Law School Academic Support Blog

Part I: Are You New to ASP? Resources of Interest

If you have joined the academic support/bar preparation professional community for the first time, we welcome you to a rewarding career and wonderful group of colleagues. One thing that ASP is known for is collegiality. There are many experienced ASP'ers who will be happy to share ideas, materials, pitfalls to avoid, and much more. We hope that you will reach out to those of us in the ASP profession whenever we can assist you.

This post is the first in a series to help those who are new to ASP find resources, get settled in, and discover the professional community waiting to help them. Today's post lists some of these resources. The post is by no means exhaustive!

Professional organizations for ASP:

• Association of American Law Schools (AALS) Section on Academic Support: The upcoming annual meeting will be held January 6-10 , 2016 in New York City. The tentative schedule indicates that the Section's business meeting will be at 7 - 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 9th with the program (Raising the Bar) on the same date at 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.. An informal meal get-together is also usually scheduled. Our Section is co-sponsoring a program with the Section on Balance in Legal Education (Finding Your Voice in the Legal Academy) at 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. on Friday, January 8th. The Section on Teaching Methods also has a program on Friday. The Sections on Legal Writing, Reasoning and Research and on Student Services are holding programs on Thursday, January 7th. The 2015-2016 Section on Academic Support Chair is Lisa Young at Seattle University School of Law ([email protected]). The AALS Section on Academic Support website is https://connect.aals.org/academicsupport.
• Association for Academic Support Educators (AASE): The upcoming conference will be held May 24 - 26 2016 at University of New York (CUNY) Law School on Long Island. The 2015-2016 President is at Pavel Wonsowicz at UCLA School of Law  ([email protected]). The AASE website is http://www.associationofacademicsupporteducators.org/.

Websites and listservs for ASP:

• The ASP Listserv: The listserv membership is available to legal educators who interested in ASP/bar topics. To join the listserv, send an email to [email protected]. Subject line can be blank or say Subscribe ASP-L. In the body of the message type subscribe ASP-L your name title law school name. The listserv is a great place to ask questions of your colleagues, mention resources of interest, post workshops and conferences, and post job openings.
• The Law School Academic Support Blog: This blog is part of the Law Professor Blogs Network and will include postings of interest to ASP'ers, law students, and law faculty. Multiple postings are made each week on a variety of ASP/bar-related topics by the Editor and Contributing Editors. There is an archive function to search prior posts. Spotlight postings introduce new colleagues to the community and highlight colleagues' work. Job announcements are also posted. You can subscribe so that articles are directed to you inbox whenever postings occur. The Editor is Amy Jarmon at Texas Tech University School of Law ([email protected]). The website is http://lawprofessors.typepad.com/academic_support/.
• The Law School Academic Success Project: This website is maintained by the AALS Section on Academic Support and receives ongoing funding from the Law School Admissions Council. The website includes sections for ASP'ers and students. Student pages are available without registration. To see the ASP pages, you need to be employed currently at a law school in ASP/bar-related work and register. After you register, please update the staff information for your law school to reflect current staff. There are a variety of resources on the site. The Committee Chairperson for the Website is O. J. Salinas at University of North Carolina School of Law ([email protected]). The website is lawschoolasp.org.

Other resources of interest:

• American Bar Association: The Section on Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar will be of interest. There are ABA publications, including the Student Lawyer which law students now can receive under the new free student division membership plan. The website for the Section is http://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_education.html.
• Institute for Law Teaching and Learning: This consortium of law schools provides resources and conferences focused on best practices for legal education. The website is www.lawteaching.org.
• Law School Admissions Council (LSAC): LSAC has long been a champion of the academic support profession and diversity in the legal profession. For many years, LSAC sponsored workshops and conferences for ASP'ers.  The website is www.lsac.org.
• Law School Success: Blog written by Susan Landrum at St. John's University School of Law. Website is http://lawschoolacademicsuccess.com/.
• National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE): The organization that brings us the bar exam. The website is www.ncbex.org.

Hopefully this "starter list" will help new ASP'ers to become familiar with some of the available resources. (Amy Jarmon)

Visiting Assistant Professor Position at LaVerne

Position: Visiting Assistant Professor, Center for Academic & Bar Readiness

This position is currently being filled as a one-year visiting position. The position will be reposted and filled permanently next year, for 2016-2017. The anticipated start date is no later than August 17t, 2015.

The University of La Verne College of Law is ideally situated in the Inland Empire city of Ontario, CA, ten miles east of the main university campus. Ontario is within an hour’s drive of the Pacific Ocean, the mountains, and the desert near Palm Springs. The College of Law is seeking a highly organized, energetic, dynamic person who is passionate about student success, culturally intelligent, and is excited about the opportunity to be a part of the growth and change at the COL. Reporting to the Assistant Dean for the Center for Academic and Bar Readiness, the person in this position will assist students in developing the skills necessary for success in law school and on the bar exam.

