FOSTERing
Engaged Minds Lawyer Leaders Global Citizens
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“You’re really fortunate, I think, to begin your introduction to the legal profession at an innovative place like Elon…It’s quite clear that Elon Law is already a force with which to be reckoned.” U.S. Supreme Court Justice (Ret.) Sandra Day O’Connor Dedication of Elon University School of Law Sept. 19, 2006
An innovative law school launched by the nation’s “Leader in Engaged Learning” Elon University and its School of Law share common values and strengths. The university has a national reputation as a leader in higher education, with a student-centered focus and an active, experiential style of teaching and learning. Elon’s top rankings include the following: n Named “The Leader in Engaged Learning” by Newsweek-Kaplan, 2010 College Guide n Ranked #2 among 118 Southern universities by U.S.News & World Report, 2011 “America’s Best Colleges” n One of The Princeton Review’s “376 Best Colleges,” 2011 edition n Named a national leader in service-learning and civic engagement for the fourth consecutive year by the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, 2010 n Chosen to shelter one of the newest chapters of the Phi Beta Kappa Society n Named one of the nation’s “most environmentally responsible green colleges” by The Princeton Review, in partnership with the U.S. Green Building Council, 2011 n Named one of the nation’s top 50 best values in private higher education and the #9 university in lowest total costs, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance magazine, 2010-11.
The Elon community Law students are active members of the university community. Elon’s main campus is located about 20 miles east of Greensboro and has much to offer, including NCAA Division I athletics, a historic campus classified as a botanical garden and an annual lineup of distinguished speakers. Elon’s expanding graduate programs offer master’s degrees in business (MBA), education (M.Ed.) and communications (M.A. in Interactive Media), and a doctoral program in physical therapy (DPT) and a master’s program in physician assistant studies (PA) which will enroll its inaugural class in January 2013.
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Engaged Minds Elon offers an innovative approach to the study of law grounded in a rigorous core curriculum and enriched through programs that connect students to the profession from the outset of their legal education.
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Elaine R. Jones, former president and directorcounsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, at Elon Law, Jan. 13, 2011.
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Preceptors at Elon Law represent a crosssection of the legal profession, including the following firms and institutions: n Brooks Pierce McLendon Humphrey & Leonard, LLP n Higgins, Benjamin, Eagles & Adams, PLLC n Nexsen Pruet, PLLC n Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC n Smith Moore Leatherwood, LLP n Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC
n Guilford County Public Defender’s Office n Legal Aid of North Carolina n North Carolina Office of the Attorney General n U.S. District Court for the Middle District of N.C.
A unique Preceptor Program One of the law school’s distinctions is its innovative Preceptor Program, in which more
“I did not know many lawyers
than 50 experienced lawyers from a range of practice settings mentor law students.
when I arrived at law school,
Preceptors observe first-year students in classes, after which they meet with each student to
so the Preceptor Program,
provide feedback, facilitating a reflection process that helps students continuously improve in
connecting us to practicing
their preparation and development as lawyers.
lawyers who could serve
Preceptors also welcome students to accompany them to observe trials, initial client interviews, depositions and mediations. Preceptors are an integral part of the Elon Law experience. They meet students at informal social events at the law school, make guest appearances as speakers and panelists, and welcome correspondence from students for whom they serve as mentors.
as mentors, helped to demystify the practice of law. It was a valuable experience, distinctive to Elon Law.” Miriam Heard, Class of 2009
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“I’m convinced that Elon Law is unique in what it’s doing to realize the vision that we have for it, to inspire students from the very first year they are here to embrace the leadership and service responsibilities that come with the privilege of practicing law. The school seeks to reinvigorate the profession’s notion of its obligation to lead in the resolution of some of the most challenging issues that our country and indeed the world have faced in a long time.” James G. Exum, Jr. Distinguished Jurist in Residence, Elon Law Founding Member, Elon Law National Advisory Board Former Chief Justice, Supreme Court of North Carolina
Curriculum Students master the fundamentals of law, as well as legal analysis, research, and advocacy skills through courses that enhance the classical study of law through client simulations, extensive trial practice, field-based experiences, and regular interaction with practicing attorneys, judges, and leaders in business and public life.
