National Jurist - February 2009 - (Page 42)

work in international law might look to go abroad during the summer months. “It’s great for students who want to be in the international offices of a law firm,” Solan said. “It’s a good credential, a good experience and a good resume builder.” Students who want to speed through law school also should look at summer courses. At Baylor Law School, its unique quarterly system means students can use the summer semesters to cruise through law school in just 27 months. Granted, that is a demanding route that few choose, noted Leah Jackson, an associate dean and professor at the Waco, Texas, law school. Jackson herself used her alma mater’s quarterly system to do exactly that. However, she admits now that she probably should have slowed down and enjoyed the law school experience a bit more. But Baylor advisors help students do whatever makes sense for them, Jackson said. The four-semester year at Baylor is practically made for students looking to attend law school during the summer, Jackson noted. While some law schools offer few electives during that semester, Baylor provides a full course load. Its offerings are substantial in part because some students elect to start law school during the summer. This works well for non-traditional students who may want to be on a fast track toward graduation, Jackson said. “Our students have high expectations for teaching during the summer. … It makes sure our students have the same experience,” Jackson said. “We’re able to spend more time because we have more time with them.” THE THOMAS M. COOLEY LAW SCHOOL TORONTO May 18-June 27, 2009 Join us for our tenth year! • Discover the beautiful and vibrant city of Toronto • Learn from top in-country barristers and judges • Attend one or both of our three-week sessions • Explore a secure and stable country with no language barrier Contact us today for your Toronto information packet with a free gift.* (517) 371-5140, ext. 2849, foreignstudy@cooley.edu, cooley.edu/foreignstudy * Supplies are limited. Thomas M. Cooley Law School, International Programs Ofﬁce, 300 S. Capitol Ave., Lansing, MI 48933 A more laid back atmosphere Another reason to consider summer school is its unfettered access to professors. At Baylor, Jackson said students interested in constitutional law can work with David Guinn, who is considered one of the best educators in this highly sought after area of the law. Other law schools offer new or innovative programs during the summer months. For example, the University of Montana Missoula School of Law recently began its Indian Law School program during its 2008 summer schedule. Franklin Pierce Law Center holds its prized Intellectual Property Summer Institute, which is well-attended by lawyers, intellectual property administrators and corporate IP managers from around the world. Law school newbies may prefer to start school during the summer to take advantage of the gentler, kinder atmosphere that exists, legal experts said. Starting in the summer months also allows them to get a jump-start on school, making their first year slightly less stressful. This summer, Southern Illinois University School of Law is one of two law schools in the United States selected to host a nationally recognized pre-law summer institute for minorities and economically disadvantaged students, Ruiz said. Forty students will be in Carbondale beginning June 7 for an intense six-week program that approximates the first six weeks of law school. Students will take courses in legal research and writing, contracts, property and criminal law. Students will attend classes five days a week, featur- 7 TH ANNUAL J U N E 8  J U LY 2 3 , 2 0 0 9 Seattle University School of Law, in cooperation with the University of Alaska Anchorage, offers and the nation’s only this innovative program that provides substantive law course titled “Alaska Natives and Environmental Law”. Students earn four course credits, gain significant legal experience, and spend the summer in beautiful Alaska. Learn from experts in Anchorage, Alaska, about important environmental, legal and social issues that impact Alaska Native rights, oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and wildlife preservation. For more information: Please contact Stephanie Nichols at nicholss@seattleu.edu, 206-398-4294 www.law.seattleu.edu/x1384.xml 42 THE NATIONAL JURIST February 2009 PHOTO BY MIKE CRISS http://www.cooley.edu/foreignstudy http://www.cooley.edu/foreignstudy http://www.law.seattleu.edu/x1384.xml http://www.law.seattleu.edu/x1384.xml

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of National Jurist - February 2009

National Jurist - February 2009 Contents Entertainment: Get Organized! The Firm Report: The Part-Time Lawyer News: Keeping Ethics Intact, New Law Deans, Latest Survey Findings Seattle Law Students Secure Asylum for East African Women Laptops in the Classroom Attorneys Dissect Health Law Law Students Contribute to 2008 Election Process Remembering Professors Obama and Biden Bar Exam Diaries How Well Balanced are Law Students? How to Choose a Summer Program Career Hotline Linguistic Gymnastics Disturbing the Peace

National Jurist - February 2009

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