National Jurist - January 2008 - (Page 26) shows in the class,” he said. UDC Dean Katherine Broderick said her faculty looks at issues around basic democracy and systemic change. The UDC curriculum includes a 14credit clinical requirement. Students beginning their second and third years are required to begin law school two weeks early with a law and social justice course in which they debate critical issues of the day — from immigration policy to affirmative action. They also must complete 40 hours of community service throughout the year. “We’re training public service and public interest lawyers,” she said. The law school’s course on legal issues related to Hurricane Katrina earned them the title Pro Bono Law School of the Year, Study Abroad presented by the New Orleans Pro Bono Project. During spring break in March 2007, a group of 35 students, alumni, faculty members and deans traveled to New Orleans for an “alternative spring break.” “When we heard about the unmet legal needs in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, the administration, faculty members and students were eager to join together to implement a course and practicum that would provide pro bono services to low-income residents of New Orleans,” said Laurie Morin, UDC professor. “We were honored to be able to collaborate with the Pro Bono Project and other legal services providers, and were humbled by their dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity.” But the school’s progressive nature isn’t just limited to the curriculum, Broderick said. Several symposiums have been held, including one shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, on “How Do We Remain Safe and Free?” Other symposium topics included election reform, the No Child Left Behind legislation and this year’s “From the Bayou to the Beltway.” Summer 2008 London, England Lisbon, Portugal Political labels Whether law schools incorporate progressive thinking or faith-based curriculum, the question is still whether they really deserve their political labels. Soto-Vigil said he believes they do, but it shouldn’t steer conservative or moderate thinkers away. As UDC Student Government Association president, SotoVigil said he has a lot of friends at the law school who are conservatives. “The positive thing is we can all agree to disagree and still communicate and talk,” he said. While some law schools embrace their label, others shy away. Brauch said more Regent students and professors would identify themselves as conservative rather than liberal on the political spectrum. But he said Regent students and faculty members come from all across the spectrum. “In the classroom, legal and policy issues are discussed fully and openly with all views welcome,” he said. “There is no political correctness at Regent Law School.” Broderick said being No. 1 on the rankContinued on page 30 June 9 – June 27, 2008 Comparative Advocacy: 3 credits Students receive one week of classes, and two weeks of an internship or pupillage with a judge or barrister selected from among the most successful chambers in London. July 7 – July 25, 2008 European Union Law Topics: 4 credits Comparative Information Law and the European Union: Legal Institutions and Topics, including two of three weeks in classes with European law students. International Programs Ten Metacom Avenue, Bristol, RI 02809 (401) 254-4522 (800) 633-2727 Fax: (401) 254-5359 lawinternational@rwu.edu • http://law.rwu.edu The London and Lisbon Summer Study Abroad Programs are ABA Accredited. 26 THE NATIONAL JURIST January 2008 http://law.case.edu/summer-institute http://law.wustl.edu/summer_institute http://law.rwu.edu http://law.rwu.edu
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