Concentrations After the first year, students may choose from several areas of study: n In the business area, students take courses such as income taxation, securities regulation, corporate finance and governance, mergers and acquisitions, and business planning. n The public interest area emphasizes the study of administrative, constitutional, government, and international law and the development of skills in strategic planning and leadership. n Students who choose the litigation area gain valuable skills handling all aspects of trials and appeals in the school’s trial and appellate advocacy program. Visit law.elon.edu/curriculum to explore Elon’s program of legal education.
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Clinical programs at Elon Law put legal theory into practice, providing students with essential lawyering skills through casework management, research, writing, client interaction and courtroom advocacy, while also helping individuals in need.
Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic Students manage refugee and asylee cases, meet with clients, perform intake interviews, analyze cases for legal remedy, gather evidence, draft and file applications and briefs, and maintain client correspondence. Students also observe and participate in hearings before federal administrative agencies and courts.
Wills Clinic Students represent low-income homeowners referred to the clinic by Habitat for Humanity through the In-House Wills Clinic. Students interview clients, draft documents tailored to client needs, and oversee the self-proving signing protocol for those documents. The course operates as a firm, with students alternating in the role of managing attorney, presents ethical problems related to wills drafting and explores legal issues surrounding the transfer of property at death in North Carolina.
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Law student Joe Baker, right, represents two Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic clients at a federal hearing for U.S. Citizenship. Law student Anna Arnopolsky, center, serves as an interpreter (Russian/English).
As a result of work by the Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic, Jofred and Mircia, center, were reunited with their parents, who fled the Republic of Congo because of civil conflict.
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Academic programs promoting student excellence n The student-run Elon Law Review advances legal education and scholarship through the contribution of intelligent discussion and analysis of the law. Visit law.elon.edu/lawreview for details. n The trial advocacy program helps students develop analytical and oral advocacy skills through simulation-based learning in which students prepare for and conduct complete civil and criminal trials. The program complements the school’s first-year oral advocacy experience, moot court competitions, negotiation and mediation courses, and legal clinics. n Elon Law’s moot court teams, coached by Elon Law faculty and distinguished jurists and coaches in residence, have been successful in national competitions since the program’s inception, achieving an overall ranking as high as ninth in the nation.
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In April 2011, Elon hosted the inaugural Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition, named for three former chief justices of the Supreme Court of North Carolina who also serve on Elon Law’s national advisory board.
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Home of the North Carolina Business Court Elon University School of Law is one of only a handful of law schools in the nation to house a working court—the North Carolina Business Court. The court hears cases involving complex commercial and corporate law disputes in the school’s Robert E. Long Courtroom. The court provides opportunities for students to observe a working
Facilities designed to enhance your learning experience Elon law students have access to first-rate facilities and technology. The law school building, named in honor of
court and to conduct moot court and trial advocacy
Greensboro business leader and philanthropist H. Michael
programs.
Weaver, underwent a $6 million renovation in 2006 and includes: n High-tech classrooms n Seminar rooms n Court rooms n Student lounge n Coffee bar The law library occupies the lower floor and mezzanine, with study carrels, comfortable furniture, a computer lab and numerous group study rooms. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the 84,000-square-foot facility.
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Elon’s law library offers: n a balanced collection of hardcover, microfiche and electronic titles n large study carrels n group study rooms n a computer lab with individual workstations n a wireless environment
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Lawyer Leaders
“Our students not only receive a great legal education, they also get something that is rare in law schools, a close association with faculty, university leadership, and leaders of the legal community who all share a vision for cultivating lawyers who are equipped and inspired to lead. Our goal is to be among the premier law schools in the United States, making a real difference at a critical time in our nation’s history.” George R. Johnson, Jr. Dean and Professor of Law 12 n ELONLAW
Preparing lawyers to address Preparing lawyers regional, to address regional national and global challenges The need for honest, innovative and wise leaders at all levels of civic and professional life has never been greater. Recognizing this need, Elon University School of Law’s mission is to train lawyers who can ably serve both their clients and their communities as leaders. The school prepares its graduates to be not only successful lawyers who can excel at the highest levels of the profession, but also leading contributors to the well-being of the region, nation and world. Elon Law’s program of study begins with a comprehensive orientation to the legal profession, cultivating the capacity of students to serve as leaders in society through winter-session seminars and direct engagement with the practicing bar. Over the Elon Law students at the Greensboro campus of the Center for Creative Leadership (CCL). In developing its leadership curriculum, Elon partners with CCL, ranked by the Financial Times as one of the world’s top 10 providers of executive education for ten consecutive years.
course of the three-year program, Elon Law incorporates the best of leadership education through courses, clinics and leadership experiences working directly with attorneys, judges, and nonprofit and public interest organizations.