Specific Duties

Job duties include designing and assisting with the law school’s academic and bar support classes, workshops, and events; assisting the Asst. Dean and the Director of the Center for Academic and Bar Readiness in designing and implementing innovative academic and bar support programs and evaluating existing courses and programs; teaching workshops and/or classes related to law school and bar exam preparation; counseling and working with students in individual and small group sessions. Additional duties include developing learning outcomes, exercises and assessments designed to help students develop into self-regulated learners.

Minimum Qualification

• Juris Doctorate
• Have taken and passed a bar examination in any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Good oral and written communication skills, strong analytical/critical thinking skills.

Preferred

• Teaching experience,
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Power Point.
• Licensure in California

If you are interested in working with a great team, please apply today! Click here.

 

Thomas Jefferson School of Law Associate Director of Bar Preparation

Job Description 

 

JOB TITLE:                          Associate Director of Bar Preparation

DEPARTMENT:                  Academic Success & Bar Preparation

REPORTS TO:                     Director of Bar Preparation

POSITION SUPERVISES: Work Study Students

POSITION STATUS:          Full-time, Exempt

GENERAL SUMMARY:   Reporting to the Director of Bar Preparation the Associate Director of Bar Preparation (“Associate Director”) is responsible for helping coordinate and supervise academic success and bar support programs for students at Thomas Jefferson School of Law, with an emphasis on bar preparation.  The Associate Director will provide assistance with and will monitor learning outcomes, academic performance, academic support activities to all grade levels, and will participate in all other student retention activities.  The successful candidate will also help support law school students and graduates as they prepare for their bar examinations, including by teaching Academic Success and bar-related courses and by coordinating post-graduation bar support programming.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Work collaboratively with faculty, the Director of Bar Preparation, the Assistant Dean of Academic Success & Bar Preparation, and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to assess and address the current needs for programming and support.
• Participate in the presentation of academic success program activities beginning with the new student orientation program.
• Work collaboratively to tailor current programming and curriculum to meet the needs of students participating in the Intensive Curriculum.
• Provide administrative, research and design support to the Assistant Dean of Academic Success & Bar Preparation and the Director of Bar Preparation.
• Provide administrative support to the Academic Success & Bar Preparation Program.
• Work collaboratively to provide support to bar candidates.
• Provide support and academic advice and counseling to recent graduates.
• Collaborate to design, develop, and implement the Continuing Bar Program and the Commercial Bar Support Program.
• Work with the Director of Bar Preparation and others in the department in the design of a comprehensive workshop series on topics related to the bar exam.
• Help to track and report information regarding bar passage and programming assessments.
• Enforce campus policies regarding commercial bar preparation access to Thomas Jefferson School of Law.
• Participate in committees as assigned by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
• Represent the law school at and participate in outside conferences and other events organized for and/or by bar preparation or academic support professionals.
• Teach courses that provide academic support and skill development as well as bar preparation-focused courses as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Required:  J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school and a proven record of academic achievement during law school.

• Required:  Admission to a state bar in the United States, preferably California.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience practicing law or delivering writing or other instruction in an academic institution or law firm.
• Experience with academic support and bar preparation.
• Experience with curriculum design, including an understanding of educational learning theory, best practices in teaching pedagogy, and individual learning styles.
• Prior academic tutoring or experience in an academic success program.
• Familiarity with online technology.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to sit or stand, type, read or write for extended periods of time.
• Able to handle high level of stress in a useful, constructive manner.
• Able to lift/carry materials and publications up to 20 pounds.
• Able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

WORK SCHEDULE:

• 40 or more hours per week, Monday through Friday, as well as on weekends and in evenings, as needed.

 

Call for Proposals: 2015 New England Consortium of Legal Writing Teachers - Maximizing Student and Faculty Potential"

Call for proposals

2015 New England Consortium of Legal Writing Teachers

 “Maximizing Student and Faculty Potential”

Suffolk University Law School is pleased to host the 2015 New England Consortium of Legal Writing Teachers Conference on Friday, September 18, 2015.  We are now accepting proposals for presentations at the conference.  The theme of the conference is “Maximizing Student and Faculty Potential.” This broad theme encompasses a wide range of interests, including topics relevant to legal writing, academic support, career and professional development, diversity, technology, and innovation. 

You may submit a proposal for a 25 or 50 minute presentation, or a 30-minute workshop.  We are offering a workshop format for discussion of teaching or scholarship ideas or other topics in small groups.  The workshop will entail a 10-minute presentation followed by 20 minutes of discussion.

