The Aspen Advisor Week in Review for August 24, 2018
It might not feel like autumn temperature-wise, but it is back-to-school time. Most law schools started last week or this week and some are experiencing an increase in enrollment for the first time in several years. Law school applications were up by 8.1 % but not all schools are expanding. The article, “First Year Enrollment Soars by Double Digits at Some Law Schools” provides interesting detail on this topic. In addition to a rise in applications, law schools got to select from a pool of students with higher LSAT scores than in previous years. Details on these increases can be found in the article, “With Applications Rising, 1Ls Bring Strong Credentials”. Another topic that may increase the number of students going to law school is the ability to attend classes online. Up until last week, there were significant restrictions on the number of credits and which types of classes law students could take online. The ABA has loosened the rules around this, as explained in the article, “ABA expands Online Learning. Will Schools Take Advantage?” These stories warm the heart of a legal education publisher!
Law School Students
What is a Good College GPA in J.D. Admissions?
At seven of the top 10 law schools, the median GPA among accepted students in 2017 was above a 3.8.
Tales from an Unsuspecting T14 1L: Gearing Up for Law School
Get ready to read the unfiltered experiences of a T14 student of color in real time.
8 Things I Wish I Had Known as a Law Student (With an IP Focus)
FYI, you can still practice IP law -- even patent law -- without a hard science or engineering background.
Legal Education
Say Hello to Law2020: The Podcast
Hear from legal and technology experts about how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies are transforming the practice and profession of law.
First-Year Enrollment Soars by Double Digits at Some Law Schools
An 8 percent increase in applicants nationwide has yielded significantly larger incoming classes at some, but not all, schools this fall as early numbers trickle in.
After a Decade, Notre Dame Law Dean Newton Prepares to Step Down
Nell Jessup Newton has announced she will be stepping down as dean of the Notre Dame School of Law in July 2019.
With Applications Rising, 1Ls Bring Strong Credentials
The Law School Admissions Council is reporting an 8.1 percent increase in applications for the 2018-2019 academic year compared to the previous school year. Also, applicants with higher LSAT scores are returning. Individuals scoring between 165 and 169 rose 27.2 percent, while those between 175 and 180 skyrocketed 59.9 percent, albeit that was the smallest number of students at just 689.
Law School Eliminates Plastic from Campus to Promote Sustainability
What is your law school doing to save the planet?
Online Learning
Can Law Schools Increase Enrollment with Online Learning?
A growing number of law schools have implemented or are considering online courses and hybrid programs in order to better meet the needs of students. The University of Dayton, for instance, recently announced that itwill be offering a hybrid J.D. degree program beginning in August 2019. The university is working with 2U, an international online course management provider, to develop and deliver the new degree program. This is 2U’s first time partnering with a law school.
ABA Expands Online Learning. Will Schools Take Advantage?
If you live in Alaska, good luck going to law school. Alaska has no American Bar Association-accredited law school. If you live in Rapid City, S.D., good luck going to law school as well. The University of South Dakota School of Law is about 400 miles away. But, the new ABA regulations may help.
Other News
Kaplan Test Prep Partners with Cengage Unlimited Subscription
Offering free test prep and academic support to subscribers
Aspiring Lawyers Warned About Twitter, Social Media Perils
Law schools, firms, advise aspiring students to be careful College social media activity seen as relevant to judicial nominees
Why are Most of the Amazing Scholars White Men?
Why are women, people of color, and people from lower socioeconomic status having trouble getting cited?
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.