Visit law.elon.edu/leadership to explore the Leadership Program.
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Former N.C. Gov. Jim Hunt talks with students at a Bryan Distinguished Leadership Lecture.
The Joseph M. Bryan Leadership The Joseph M. Bryan Distinguished Leadership Lecture Series offers students first hand knowledge of the qualities of leadership through the wisdom of accomplished legal, government and business executives.
Past participants in the series David Gergen Former presidential adviser; CNN senior political analyst, scholar and journalist Aldona Wos Former U.S. Ambassador to Estonia Jim Melvin President, Joseph M. Bryan Foundation; former mayor of Greensboro, N.C.
<< U.S. Supreme Court Justice (ret.) Sandra Day Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connor, spoke at Elon Law on May 8, 2010.
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National Public Radio Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg
Former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Henry E. Frye
Lecture Series
Jeffrey Toobin, CNN legal analyst, author and lawyer
Bonnie McElveen Hunter, Chair, American Red Cross; CEO. Pace Communications; former U.S. Ambassador to Finland
Cory Booker, Mayor, Newark, N.J.
David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian
Harold Ford, Chairman, Democratic Leadership Council; Member of Congress, 1997-2007
Scott Turow, author and lawyer
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“As one who has been involved in trying to work with the next generation, to prepare a fresh generation of leaders for this country, public leaders which I think we need so much, Elon Law’s emphasis on community service and leadership has enormous appeal to me.” David Gergen Adviser to four U.S. presidents Chair, Elon Law Advisory Board CNN Senior Political Analyst
Advancing a vision of leadership in the law
Student life at Elon Law is enriched through interaction with judges, attorneys, elected officials and business leaders, including direct involvement by a distinguished advisory board led by former presidential adviser David Gergen and including two former North Carolina governors, three former North Carolina Supreme Court chief justices, a former president of the American Bar Association, a former U.S. ambassador and chair of the American Red Cross, and numerous other business and legal leaders.
Law School Advisory Board David Gergen (chair); former adviser to four U.S. presidents; director of the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University; CNN senior political analyst and noted journalist Noel Allen; Partner, Allen and Pinnix, PA; Elon University trustee Rhoda Bryan Billings; N.C. Supreme Court, 1985-86, Chief Justice 1986; President, N.C. Bar Association, 1991-92; Professor Emeritus, Wake Forest University School of Law R. Steve Bowden; Principal, R. Steve Bowden Associates; member, University of North Carolina Board of Governors Carole W. Bruce; Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP; President, Rotary Club of Greensboro; Treasurer, International Civil Rights Center & Museum Board of Directors; member of the board, The Joseph M. Bryan Foundation, The Stanley and Dorothy Frank Family Foundation, and the Greensboro Partnership Alfred “A.P.” Carlton Jr.; Partner, Allen and Pinnix, PA; President, American Bar Association, 2002-03 Donald R. Dancer; Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, International Rectifier Corporation
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W. Randy Eaddy; Partner, Kilpatrick Stockton LLP; Furman University trustee; Reynolda House Museum of American Art trustee; member, Metropolitan Atlanta United Way Board of Directors and Executive Committee James G. Exum; Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP; N.C. Supreme Court, 1974-94, Chief Justice, 1986-94 ; Distinguished Jurist in Residence, Elon Law Henry E. Frye; Special Counsel, Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP; N.C. Supreme Court, 1983-2000, Chief Justice, 19992000; N.C. House of Representatives, 1968-80; N.C. Senate, 1980-82 Ellen M. Gregg; Partner, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice PLLC; member, N.C. Chief Justice’s Commission on Professionalism James E. Holshouser; Senior partner, The Sanford Holshouser Law Firm LLP; N.C. Governor, 1973-77 James B. Hunt; Partner, Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice PLLC; N.C. Governor, 1977-1985, 1993-2001 Bassam N. Ibrahim; Attorney and Shareholder, Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC; Vice Chair, U.S. Trademark Law Committee, Intellectual Property Owners Association Mark London; London & Mead; co-author with Brian Kelly of The Last Forest: The Amazon in the Age of