 The deadline for proposals is Friday, August 21, 2015 at 5 pm EST.  Please submit the following information by completing the form attached and emailing it to:  [email protected]. 

1).        Name and contact information of presenter(s)

2).        Title of presentation

3).        Preference for 25 minutes, 50 minutes, or workshop

4).        Brief (one paragraph) description of the presentation or workshop topic

5).        Technology needs (if any) for the presentation

 Writing Lockdown on Thursday, September 17, 2015, 2:00-5:00 p.m.  We are offering a “writing lockdown” for anyone attending the conference who will be in town on Thursday afternoon and would like to enjoy a block of uninterrupted time for writing, while enjoying a view of the Boston Common and refreshments.  Come with a writing goal in mind.  Bring your writing project (an article, book, etc.) to work on as well as any materials you need (laptop, paper, writing utensil, etc.).  We provide the space and location – you provide the words.  No submissions are necessary as your writing can be at any stage (notes, an outline, a draft, etc.) and will not be reviewed; just let us know if you would like to attend all or part of the lockdown.  

 

Registration is free for all presenters and attendees.  Suffolk University Law School is located in the heart of beautiful historic Boston.  We will provide details on accommodations and travel arrangements in the coming weeks.  Please contact Professor Rosa Kim ([email protected]) or Professor Kathleen Elliott Vinson ([email protected]) with any questions.

 

(MGO)

Gearing up for the 2L (or 3L) year

You’ve had some time to rest and, perhaps, are wondering how to make the most of the remainder of your summer break.  Here are a few suggestions – if you are not entirely satisfied with your 1L final exam grades or if you were placed on your law school’s equivalent to academic warning or academic probation.

First, if you can – arrange to get copies of your exam answers.  Review them carefully and do a critical self-assessment.  If you are wondering how to approach this task, consult one of the many texts on surviving and thriving in law school.  For example, Mastering the Law School Exam, by Suzanne Darrow Kleinhaus, might be a good text for this purpose.

Second, compare and contrast the essays on which you succeeded to the essays that were less successful.  Make a list of the components of the successful essays.  Did you clearly identify the issues that you spotted; did you clearly state an applicable rule; and did you fully apply the rule to the facts in the exam hypothetical?

Third, take out the review materials that you got from the various bar vendors that tabled at your law school and use the materials to review each of the required 1L subjects.  Do the practice multiple-choice and essay questions that the materials may contain.  It is not too early to start brushing up on these subjects; first, they may form the basis of some of your upper-level classes and, second, these subjects will be tested on the bar exam.

Fourth, review your 1L strategies for class prep, e.g.., case reading and case briefing; note-taking; daily and weekly review;  and exam preparation, e.g. outlining and drafting practice exam answers. 

Fifth, and last but not least, relax; spend time with family and friends.   Arrive at school for the fall term rested and ready to succeed.

 

(MGO)

Jr. Faculty Scholarship Exchange--ASPers are welcome!

UMass Law School will be hosting our 3rd Jr. Faculty Scholarship Exchange this fall. I strongly recommend ASPer's who have a work-in-progress to attend. I participated last year, and the experience was invaluable. Feedback from colleagues sparked an "AHA! That's it!" moment for me. It's a fantastic event, during a gorgeous time of year in Boston. I hope to see you there. (RCF)

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As the weather finally begins to look like summer here along the coast, the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth School of Law wishes to invite you to our Third Annual Junior Faculty Scholarship Exchange. This is an opportunity for junior law school faculty to gather together to discuss works in progress, finished papers, research interests, and to network and collaborate with peers from other institutions. Our hope is to provide a forum for legal scholars to develop their ideas and scholarship with input and constructive criticism from fellow law teachers. This past year we hosted 23 attendees from a dozen different law schools, from as far as Texas. This event is especially aimed at faculty with seven, or fewer, years of law teaching experience.

We are hosting this conference at the UMass Club, located in the heart of Boston’s financial district, on the 33^rd floor of 225 Franklin Street. The venue is close to South Station, and the red and orange lines of the MBTA, several parking garages and local hotels. A hot buffet lunch, with morning and afternoon snack services will be provided. For directions, see: http://www.clubcorp.com/Clubs/University-of-Massachusetts-Club/About-the-Club/Directions-Hours.

Please consider joining us for this event by marking your calendar for Friday, October 16^th, 2015, from 10 to 4. Seating will be limited. Registration for this event will open August 24^th.  Attendees will need to assume responsibility for their personal travel or lodging expenses.

