Skip to main content

Welcome to Week One

August 11, 2014

“Before we get started discussing the nuts and bolts of your transition into law school, I think it seems appropriate to take some time to reflect on the decision that you’ve actually made,” said Thomas Jefferson School of Law President and Dean Thomas Guernsey on Monday, August 11 as he welcomed TJSL’s incoming students during the Week One orientation program that helps prepare students for the demands of law school. “You have just made one of the most important decisions of your life. You’ve chosen to become a lawyer, to take on a role and a set of responsibilities that will truly change you forever.”

During Week One, students learn how to read case law and write case briefs and how to prepare for law school exams.

“You are about to embark on a rewarding yet also very challenging endeavor here at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law,” said Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Linda Keller. “We will definitely challenge you to think more critically and to write more clearly but we will also be here to provide the tools and the support for you to do that.”

Associate Director of Admissions Michelle Allison-Slaughter explained to the incoming class that during Week One, they will participate in sessions to learn strategies for approaching their doctrinal coursework. “The sessions are led by TJSL professors who are knowledgeable about what it takes to succeed in law school,” said Allison-Slaughter. “We understand that transitioning into law school is never easy but we try to give you as much information as possible.”

Students also participate in a doctrinal class session to become familiar with the Socratic Method, and they take and grade a simulated law school exam. Because of this intensive introduction to law school, students begin the academic year with confidence in their ability to succeed and with an understanding of the basic skills necessary to do so.

“You all bring a lot of skills and talents and backgrounds to the school, and this is an opportunity to bring those experiences to the classroom,” said Director of Admissions Tim Spearman.