Globalization (2007), The Four Little Dragons: Inside Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore at the Dawn of the Pacific Century (1989), and Amazon (1985) Robert E. “Bobby” Long Jr.; Granville Capital, Inc.; Elon University trustee Thomas P. (Pat) Maroney; Principal owner, Maroney, Williams, Weaver & Pancake PLLC; Member, Elon University Board of Visitors Bonnie McElveen Hunter; Chair of the American Red Cross; founder and CEO, Pace Communications; U.S. Ambassador to Finland 2001-2003 William (Bill) McNairy; Partner, Brooks, Pierce, McLendon, Humphrey & Leonard LLP Maureen Kelley O’Connor; Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Edmond Seferi; Partner, McKee Nelson, LLP; Chief of Staff to the president of Albania, 1992-94 James C. “Jack” Spencer Jr.; N.C. Resident Superior Court Judge, 1994-2009; Private law practice 1969-94 Jonathan Wall; Partner, Robertson, Medlin & Blocker PLLC; member, Board of Governors, North Carolina Advocates for Justice; member, Board of Governors, New Lawyers Division, Association of Trial Lawyers of America
Engaging community needs The students of Elon Law consider the opportunities they have to serve the needs of the region and those less privileged in society an essential part of their program of study. Elon Law students conduct a free tax preparation service for low- and middle-income residents, for which they earned the regional bar association’s annual pro bono award. They also present legal analyses to nonprofit organizations and municipal agencies, each year, on matters ranging from farmland preservation to the management of a juvenile justice substance abuse program.
Elon Law students have formed and lead several organizations including: n American Civil Liberties Union n Black Law Students Association n Business Law Association
Underscoring Elon Law’s extensive engagement with civic, business and legal sectors in the region, the Class of 2011 contributed more than 20,000 hours of community service during their three years of study. The Student Bar Association (SBA) is the law school’s student government and serves as the umbrella organization for most other law school organizations and committees. The SBA’s mission is to “create a forum for student leadership, community service and social networking to support the university’s goals of engaged learning, professionalism and civic participation through open communication with Elon students, Elon faculty and the community.”
n Criminal Law Society n Delta Theta Phi n Family Law Society n Federalist Society n HELP Initiative n Honor Council n Innocence Project n International Law Society n Jewish Law Students Association n Latin American Law School Association n Law School Democrats n Law School Republicans n OutLaw n Phi Alpha Delta n Public Interest Law Society n Rugby Club n Sports & Entertainment Law Society n Women’s Law Association
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Global Citizens Recognizing that legal services in the 21st century are being provided in an increasingly global marketplace the law school offers coursework that helps prepare graduates for this environment. Course offerings include Commercial Law; Secured Transactions; Conflict of Laws; Global/International Law; International Commercial Arbitration; International Law: Business Transactions; International Law: Public; International Law: Refugee and Asylum; and Introduction to Immigration Law.
“The practice of law has become globalized, and no lawyer is prepared for practice without an appreciation of comparative and international law. As with other outstanding law schools, Elon’s curriculum is infused with a transnational perspective.” Henry Gabriel Professor of Law
.
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I want students who have open minds to learning, those who are prepared to think outside the box. They need to be able to question and evaluate a situation, and it is extremely important that they are open to various viewpoints. Students need to realize that the law is not black and white, nor is it stagnant. It changes and evolves as our society changes and evolves, and they need to be open to this process.â&#x20AC;?
Helen Grant Professor of Law Faculty Adviser, Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic
<<
The Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic at Elon Law hosted an immigration law conference in April, 2011, featuring directors and senior officers of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.
<<
Through a collaborative international business course, Elon law and MBA students travel abroad annually to meet with top business and law leaders and to experience the intersection of legal and business practices in foreign countries. Locations visited include China, Vietnam and Singapore.
