The Earle Mack School of Law Receives Full ABA Accreditation
The Earle Mack School of Law received full accreditation from the American Bar Association on Aug. 5.
This marks an important milestone in the history of Drexel University, which opened the school in 2006 with the aim of preparing graduates for the realities of legal practice.
“Providing students with an education that is both academically rigorous and infused with experiential learning has been a guiding principle since the inception of the Earle Mack School of Law,” President John Fry said.
“Accreditation by the ABA is a resounding affirmation of the outstanding work of our faculty and staff thus far, and enables us to continue to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to raising the bar for legal education.” Ambassador Earle Mack, who provided a major gift to the endowment of the law school, welcomed the development.
“It’s a distinct honor to have my name associated with this law school,” Mack said. “Under the leadership of Dean Roger Dennis, the school’s accomplishments in a short period of time have been nothing short of remarkable.”
The school gives each student multiple opportunities to see how principles presented in class play out in legal practice. The Co-op Program places students at law firms, government agencies, corporations, the courts and public-interest organizations. The Clinical Program gives students a year-long immersion in practice. Through the Pro Bono Service Program, students complete at least 50 hours of service to under-represented individuals or groups, but most do far more.
The faculty brings diverse interests and experiences as well as a shared enthusiasm for innovative teaching. The faculty includes internationally known, pioneering scholars and young professors who publish their work in some of the nation’s most respected law journals and incorporate hands-on experiences in their teaching.
The legal community has enthusiastically embraced the school’s mission, with members of the bench and bar helping to prepare students for practice.
Many outstanding students recognize the quality of the faculty and the curriculum. The Class of 2014 features students from 23 states who graduated from 88 colleges and universities.
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Classes in PISB
Dear Students:
I just wanted to update you on classrooms for the coming semester. As the 2L and 3Ls are aware, in recent years we have held some law classes in Matheson Hall. Since the University has started demolishing Matheson Hall, we obviously will no longer hold classes there. To fill the void, we have secured use of a brand new classroom, Room 112, in the Papadakis Integrated Sciences Building, which is listed on the law school class schedule as “ISB” and the University system as “PISB.” The building is the one that has been recently built on the south east corner of 33rd and Chestnut Streets. Further information on the building is here http://drexel.edu/coas/research/pisb/.
Please check the class schedule here to see if you have any classes in the ISB. While construction of Room 112 is complete, crews are still putting the finishing touches on other parts of the building. As a result, we are currently restricted to using the entrance to the ISB located on the east side of 33rd Street (the same side as the Mario the Dragon statute and diagonally across from the Hagerty Library and the cookie truck). To access Room 112, go in the 33rd Street entrance and take a left. We also have use of the restrooms on the right side as you enter the ISB from the 33rd Street entrance. The Men’s room is on your right immediately after you enter the building, and the Women’s room is around the corner on the right. After class please exit the building only through the 33rd Street door and, unless it is an emergency, do not use any other exits. As tempting as it might be to wander through the rest of the building and check out the biowall or other classrooms, please refrain from doing so because construction is ongoing. After construction is fully completed, there will be plenty of opportunities to check out all the cool features of the building. Please realize that law students wandering the building while it is still under construction will likely be viewed negatively by other parts of the University, meaning law students entering unauthorized parts of the building would not only be viewed as bad university citizens, but might also be subject to sanctions for violating either the Law School or University Codes of Conduct. It is my hope that you desire neither result. Thanks for your anticipated cooperation. -Dean Oates ^ Back to Top
Position Announcement: Dean’s Faculty Research Fellow
The Legal Research Center solicits applications from second and third year law students for the position of Dean’s Faculty Research Fellow to begin in September 2011 and continue through the end of the Spring Semester 2012.
