Pepperdine Launches Professionalism Program

From the news release (excerpts):

-- Carrol and R. Rex Parris have announced the creation of the Parris Professionalism Institute, dedicated to the professional development of first-year law students at Pepperdine University School of Law.

 The institute was established by a million-dollar gift to the School of Law. First-year law students from the Class of 2017 will be the first to experience the new program, beginning with a redesigned orientation process this fall.

 The Parris Professionalism Institute will have three major components:

   1. First-years will begin their law school careers with a one-week

     Introduction to Professionalism Course that will focus on the

     fundamentals of legal reading, reasoning, writing, and ethics. Sessions

     will include assessment of writing ability and direct pedagogical

     experiences with professors. A one-day capstone session will follow one

     month later.

  2. The Professional Formation Series for 1Ls will be a series of four highly

     interactive and engaging events throughout the year that complement the

     professionalism course, connect students with mentors, and encourage

     professional behavior. The sessions will cover topics such as

     professional health, professional materials, interviewing, and

     networking. During this phase, students will work closely with their

     Preceptors, practicing attorney mentors.

  3. At the end of the school year, the Pepperdine Awards Program will

     celebrate the accomplishments of students who best exhibit

     professionalism. Outstanding students will receive "Parris Awards" in

     recognition of their contributions to professional formation in the law

     school community, and the "Pepperdine Award" will be given to the 3L who

     best embodies the values of the Pepperdine University School of Law.

You can read more here

 

(ljs)