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Chart your career path Opening Doors: Career Services seeks desirable employment opportunities for Elon Law students and alumni. We have an active professional network of employers, preceptors and alumni whom we draw upon to identify desirable employment opportunities. Students meet leaders in the legal community through on-campus networking events and off-campus professional events. On-campus recruiting and Elonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s online recruiting systems give students access to summer positions and full-time employment, as well as judicial clerkships. Maximizing Employability: Career Services maximizes student employability by offering individual career counseling and group programs that equip students with the skills necessary to secure desired employment. Whether students need assistance with resumes and cover letters, interview skills or business cards, the Career Services staff makes sure students are prepared for the job search and interviews. Transitioning to the Workplace: The passage from law student to lawyer is a major milestone in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s professional development. Career Services offers a comprehensive series of professional development activities to assist students with the transition to the workplace.
Elon Law graduates achieved an 83 percent passage rate among first-time takers on the July 2011 North Carolina Bar Exam.
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Melissa Apperson ’12 and Collin Cooper ’12, interned with North Carolina Court of Appeals Judges Robert N. Hunter, Jr. and Linda Stephens.
Examples of Student Placement: BB&T Corporation, Raleigh, NC Blanco Tackabery, Winston-Salem, NC BrooksPierce, Greensboro, NC Carruthers & Roth, Greensboro, NC Court of Common Pleas, Allentown, PA Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog, Charlotte, NC Jones, Childers, McLurkin, & Donaldson, Charlotte, NC KPMG, Greensboro, NC Legal Aid of North Carolina NC Business Court, Greensboro, NC NC Court of Appeals, Raleigh, NC
Office of Senator Kay Hagan, Washington, DC Ogletree Deakins, Greensboro, NC Smith Debnam, Raleigh, NC
U.S. Dept. of Education – Office of Civil Rights, Washington, DC U.S. House of Representatives, Committee
Sports Management Group Worldwide, Fairfax, VA
on Oversight and Government Reform,
Teague Campbell Dennis & Gorham, Raleigh, NC
Washington, DC
The Children’s Law Center, Winston-Salem, NC 12th Judicial Circuit Court of Virginia, Chesterfield, VA
U.S. Senate, Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, Washington, DC Ward and Smith, P.A., Asheville, NC
U. S. Air Force JAG
Wishart Norris Henninger & Pittman, Charlotte, NC
U. S. Army JAG
Womble Carlyle, Winston-Salem, NC
U. S. Dept. of Justice, US Attorney’s Office,
Wyatt Early Harris Wheeler, High Point, NC
Charlotte, NC; Asheville, NC U. S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, Pasadena, CA
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Alumni perspective
“The corporate law courses I took at Elon Law sparked my interest in pursuing a career in banking. After various discussions with faculty and career services, I began to realize how marketable my law degree would be within the corporate world. My business and corporate law courses gave me the real world skills and knowledge that I use in my position at Goldman Sachs on a daily basis.” Michael Cowart Elon Law Class of 2010 Associate, Private Wealth Management Compliance Division Goldman Sachs & Co. New York, N.Y.
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“Being a lawyer is more than knowing the law and having a license. It requires application and leadership. Elon prepared me to apply the law in a number of handson courses and seminars. They also prepared me to lead in dynamic ways. I’ve found that people look to me for answers and solutions because I am a lawyer. Elon is the reason I have not disappointed those people.” Nicole Patterson Elon Law Class of 2010 Presidential Management Fellow U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Washington, D.C.
“The value of the leadership skills I acquired at Elon Law can’t be overstated. In my daily interactions with clients and business people, I am constantly applying the lessons and skills Elon Law ingrains in its graduates. Elon Law gave me the skills I need to succeed and the community perspective to use those skills for the greater good.” Mital Patel Elon Law Class of 2009 Attorney at Law Triangle Business Law Cary, N.C.
“Individual attention makes the difference at Elon Law. Mapping out my professional goals with Career Services was important in my legal job search and in my effort to identify the area of law in which I now practice.” Katherine Bobb Elon Law Class of 2009 Attorney at Law Gwinnett Sexual Assault and Children’s Advocacy Center Atlanta, G.A.
“My time at Elon Law served as a great foundation for my selection as a Presidential Management Fellow. The emphasis that Elon places on leadership helped to prepare me for my future responsibilities with the federal government and will give me an advantage in completing the leadership training within the PMF program.” Brendan Garcia Elon Law Class of 2011 Presidential Management Fellow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Washington, D.C.