The Dean’s Faculty Research Fellow, under the direction of the Head of Research & Instructional Services, works on research projects for law school faculty members and the Legal Research Center librarians. Past research projects have dealt with traditional legal research topics and various interdisciplinary subjects including business, education, and psychology. The successful candidate will have opportunities to work with faculty members, make full use of the library’s collection, and develop excellent research and writing skills. The fellow works 10 hours per week while school is in session. The fellow doesn't work during reading, exam, or break periods. Pay is competitive. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume, and brief writing sample to Peter Egler, Head of Research & Instructional Services, at pje26@drexel.edu. The deadline to submit applications is September 6, 2011. ^ Back to Top
Entrepreneurial Law Clinic to Lead Legal Workshop for Startup Companies
Students from the law school’s Entrepreneurial Law Clinic will lead a workshop Sept. 27 on “Common Legal Mistakes Startups Make.”
The workshop will be led by 3Ls Nathan Howard and Margaret Theranger, who will be joined by Professor Karl Okamoto and attorney Geoff Weber.
Participants will learn how to avoid common missteps that startup companies often make, such as Not Figuring Out Who Owns What, Not Spelling Out Who Gets What, Confusing a Patent with a Brand and Buying the $99 Corporation.
The workshop is co-sponsored by the Laurence A. Baiada Center for Entrepreneurship at the LeBow College of Business.
The event will be held from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at 3225 Arch Street, Room G-55.
To register: http://www.lebow.drexel.edu/Event/3598
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Financial Aid Announcements
Health Insurance:
The Bursar’s Office has informed the Law School that beginning this academic year, students charged for health insurance must pay these charges at the time they appear on the eBill. In the past, health insurance charges could be deducted from the spring semester refund. Please check your September eBill carefully. If you do not intend to take the Drexel Health Insurance Plan, don’t forget to waive out by August 31 , otherwise you will be automatically enrolled and incur charges. Additional student loans are available to cover health insurance costs. See Mary de Rivera, the law school financial aid advisor, for details. She is located in the Office of Student Affairs, Suite 450.
Adding/Dropping a Class:
Please be aware that any registration change could result in extra charges on your eBill. The per credit charge this academic year is $1,245. Make sure to check your eBill carefully this week, as well as in September, if you added a class or plan to participate in Moot Court, Trial Team, or a Clinic. You may see additional charges which will have to be covered or a hold will be placed on the account. Pennsylvania Bar Foundation Scholarships:
The Foundation is now accepting applications for the James W Stoudt Memorial Scholarship Program. Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents and in their second year of law school. In addition to the general scholarships, there are a number of minority scholarships for students from historically under-represented racial/ethnic backgrounds. Applications should be submitted by December 3, 2011 and can be found at http://www.pabarfoundation.org/Programs%20and%20Awards/James%20W.aspx. ^ Back to Top
Legal Research Center Starts Chat Reference Service
The Legal Research Center now offers chat reference services during reference desk hours. Patrons can access the chat reference services through the LRC’s Web site at www.earlemacklaw.drexel.edu/library. Select the “Law Library Chat” button in the left hand column. In addition to chat reference, patrons have several options for contacting librarians during reference desk hours: - In person at the LRC reference desk
- Phone: 215-571-4771
- E-Mail: lawref@drexel.edu
- Text Messaging: Text questions to 918-DREXEL-1 (918-373-9351)
The LRC’s reference desk is open during these hours while classes are in session: - Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday: 12 noon to 5 p.m.
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Career Strategies Announcements
Notices from the Career Strategies Office
Upcoming Events:
These events are also posted in Symplicity.
August 29
12:15 – 1:15 p.m. | Room 340
Information Session for 2nd and 3rd year law students regarding the DOJ Honors Program and the SLIP program. August 31
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. | New York City Bar Association
NYC Public interest Reception
While called a Reception, the format is more like that of a career fair. Between 80 and 100 public service employers will be at information tables to talk with students and alums about their work and careers as well as future opportunities. This is a great way for first year students to be exposed to and get excited about the range of public service work; for upper class students to begin to think about their summer or post-graduate work; and for alums to network.