Feel free to forward this invitation to a junior faculty member that you believe may be interested.  If this is information that you would prefer not to receive, please let us know and we will take you off of our list. If you have any immediate questions or concerns please call us at (508)985-1121, and ask to speak with Emma, Jessica, or me. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Spencer E. Clough

Associate Dean/Director of the Law Library

In order to pass the bar exam you must believe in yourself

The bar exam is the last test you will ever take. You’ve been preparing for it since the first day of law school. The foundation is built and these weeks of focused study help solidify what you’ve learned over the past 3-4 years. You will pass if you put in the time to learn the material and master the skills. Friends and family believe you will pass. Professors believe you will pass. Your employer believes you will pass. So, why do you doubt your ability to pass? One reason is that you don’t really know what to expect: Will you get an essay on intentional torts or premises liability? How many future interest questions will be on the MBE? Will you remember all the rules for all the subjects? Did you write enough? Too much?

Human beings seek stability. We like rules, routines, and goals. However, the bar exam does not fit nicely into what we’ve always done. You cover a semester a day and even though you spend 8, 10, 12 hours learning material, it doesn’t quite stick. If you could just hold things still, you’d be able to remember the material. Since everything is always changing, this doesn’t work. This is why you worry you won’t be able to learn everything in time and why you doubt your ability to pass. You are trying so hard to control things that you actually lose control.

It is July and the bar exam is at the end of the month. It’s time to get comfortable being uncomfortable. Accept that you cannot learn everything and that you don’t need to in order to pass. At the end of each day, reflect on what you did and know that it is enough. It is not about whether you checked off every task assigned by the commercial bar prep company. It is about working solidly and steadily and moving forward. Focus on yourself and stop worrying about everyone else. Stop discussing what you’ve done (or didn’t do) with your friends and family. If they are studying for the bar exam, it will just be a stressor for both of you. If they aren’t studying for the bar exam, they don’t care.

Instead of looking at all those unchecked boxes, make a list of everything you have done over the past 7 weeks. Look at all you’ve accomplished and give yourself a pat on the back. Add to the list every day and look through it a few days before the bar exam. This is proof that you have done enough. This is why your friends, family, professors, and co-workers know you will pass. It is why you should believe it, too.

Need a little motivation? Check out my all-time favorite inspirational speech (it will be the best 60 seconds of your day): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c47otcg13Z8 

(KSK)

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law Director of Bar Preparation

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law

Director of Bar Preparation

 

University of Detroit Mercy School of Law seeks applicants to direct and expand its bar preparation program.  The Director of Bar Preparation will administer and assess the existing bar preparation program and make additions and modifications to the program, focusing on initiatives to increase bar passage rates.

 

Among other things, the Director will be responsible for the following:

 

·      Administering all aspects of bar examination preparation services for the law school’s students and graduates, including teaching in and/or administering the law school’s bar preparation courses;

·      Compiling and analyzing bar examination data relating to graduates’ performance;

·      Monitoring the law school’s contractual arrangements with and services provided by an outside bar preparation vendor;

·      Providing individualized tutoring, mentoring, and counseling of students and graduates to ensure their success on a bar examination;

·      Identifying “at-risk” students, and encouraging their full participation in the law school’s bar preparation program;

·      Monitoring bar-takers’ compliance with bar preparation attendance and participation requirements;

·      Developing and maintaining an expertise in all aspects of the Michigan bar examination;

·      Regularly assessing the quality and effectiveness of the law school’s bar preparation program;

·      Regularly interacting with the faculty to facilitate improvement in student performance in law school and on a bar examination; and

·      Performing other tasks as assigned from time to time by the Dean, the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, and the Assistant Dean of Academic Success and Bar Preparation.

 

Minimum Qualifications:

 

Juris Doctor from an ABA-accredited law school and admission to the practice of law, preferably by taking and passing the Michigan bar examination.  Strong interpersonal skills with ability to relate to diverse communities. Strong written and oral communication skills.  Detail-oriented with excellent organization and time management skills.  Ability to work collaboratively as a member of a team and in a professional manner. Demonstrated experience in program planning, implementation, and assessment. Experience working in legal education in the areas of teaching, academic assistance, or academic advising, or similar administrative, teaching, or practice experience.  High degree of integrity, ethics, and a dedication to the mission of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

 

This position will remain open until filled.  To view the listing for this position and to apply, visit

http://www.udmercy.edu/hr/jobs.

 

Michigan's largest, most comprehensive private university, the University of Detroit Mercy is an independent Catholic institution of higher education sponsored by the Religious Sisters of Mercy and Society of Jesus. The university seeks qualified candidates who will contribute to the University's urban mission, commitment to diversity, and tradition of scholarly excellence. The University of Detroit Mercy is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer with a culturally diverse faculty and student body and welcomes persons of all races and backgrounds.