“I came to law school to help the people who are most vulnerable in the community. Public interest law is a way to reach out into the community and help people who could not otherwise afford legal representation. As lawyers, we have a responsibility to represent the bar in a professional and ethical manner, but we also have the opportunity, and I think the obligation, to address the legal needs of those less privileged in our communities.” Heather Quinn Elon Law Class of 2009 Social Security Administration Office of Disability Adjudication and Review Greensboro, N.C.
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A perfect location Elon Law is located in downtown Greensboro, the hub of the judicial system in central North Carolina. Courts located within blocks of the law school include the U.S. District Court and U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of North Carolina. In addition, several branches of the North Carolina General Court of Justice, including the Superior, District, Drug Treatment, Mental Health and Small Claims Courts, are a short walk from the law school. The North Carolina Business Court is housed inside the law school. Several law firms and municipal offices also are located within blocks of the law school.
16
25
24 12
ELM STREET
★ 7
2 3
21
13
1
6
9
22
DAVIE STREET
8
GREENE STREET
EDGEWORTH STREET
BELLEMEADE STREET
EUGENE STREET
23
11
10
FRIENDLY AVENUE 20 19
MARKET STREET 18
17
15
CITY & COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL PLAZA
5 4
14
★ 1
ELON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW
LAW AND GOVERNMENT
CULTURE AND RECREATION
BUSINESSES AND LAW OFFICES
2
Old Guilford County Courthouse
9
17 BB&T
3
Guilford County Courthouse
10 Greensboro Cultural Center
18 First Citizens Bank
4
City Hall
11 Greensboro Central Library
19 Lincoln Financial
5
Guilford County Sheriff and Jail
12 Greensboro Historical Museum
20 Bank of America
Bryan Family YMCA
6
Federal Bankruptcy Building
13 Center City Park
21 Renaissance Plaza
7
Federal Courthouse
14 Triad Stage
22 US Trust Center
8
The Guilford Center
15 International Civil Rights Center and Museum 16 NewBridge Bank Park
23 Wachovia Tower 24 Marriott Hotel 25 South Trust Plaza
For an interactive map of downtown restaurants and cultural attractions, visit www.downtowngreensboro.net.
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The hottest ticket in town is the Greensboro Grasshoppers, a minor league affiliate of the Florida Marlins. The stadium is two blocks from the law school.
Life in Greensboro, North Carolina Greensboro is located in the Piedmont Triad region, in the center of an urban crescent stretching from Raleigh to Charlotte. With a population of approximately 250,000, Greensboro is the third-largest city in the state.
Dozens of new businesses have energized the
downtown area near the law school, including restaurants, nightclubs, retail stores and condominiums. With a variety of museums, art galleries, theaters and historic sites, downtown Greensboro also offers a rich cultural experience for students, young professionals and families.
The more than 40,000 college students in Greensboro
contribute to a vibrant intellectual and cultural community. Four-year colleges and universities in the Triad area include Elon University, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, North Carolina A&T State University, Wake Forest University, High Point University, Winston-Salem State University, Salem College, Guilford College, Greensboro College and Bennett College. For more information about Greensboro, go to www.actiongreensboro.org.
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Greensboro Cultural Arts Center
Center City Park
Farmers Market
International Civil Rights Museum
ACC Tournament at the Greensboro Coliseum
Triad Stage Lake Brandt Park
Triad Stage
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Profile of the Class of 2013: Applications: 885 Enrolled students: 132 GPA median: 3.12 LSAT median score: 155
Minority representation: 14% Median age: 23 55% male/45% female
Members of our student body attended the following undergraduate institutions, among others: Appalachian State University Auburn University Boston University Campbell University The Citadel Clemson University College of Charleston College of William and Mary Davidson College Drexel University Duke University East Carolina University Elon University Florida International University Furman University George Mason University George Washington University Greensboro College Guilford College Hampden-Sydney College Hampton University Harvard University High Point University Howard University Indiana University James Madison University Johnson C. Smith University Mercer University-Macon Meredith College Miami University North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina State University Pennsylvania State University Rhodes College St. Mary’s College of California
Stetson University Sweetbriar College Temple University Towson University Tulane University United States Military Academy United States Naval Academy University of Charleston-West Virginia University of Colorado University of Delaware University of Georgia-Athens University of Houston University of Kentucky University of Maryland-College Park University of Miami University of North Carolina-Asheville University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill University of North Carolina-Charlotte University of North Carolina-Greensboro University of North Carolina-Pembroke University of North Carolina-Wilmington University of Richmond University of South Carolina University of Tennessee-Chattanooga University of Tennessee-Knoxville University of the South University of Virginia Vanderbilt University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Military Institute Virginia Tech Wake Forest University Washington and Lee University Winston-Salem State University Yale University
