Law School Strategies Program
The study of law is difficult and challenging. Many approaches used to study and succeed in other educational settings are not effective in law school. The legal profession demands continual learning, and law students are expected to learn to take responsibility for their own learning. These programs are not remedial in nature but are designed to maximize students' potential by teaching skills and strategies for success in law school.
Summer Enrichment Program
The week-long summer enrichment program takes incoming law students students through an entire semester of law school’s experience – preparing for class, participating in classes, preparing for exams and taking a final exam. The program is designed to de-mystify law school teaching and the keys to successful learning. The program is open to all students on a first-come first-serve basis.
Study Group Programs
There are two formal study group programs available for
first-year students. In the Structured Study Group program, a second or
third-year student attends one of the first-year courses and then leads several
study groups of about 12 students each week. These are not tutoring sessions;
rather, the experienced student models and facilitates effective approaches to
studying course materials. In Comprehensive Study Groups, second- and
third-year students focus on academic skills,
helping first-year students master note-taking, outlining, using study guides
and preparing for exams.
Law School Strategies Workshops
In the
law school strategies workshops, a faculty member
provides direct instruction of academic skills such as how to approach study of
law or effective essay writing. These workshops are open to all students, but
are especially helpful for first-year students.
Individual Assistance
Students who want individualized assistance in their
academic skills may work with Director of Academic Support
Dan Weddle. Students
with personal concerns that are affecting their law school work should speak
with Student Services Director Adela Fleming or
Associate Dean
Barbara Glesner Fines. In addition, all faculty have an open-door policy and
are happy to work with students individually as their schedules allow to improve
their learning and performance in law school.
Law School Materials for Success
Associate Dean Barbara Glesner Fines’ book on how to master law school learning is available online.
UMKC Bar Preparation Program
UMKC School of Law students consistently pass the bar at stellar rates. The law school’s comprehensive bar preparation program ensures that success.