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Academic Skills Announcements
Academic Skills Fall Workshops for 1Ls
Welcome to all members of the great Class of 2014! To help you learn the skills you need in Law School, we have scheduled a series of lunch-time, brown bag workshops on most Wednesdays from 12:15-1:15 p.m. during the fall semester. The first workshop will focus on one of the key skills that every 1L must master – case briefing. Hope to see you all there. If you have any questions, contact Professor Nancy Kraybill at nck26@drexel.edu or stop by her office, Room 418 (on the 4th floor next to Classroom 420).
“How Briefing Cases Will Help you in Class and on Exams”
Wednesday, August 31, 12:15-1:15 in Law 440* *Please note date and location change Fall Dean’s Scholar Program Congratulations to the following students selected as Dean’s Scholars for the Fall 2011 semester! Civil Procedure - Professor Saunders: Cate Rowe Wagner (2L) and David (“Taylor”) Ocasio (2L)
Civil Procedure – Professor Asbury: Barkha Patel (2L) and Kristan (“Kenny”) Saubert (3L)
Contracts – Professor Cimino: Stephanie Papastephanou (2L) and James (“Jim”) Wise (3L)
Contracts – Professor Boss: Todd Nothstein (2L) and Elizabeth (“Liz”) Smarrelli (3L)
Torts – Professor Furrow: Alison (“Ali”) Van Horn (2L) and Alexandra (“Alex”) Beuchler (3L)
Torts – Professor Geisinger: Erica Cohen (2L) and Ben Simmons (3L)
Meet the fall Dean's Scholars by clicking on the following link:
http://www.earlemacklaw.drexel.edu/academics/skills/deans-scholars/
Dean’s Scholar sessions will begin during the second week of classes. Stay tuned for the session schedule and plan on attending the Dean’s Scholar’s sessions. You’ll be glad that you did! . If you have any questions, contact Professor Nancy Kraybill at nck26@drexel.edu or stop by my office, Room 418 (on the 4th floor next to Classroom 420). Professor Nancy C. Kraybill
Director of Academic Skills and Associate Teaching Professor
Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law
3320 Market Street, Room 418
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Tel: 215.571.4803
Fax: 215.571.4730
nancy.kraybill@drexel.edu ^ Back to Top
Fall 2011 Pro Bono Opportunities
Welcome back 2Ls and 3Ls! I hope you all had a wonderful summer. As you begin the Fall Semester, keep in mind that it is time to start working towards satisfying the 50-hour Pro Bono Service Requirement.
The Pro Bono section of the Drexel Law Website has now been updated. You can find the Pro Bono section under the “Academics” pull-down menu (http://www.earlemacklaw.drexel.edu/academics/pro-bono/). The Pro Bono Service Handbook, explaining the policy, guidelines, procedures, and responsibilities for the Requirement is available to download, as well as the forms you will need to fill out to register for a project, keep track of the time you volunteer, and receive credit for the work you have done.
An updated list of the 13 Pro Bono Opportunities that are available for recruitment this Fall is available for download here. Training for these projects will take place during the first few weeks of the Fall Semester. The registration deadline for the Fall Semester pro bono projects is Thursday, August 25 at 12:00pm.
For more information on the projects described at this link, or any of the other Pro Bono Opportunities listed on the website, please be in touch. I’m excited to work with all of you to find a rewarding and meaningful pro bono experience.
Karen Pearlman Raab, Esquire
Director for Pro Bono and Public Interest Programs
Earle Mack School of Law at Drexel University
(215) 571-4722
kpearlman@drexel.edu
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SBA Announcements
Notices from the Student Bar Association
First Look: Student Organization Fair - August 24
Attention All New and Returning Students! Want find out how to get involved in a Student Organization?
Come to the "First Look: Student Organization Fair" on Wednesday, August 24th from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the second and third floor galleries.