Greetings from the Office of Admissions Thank you for your interest in admission to the Elon University School of Law! The decision to apply to law school is an important step in your endeavor to become an attorney. The admissions professionals at Elon Law are committed to assisting you throughout the admissions process. I am convinced that our program of legal education in law and leadership will provide a firm foundation for your future success as a member of the legal profession. Elon Law offers a great location, a reasonable cost, an engaging faculty, and the outstanding reputation of Elon University. After reviewing these materials, I trust that you will choose to begin your transition to the legal profession at Elon Law. I encourage you to visit Elon Law both in person and online at law.elon.edu. The admissions department will host opportunities for you to visit throughout the academic year. As a future lawyer, you will conduct research to best advise your clients and to arrive at the desired conclusion for your client. Your decision to apply to law school should consist of the same diligent research. I expect that you will conduct similar research to support your decision to attend law school, and I am confident that you will discover that Elon Law is the best choice for you. I look forward to receiving your application! Warm regards, Sharon Gaskin, Associate Dean for Admissions
Important Dates 2011-12 October
Applications accepted beginning Oct. 1 Open House
December Early decision application deadline – Dec. 1 February
March
Diversity Day Leadership Fellows application deadline Open House Admitted Students Day Leadership Fellows interviews Presidential Scholarship interviews
April
First seat deposit deadline – April 15
May
Admitted Students Day
June
Second seat deposit deadline – June 15 Application deadline – June 30
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From left, Meg Jordan, admissions counselor, Max Armfield, director of admissions, and Sharon Gaskin, associate dean for admissions
Frequently asked questions 1. When do you begin accepting applications? Oct. 1, 2011. Because of our “rolling” admissions process, it is better to apply sooner than later. The admissions process becomes more competitive as additional applications are received and the number of available seats decreases. Applications will be accepted and considered as long as seats are available in the class. 2. What is your application deadline? Under the Regular Decision option, applications must be electronically submitted (or postmarked) by June 30, 2012. CAS materials do not need to be received by this deadline, although it is in an applicant’s best interest to submit materials in a timely manner. Applicants who wish to be considered for merit-based scholarships are strongly encouraged to apply by March 1. All decisions will be made by July 31. 3. What happens if I receive an offer of admission under the Regular Decision option? Applicants admitted under the regular decision option must submit a nonrefundable deposit of $200 by April 15, or within two weeks of their admission, whichever is later. A second $400 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted by June 15. These deposits will be credited toward fall semester tuition.
4. Do you have an Early Decision program? Yes, the early decision option is available for prospective students who, after careful consideration of future plans and a thorough investigation of a variety of law schools, have concluded that the Elon University School of Law will provide them the legal education that best fulfills their needs and expectations. Applicants who are certain that Elon Law is their first choice institution are encouraged to apply as early decision candidates. 5. What are your LSAT/GPA requirements? We do not have a minimum LSAT requirement. However, the median LSAT for our fall 2010 entering class is 155. We do not have a minimum GPA requirement. Typically, one needs to have good grades to receive an offer of admission. The median GPA for our fall 2010 entering class is 3.12. Of course, when evaluating an applicant’s undergraduate GPA, the admissions committee considers many factors, including trends in one’s grades over the course of his or her academic career, how one’s grades compare to the grades of his or her peers from the same undergraduate institution, the difficulty of one’s undergraduate institution and/or degree program, and whether one was employed while in school.
6. Do I need to have a certain major to apply for law school? Elon Law does not require that its students have a specific major in college. In fact, our fall 2010 entering class has more than 40 different college majors represented. We do suggest having a well-rounded education that allowed you to develop critical and analytical thinking, reading comprehension, writing, and communication skill and ability. 7. Are scholarships available? Yes, there are a limited number of scholarships available. There is no separate scholarship application — all applicants are automatically considered for scholarships. However, priority consideration is given to applicants who apply by March 1. Most Elon Law students are using loans to supplement or completely cover the cost of their legal education. 8. What will you find on law.elon.edu/admissions? You will find detailed application process information, how to request/schedule a visit and tour, answers to more FAQs, scholarship information, and directions to Greensboro/Elon Law.
