:55 +0000

In a recent New Jersey Star-Ledger article, John Farmer, Jr., the dean of the Rutgers School of Law at Newark, says that although law students currently face great challenges with respect to employment, a legal education is still valuable.

In the article, entitled “The Real Value of a Legal Education,” Farmer identifies some of the problems of legal education. He notes that law school application and enrollment numbers are at a record high, leading some members of the bar to question how legal educators can admit such large numbers of students, knowing the uncertainty of the job market. According to Farmer, law schools should prepare students for the challenging job market, and law students should keep in mind that the job market is tough and that legal education is not an entitlement program. Farmer goes on to say that law schools should offer courses that focus more on practice, rather than theory. Moreover, the schools and students alike must be prepared to think more creatively about possible career opportunities that exist, both within and outside the practice of law.

Despite all of this, however, Farmer asserts that the value of legal education goes beyond economics: “It’s not about money; it’s about freedom. Legal education gives students what 99.9 percent of humanity yearns for but is denied: control over one’s own life. It is a license to make of your life what you may, to live the American dream to its fullest.”

Farmer closes the article on an inspirational note, pointing to a final, and important, value of legal education: “Lawyers express their individual freedom by helping other people protect theirs. There is no more honorable calling, and no better or more important education.”

Guest Post by Ivey Guide’s Anna Ivey: How Should I Present My Military Service in My Applications?

Clear Admit — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:30:38 +0000

Anna Ivey, the founder of Ivey Guide Consulting and former Dean of Admissions at University of Chicago Law School, is back on the Clear Admit Law School Admissions Portal with another great application tip:

“How Should I Present My Military Service in My Applications?”
by Anna Ivey

Anna, I am an Iraq veteran and I have read that military service is anywhere from “extremely valuable” to law school admissions to something akin to any other job. What is your take? Is there anything I should do to highlight its strengths while also countering its possibly negative connotations?

As for another, more specific question: I am struggling with whether to include my platoon’s “number of enemy captured/killed” on my resume. It’s a metric we use to gauge efficacy, and it conveys the gravitas of my deployment. However, I can also see how it would be inappropriate for a resume as well. Help!

Thank you for all of your efforts in facilitating law school candidates’ applications and enabling us all to strive for acceptance to better schools.

Well, thank YOU for your service. I have the much easier job here.

You’ve asked a great question. In the Ivey Guide to Law School Admissions, I advise applicants to quantify their work experience as much as possible. What’s the impact you’ve had in your role? How can you best capture that impact in a bullet point? Your situation is a great reminder that guidelines are not gospel truths, and applicants should exercise judgment when it comes time to apply guidelines to their individual fact patterns. You are smart to wonder whether quantifying makes sense in your situation, so here’s how I would think about presenting your work experience in the application process:

DO include your military experience in general. You were employed during that time, doing meaningful work, and you should get credit for that. A gap in your resume wouldn’t help you.

DON’T be in any way defensive or apologetic about your military experience. Even people who are anti-war or anti-military can still be pro-soldier. To answer your question about how law schools view military service: All the admissions officers I know have great respect for it. They understand the gravity of being deployed, so your gravitas will almost certainly not be in question. Ex-military applicants are much loved by both law school (and business school) admissions officers, especially those service members who had increasing responsibility during their time serving and/or who graduated from the military academies. Ex-military students are nearly always hard-working, smart, disciplined, responsible, unflappable, and very happy to be back in school. And they bring a very interesting perspective to class discussions. Any school that would reject you because of your military experience (are they even out there?) is not one you personally would want to attend in any event. Ditto for applications to future employers. That being said…

DON’T quantify the number of enemy captured or killed. While most admissions officers will have great respect for you and the hard work you’ve been doing, there are many people — even among those who are sympathetic to service members — who don’t want to be reminded that the military’s job is to kill people and break things (as someone once said). Admissions officers, too, can be subject to cognitive dissonance.

DO quantify the kinds of successes or list the kinds of metrics that don’t make people uncomfortable. Examples:

Commanded 153-man rifle company in combat
Managed $20mm budget and care and maintenance of $50mm aircraft
Obtained Silver Star for Combat Leadership

DO include relative rankings or metrics. In your case, is there a way for you to convert the number of people killed/captured into a relative measure of platoon efficiency? Maybe, for example, your platoon was in the top 10% of your division.

