The Aspen Advisor Week in Review for April 27, 2018
New ways of thinking about legal education infuse this week’s Aspen Advisor. The first collection of articles focuses on diversity. Columbia University just appointed its first black male Editor-In-Chief of Law Review in its 117-year history. In addition, there are three newly appointed female law school deans and all of them were members of Stanford Law School’s Class of 1998. Thirdly, UCLA is set to publish the first disability law journal in the nation this fall. All are important steps forward.
The second cluster of stories focuses on innovative ways to deliver a curriculum and manage stress. Starting in the fall, George Mason University will offer foreign-trained attorneys the opportunity to enroll in a fully online LL.M. in U.S. Law. This Master’s Degree program will not require any on-campus time. Law school, whether online or in-person is stressful. One student shares her experience practicing Mindfulness as an effective way to manage the anxiety and pressure. More and more schools are offering this type of training to counteract less healthy choices.
Finally, two stories highlight nontraditional law students, one of whom is at the beginning of his law school journey and the other who is starting his job as a public defender. Both learned the law from the wrong side of it and are now motivated to help others through their experiences. Both are inspiring stories worth reading.
Distance Learning
George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law Announces Online LL.M. in U.S. Law
Beginning fall 2018, foreign-trained attorneys will have the opportunity to learn from the United States' top legal experts, leading attorneys, and judges through the George Mason University LL.M. in U.S. Law program. The solely online program seeks to engage and educate professionals from all countries. With no requirement to physically visit the GMU campus, legal professionals will be able to complete the Master's Degree at their convenience from their homes and offices.
Diversity
T14 Law School’s Law Review Appoints Its First Black Male Editor-In-Chief in History
What is your law school doing to encourage diversity on its law review?
UCLA Law Students to Publish First Disability Law Journal in the Nation
The Disability Law Journal at UCLA will be the only disability law journal in the country after it publishes its first issue in spring 2019. Law students who created the journal said they hope to inform more people about disability law in the United States and issues that disproportionately affect people with disabilities, such as employment discrimination, police violence and sexual abuse.
Stanford Class of 1998 Has Magic Formula for Producing Top Female Law Deans
The school's small size and faculty mentorship helped three women from the same class become leaders of top law schools.
Law Students
5 Traits That Help People Get Into Top Law Schools
Experts say J.D. applicants who clearly explain why they want to be a lawyer are more likely to get in.
Entry-Level Legal Job Market Shrank in 2017
The American Bar Association released its employment data for the 2017 law school graduating class on April 20th, and there’s both good and bad news.
How Mindfulness Changed My Life: A Law Student's Story
This student used mindfulness training offered through the university to change her relationship with stress and anxiety. She began to see a difference after about three weeks.
Novato Man Ascends from Drug Court to Law School
Novato resident Michael Fielding waits for his drug court graduation ceremony on April 16 at the county courthouse in San Rafael. In August, he will start as a law student at Golden Gate University in San Francisco.
How One Utah Man Went from Convicted Felon to BYU Law School Graduate
Ben Aldana, who will begin working for the Utah County Public Defender's Office after he graduates from BYU's Law School, stands in the historic Utah County Courthouse in Provo on Tuesday, April 24, 2018.
Legal Education
SC Law Schools Frigid in February
The University of South Carolina and Charleston law schools combined for a 37.3 percent pass rate on the most recent bar exam, each continuing its recent February slide.
Cooley Law Back in Compliance, ABA Accreditation Committee Says
Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School has come into compliance with an admissions standard that requires accredited schools to only admit candidates who appear capable of finishing law school and gaining admission to a state bar, according to public notice recently posted by the ABA’s Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar.
The Aspen Advisor Week in Review is a collection of interesting articles from the past week that pertain to Legal Education. Some may be especially relevant to law professors and others to law students. Many stories focus on the pedagogical, technical, and financial innovation occurring in law schools today. We hope that these articles inspire you.
Nicole Pinard is the Executive Director of Market Development for the Legal Education division of Wolters Kluwer Legal and Regulatory Solutions U.S.