Financial Aid Financial aid is available to law students in the form of
Leadership Fellows Program
$10,000 to six post-9/11 veterans on a first-come, first-
scholarships and loans. Scholarships are awarded on
As part of Elon Law’s mission to infuse legal educa-
serve basis, which will be matched by the U.S. Depart-
an applicant’s potential for outstanding contributions
tion with leadership development, the school has
ment of Veterans Affairs (gibill.va.gov). Visit law.elon.
to the law school, the legal profession and society.
created a Leadership Fellows program, providing
edu for more information about these programs.
All admitted applicants are automatically considered
monetary scholarships and unique leadership
for a merit-based scholarship. Applicants selected to
experiences to students who have demonstrated
receive a scholarship will generally be notified within
exceptional leadership ability and who exhibit
law.elon.edu
two to four weeks of their admission.
potential to develop enhanced leadership capaci-
LSAC.org
ties while in law school and beyond. The program
finaid.org
Many students borrow funds to finance their legal
requires a separate application, available at law. edu.edu/admissions. Visit law.elon.edu/fellows
fafsa.ed.gov
education. To be eligible for Federal Stafford loans, applicants must complete the Free Application for
for more information.
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Elon’s federal school code is 002927. Applicants should complete the FAFSA as
Yellow Ribbon Program
soon as possible after Jan.1. For more information,
Elon Law is participating in the federal government’s
please contact the university’s financial planning of-
Yellow Ribbon Program, designed to assist post-
fice at 800-334-8448 or 336-278-7640.
9/11 veterans with secondary and post-secondary educational opportunities. Elon Law will contribute
Important Financial Aid Links
discoverlaw.org
Apply Free Online Oct. 1- Dec. 31 ELONLAW n 29
ELON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW Total enrollment: 342 (fall 2010) Faculty and deans: 27; Staff: 24 Emphases on total student development, exceptional legal knowledge and skills, engaged learning, leadership and civic involvement Located at the center of downtown Greensboro, N.C., adjacent to federal and state courts, government offices and major law firms Home of the North Carolina Business Court, which handles complex business litigation in the school’s courtroom and facilities 84,000-square-foot facility including a new multimillion-dollar library collection, wireless technology, courtroom, Clinical Law Center, and specialized labs and classrooms
Contacts: Admissions: Sharon Gaskin Associate Dean for Admissions sgaskin@elon.edu Max Armfield Director of Admissions marmfield@elon.edu Meg Jordan Admissions Counselor mjordan2@elon.edu
Washington, D.C. 309 miles Richmond, Va. 204 miles Knoxville, Tenn. 282 miles Winston-Salem, N.C. 28 miles
★
Elon University School of Law Greensboro, N.C. Raleigh, N.C. 78 miles Wilmington, N.C. 208 miles
Placement and Career Services: Chris Smith Assistant Dean for Career Services csmith25@elon.edu Giving Opportunities/Alumni: Eugenia H. Leggett Associate Dean for Development eleggett@elon.edu Email: law@elon.edu Telephone: 336-279-9200
Charlotte, N.C. 97 miles Columbia, S.C. 184 miles Atlanta, Ga. 332 miles
Toll free: 1-888-ELONLAW Fax: 336-279-8199
Apply Free Online Oct. 1 – Dec. 31: law.elon.edu Elon University and its School of Law do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, creed, sex, national or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, or veteran’s status in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff or the operation of any of its programs. Students with documented disabilities may request in writing reasonable
30 n ELONLAW
special services and accommodations by contacting Ms. Susan Wise, disability services coordinator, Duke 108H, (336) 278-6500. The university’s Section 504 coordinator for students and the Title IX coordinator is Ms. Jana Lynn Patterson, Moseley 206, 336-2787200. The university’s Section 504 coordinator for applicants and current employees is Mr. Ronald Klepcyk, 314 W. Haggard Ave., 336-278-5560.
In accordance with the Student Right-to-Know and Campus Security Act, complete information regarding campus security policies and programs and campus crime statistics is available upon request from the Director of University Relations, 2030 Campus Box. Information regarding completion and graduation rates may be obtained from the Office of Admissions or at www.elon.edu/irweb.