This exception might apply in some civilian contexts as well. For example, one would say, “Led consolidation of two corporate divisions, cutting costs by X% and increasing profits by Y%” WITHOUT tacking on “…by laying off 1,500 employees.”

So my big-picture advice, for both military and civilian applicants alike, is to quantify with hard numbers EXCEPT when the harsh realities of a job might make people squirm, in which case it’s best to take this softer approach to quantification.

Please check in and let us know how you end up deciding to present your military experience, and keep us posted on your admissions success.

This article first appeared on The Ivey Files. Check back this time next week for more application insight from Anna Ivey!

California Law School First to Use Apple iPad in J.D. Curriculum

Clear Admit — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:00:33 +0000

Monterey College of Law in Seaside, California is the first accredited law school, among the 220 or so in the U.S., to provide students with iPads as part of a BARBRI supplemental curriculum program. During the second phase of the program, iPads will be given to members of the law school faculty who are interested in using the tool to enhance their course materials.

Monterey College of Law, which is a four-year evening J.D. program, is a suitable testing ground for the iPad pilot program given the fact that the median age of enrolled students is 38, many of whom hold full-time jobs. The aim of dispensing iPads to current law students is to give them up to 700 additional study hours over the course of their J.D. studies, according to the President and Dean of the law school Mitchel Winick. With access to an iPad while on-the-go, it is the administration’s hope that students can add an additional 30 to 45 minutes of studying each day. Ultimately, success with the program would lead to improved performance in class and a stronger showing on the California bar exam.

By the time of yesterday’s press release, Winick reported that all 1Ls and roughly 70% of returning students opted to enroll in the program. As classes have only been underway for a little over one week, Winick anticipates that many of the remaining students will sign up in several week’s time.

To learn more about the adoption of the iPad at Monterey College of Law, read the school’s press release.

Fridays From the Frontline

Clear Admit — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 13:01:16 +0000

Hello and welcome to Fridays From the Frontline, Clear Admit’s weekly round up of law school applicant and student news. This week many dormant bloggers sprung to life as their 1L experiences began in earnest.

0L Danielle insisted that she wouldn’t post to her blog again until she scored a 90th percentile result on an LSAT practice test. 0L Paralegal submitted her first law school application and already checked the status of her application twice.

1L think.evolve experienced her first three days of law school, thankful that her mother was at home looking after ‘Trooper’ but wondered how her schedule would be adjusted once her mother left. 1L Ricky Nelson performed a few mathematical equations after learning about a man suing a computer game company for not properly warning him of how addictive the program was. 1L Brownbelle was getting into the swing of things, though she finally knew firsthand just how intense law school can be. 1l The Lovely Mrs. also began to see the best and worst of law school life, from gunners to fierce competition over seating arrangements. UVA ’13 Legal MBAyhem shed some light on what it’s like to be a dual degree student in Charlottesville. Tulane ’13 Beauty Brains Brawn settled into New Orleans two weeks before orientation and felt confident in her ability to catch a streetcar.

NYU ’12 IDWSJ recounted hitting on a number of women … each of whom we suspect represents an interview experience. 2L Molly didn’t love her 8 am class nor the moot court she would have to prepare for later in the day. 2L Cee checked in with a list of her courses for the semester. 2L Law School Ninja asked current 2Ls and 3Ls if there were things they would hope to do differently this year. NCCU ’12 TDOT responded to 1L questions like ‘do we really have to work 60 hours a week to get good grades?‘ 2L Dixie chimed in with a few thoughts on what any pre-law applicant should do before applying … mainly they should make sure they understand what lawyers actually do. 2L Life of a Law Student managed to deny the reality of school starting back up with less than 14 hours before he needed to return to campus.

Harvard ’11 Ivy Lea explained what it took to be a perfect law school bag, and she had two years of previous experience to work with. Marshall ’11 Huma and her law school bff began their third year of law school and Huma made a cartoon to commemorate it. 3L New Law Mom observed the changes law school had on her and those around her. 3L Lisslo worried that she would have to actually schedule sleep in her planner, assuming it didn’t become its own sovereign state. 3L The Exit made a few law school jokes.

And that’s all of the blawgosphere’s news for this week. We hope 1Ls continue to settle into their courses and make friends and that 2Ls and 3Ls enjoy their last few days before school starts for them as well. Until next week, have a great weekend!