Contact SIUE | 800.447.SIUE
Contact Information
Dr. Denise DeGarmo, Chair
Cathy Behrens, Secretary
Peck Hall 3234
Campus Box 1453
Edwardsville, IL 62026-1453
(618) 650-3572 office
(618) 650-3509 fax
While law schools vary in terms of how they structure the first year for their students, there are some general themes that may be helpful to anticipate as you consider pursuing a J.D.
You can expect your first year to be extraordinarily intense. You will have very little time for other interests or activities. You can expect to be totally immersed in your studies each of the three years, but especially the first year.
Professors will expect you to be very well prepared for each class, and grades will be determined (usually) by a single examination at the end of the term. Do not expect much feedback from your professors during the semester.
You will learn about the law through the “case method.” The “case method” places the burden of learning squarely on the student. It involves the detailed examination of a number of related judicial opinions that comprise an area of law. The role of the professor is to ask you critical questions in class designed to stimulate discussion and challenge your understanding of the particular case or area of law. This makes classroom discussions very exciting, and requires a lot of preparation on your part.
·You can expect to become familiar with the following subjects during your first year:
·You may also have the opportunity to participate in moot court exercises.
·After the first year, you will have the opportunity to explore a broad range of courses in areas like Administrative Law, Civil Litigation, Commercial Law, Corporations, Evidence, Family Law, Professional Ethics, Taxation, Wills and Trusts, International Law, Environmental Law, Labor Law, and Jurisprudence.
·Most law schools also offer clinical experience for students in their second or third years. In addition, you may have the opportunity to manage and edit a legal journal while in law school.