All Student Organizations will be present, ready to answer your questions and help you get involved! Don't miss out on a great opportunity to get a first look at all the fantastic Student Organizations EMSoL has to offer!
Student Organization Lunch Sessions
Thursday, August 25
OUTLAW - Rm. 140 at 12:00
Law Students for Reproductive Justice - Rm. 240 at 12:30
Friday, August 26
Criminal Law Society - Rm. 140 at 12:00
National Lawyers’ Guild - Rm. 240 at 12:30 Monday, August, 29
Jewish Law Students Association - Rm. 140 at 12:00
Health Law Society - Snacks - Rm. 240 at 12:30 Tuesday, August 30
Middle Eastern Law Students Association - Rm. 140 at 12:00
American Bar Association - Rm. 240 at 12:30 Wednesday, August 31
American Constitution Society - Rm. 140 at 12:00
Black Law Students Association - Rm. 240 at 12:30 Thursday, Sept. 1
Student Animal Legal Defense Fund - Rm. 140 at 12:00
Environmental Policy Alliance - Rm. 240 at 12:30 Friday, Sept. 2
Philosophy Club - Rm. 140 at 12:00
Latin American Law Students Association - Rm. 240 at 12:30 Tuesday, Sept. 6
Phi Alpha Delta - Rm. 140 at 12:00
Christian Law Students - Rm. 240 at 12:30 Wednesday, Sept. 7
Asian Pacific American Law Students Association - Rm. 140 at 12:00
Business Law Organization - Rm. 240 at 12:30 Thursday, Sept. 8
Mantua Community Service Initiative - Rm. 140 at 12:00
International Law Society - Rm. 240 at 12:30 Friday, Sept. 9
Brehons - Rm. 140 at 12:00
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Event Advertisement Policy
The new Event Advertisement Policy (“EAP”) is as follows:
Newsletter:
If you would like to have your event included in the Weekly Newsletter, please submit a short announcement to Dean Oates and Alanna Bridgett by Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. for the following Monday issue.
Flyers/Posters: - All flyers and posters for law school events are to be submitted by email to Dean Oates, Dean McGovern, Alanna Bridgett, and Jerry Arrison for approval.
- Upon Dean Oates’ approval, the flyers will be posted on the plasma screens.
- Five stamped, color copies of the flyers can be picked up from Alanna Bridgett in Suite 400.
- Flyers may only be posted on bulletin boards in the School of Law Building and only the five stamped flyers picked up from Alanna Bridgett may be posted.
- Flyers may only be posted on floors 2, 3, and 4. Only one flyer may be posted on floors 3 and 4. On the 2nd floor, only 1 flyer may be posted in the elevator lobby and only 1 flyer may be posted in the gallery. On the 3rd floor, only 1 flyer may be posted on the bulletin board near the rear stairwell.
- Approved posters may be displayed in the lobby on the day of the event only. Posters must be removed at the end of the event.
- Poster size shall not exceed 20” x 30”.
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Scholarships, Fellowships, and Writing Competitions
Scholarships
James W. Stoudt Memorial Law School Scholarship - Deadline: December 3, 2011
The Pennsylvania Bar Foundation is currently accepting applications for the James W. Stoudt Memorial Law School Scholarship. This award provides four, $3,000 scholarships, two of which are specifically designated to support minority law students, to second year students attending any one of the eight accredited law schools presently serving Pennsylvania. Applicants must be able to document residency with either a current voter registration card or current Pennsylvania driver’s license. Applications are due December 3, 2011 and can be found at http://www.pabarfoundation.org/Programs%20and%20Awards/James%20W.aspx.
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Submissions for the Weekly Newsletter
Submissions for the "EMSoL Weekly Newsletter" are approved by Kevin Oates, Senior Associate Dean of Students and Associate Professor of Law. Please forward all material for the newsletter to Alanna Bridgett (abridgett@drexel.edu) by Wednesday at 12:00 p.m. for the following Monday issue.
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