preLaw Magazine - Winter 2008 - (Page 29) Continued from page 26… class citizens at law schools. Complaints that it was hard to register for classes, not every course was offered in the evening and some professors complained about working the weekends were common. Even worse, part-time students felt they were seen as less-than-complete members of the legal community because they “worked less” than their full-time peers. “Law schools understand there is a perception that part-time programs are less prestigious or rigorous than full-time programs. And the opposite is often true,” said Adrinda Kelly, senior editor of The Princeton Review’s “Best 170 Law Schools” guide. A 2006 preLaw survey showed the disparity between what students wanted and what their law school made available. For example, 91 percent of survey participants said weekend hours at their school’s bookstore was extremely important, yet only 64 percent of them said these stores were open for them. And 83 percent said they wanted career services to be accessible, but just 44 percent felt that was true. Part-time law students agree the situation has improved over time, but they still must act as their own advocates on and off campus. “I think (law schools) could certainly help increase the public’s awareness that when you hire a part-time law student, you’re getting a proven multi-tasker with job skills already built in,” said Meagan Jeronimo, a first-year part-time law student at the University of Houston Law Center and a full-time legal secretary at a large Houston law firm. Jeronimo also is co-representative in the Evening Law Students Association at her school, where students are trying to change the way Houston Law Center handles everyday issues. “We have been working hard to encourage the school to videotape daytime presentations and meetings and put them online for us to view,” Jeronimo said. “We’ve also been working to compile a database of where part-time students live and work so that small groups can get together to network and socialize.” One reason Hamline has a strong parttime program is the support of administrators like Garon, a former professor at law schools with large traditional evening division part-time programs. A great place to start your legal career. • Oldest law school in Orange County • Located in the heart of Southern California’s dynamic legal job market • 10,000 alumni – on the Bench, in private and public practice • Outstanding Academic Success program • Hands-on lawyering experience, mentoring and practical skills • Strong career services guidance and placement record To speak with an Advisor, call 714.459.1101 or 800.WSU.4LAW or email us at adm@wsulaw.edu. Diverse student body; accomplished and accessible faculty; small class sizes. Western State graduates join the legal profession well prepared, competitive and well connected. WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF LAW 1111 North State College Boulevard Fullerton, CA 92831 www.wsulaw.edu © Western State University College of Law 2007 2193 Winter 2008 29 http://www.law.buffalo.edu http://www.law.buffalo.edu http://www.wsulaw.edu http://www.wsulaw.edu
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