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Engaged Minds
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Global Citizens
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Lawyer Leaders
“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” In 2012, Elon Law was named one of “America’s 20 most innovative law schools” by The National Jurist magazine. The law school’s innovations in legal education reflect the values and strengths of Elon University. The university’s distinctions include: ■ Named the national “Leader in Engaged Learning” (Newsweek-Kaplan, 2010) ■ Named #1 in study-abroad and the nation’s #1 “best-run college” (The Princeton Review, 2013) ■ Ranked #2 overall among 127 Southern master’s-level universities and one of the top 46 colleges and universities in the nation “that have recently made the most promising and innovative changes in the areas of academics, faculty, student life, campus or facilities” (“America’s Best Colleges” U.S.News & World Report, 2012) ■ Named a national leader in service-learning and civic engagement for the sixth consecutive year by the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, 2012 ■ Chosen to shelter one of the nation’s newest chapters of the Phi Beta Kappa Society.
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.), communications (M.A. in Interactive Media) and physician assistant studies (PA), as well as a doctoral program in physical therapy (DPT).
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Engaged Minds Elon’s innovative approach to the study of law is 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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Developing legal knowledge and skills through a strong curriculum Students master the fundamentals of law and skills in legal analysis, research and advocacy through courses that are taught by an outstanding faculty known for innovative teaching. Elon Law’s curriculum allows students to gain a breadth of knowledge across numerous areas of law and to develop depth in areas such as business and commercial law, criminal law, public interest law, and trial and appellate advocacy.
Small class sizes In , The National Jurist featured Elon Law among the nation’s law schools with the smallest class sizes. The school’s size enables close relationships between students and faculty. Several required first-year courses and many elective courses at Elon have enrollments ranging from to students, allowing faculty and students to work closely together in the classroom and in individual and small group meetings.
A wide-range of courses In addition to the core curriculum, Elon offers a broad range of electives to fit students’ interests and career objectives. The following partial list illustrates the depth of course offerings: Accounting for Lawyers, Administrative Law, Advanced Criminal Procedure, Advanced Family Law Practice, Advanced Trial Practice and Procedure, Appellate Practice, Child Advocacy Law, Commercial Law, Complex Litigation, Corporate Finance, Elder Law, Election Law, Employment Law, Environmental Law, Estate and Gift Taxation, First Amendment, Health Law, Immigration Law, Intellectual Property-International Arena, International Commercial Arbitration, Internet Law, Mergers and Acquisitions, Nonprofit Organizations, Real Estate Transactions, Remedies, Securities Regulation, Separation of Powers, Sports Law, and Wills and Trusts.
More information: law.elon.edu/curriculum
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Outstanding Faculty The faculty of Elon Law is committed to excellence in scholarship, teaching and service. Faculty members:
■ Contribute knowledge about law and policy in a variety of areas by authoring books, delivering conference presentations nationally and internationally, and publishing scholarly articles that are often placed in highly regarded national law journals such as: Cardozo Law Review, Connecticut Law Review, DePaul Law Review, Florida Law Review, Hasting Law Journal, North Carolina Law Review, Northwestern University Law Review, University of Cincinnati Law Review, University of Colorado Law Review and William & Mary Law Review.
The faculty of Elon Law:
■ Teach with global perspectives gained from a broad-range of law firm,
More than 200 years of combined teaching experience
judicial and judicial clerkship experience in the following locations and court
Legal practice experience in 11 states, Washington, D.C. and 7 countries
Pennsylvania, Texas, Australia, Czech Republic, China, England, Italy, Republic
Broad experience in public analysis of law, with faculty members featured in the following media in 2012: The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times, The Guardian (England), The Tokyo Shimbun (Japan), The Associated Press, National Public Radio, Slate, The Huffington Post and national news programs on ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN and FOX.
Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit,
systems: Washington, D.C., California, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Ohio,
of Palau and Spain; Indiana Supreme Court, N.C. Court of Appeals, N.C.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of N.C. and U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
■ Draw from outstanding legal educations to inform their research and teaching, with degrees from law schools including: Columbia University, Harvard University, New York University, Northwestern University, Notre Dame University, Stanford University, University of Michigan and University of Virginia.
■ Inform legal practice and legal education by authoring influential treatises used by lawyers in North Carolina and across the nation, as well as casebooks used by law professors and students nationally. Additionally, members of the faculty have written books and scholarly articles about programmatic innovations in legal education and teaching innovations in the law school classroom.
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Preceptors at Elon Law represent a crosssection of the legal profession, including the following firms and institutions: ■ Brooks Pierce McLendon Humphrey & Leonard, LLP ■ Lincoln Financial Group ■ Nexsen Pruet, PLLC ■ Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, PC ■ Smith Moore Leatherwood, LLP ■ Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, PLLC ■ Guilford County Public Defender’s Office ■ Legal Aid of North Carolina ■ North Carolina Office of the Attorney General ■ 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
connecting us to practicing
in their preparation and development as lawyers. Preceptors also welcome students to
lawyers who could serve
accompany them to observe trials, initial client interviews, depositions and mediations.
as mentors, helped to
Preceptors are an integral part of the Elon Law experience. They meet students at informal
demystify the practice of law.
social events at the law school, make guest appearances as speakers and panelists, and
It was a valuable experience,
welcome correspondence from students for whom they serve as mentors. In 2012, The
distinctive to Elon Law.”
National Jurist magazine featured the Preceptor Program in its selection of Elon Law as one of “America’s 20 most innovative law schools.” The magazine said, “Elon’s Preceptor Program
Miriam Heard, Class of 2009
is one of the only programs in the country in which students are paired with practicing attorneys in their first year.”
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Academic programs promoting student excellence ■ The student-run Elon Law Review advances legal education and scholarship through the contribution of intelligent discussion and analysis of the law.
■ The trial advocacy program, led by nationally recognized trial and appellate advocacy experts, helps students develop analytical and oral advocacy skills through simulation-based learning in which students prepare for and conduct complete civil and criminal trials. Working with professors in small sections, students receive personal instruction and abundant opportunities to practice and hone their advocacy skills. The program complements the first-year oral advocacy experience, moot court competitions, negotiation and mediation courses, and legal clinics.
■ Elon Law’s moot court teams, coached by law faculty, have achieved success since the program’s inception, winning multiple semifinal, quarterfinal and best brief awards at national competitions. In , Elon hosted the inaugural Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition, named for three former chief justices of the N.C. Supreme Court who also serve on Elon Law’s national advisory board. The school’s mock trial program enables students to strengthen trial advocacy skills through annual trial competitions that draw students from law schools across the country.
■ Committed to providing each student with rigorous, innovative instruction in legal research and legal communication, Elon offers an in-depth legal method and communication program taught by six members of the full time faculty, including the program director who is a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Legal Writing Directors. In addition to essential research and writing skills, students receive extensive training in legal citation, composition and oral communication.
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A dynamic externship program
“While I understand that most of my time in law school will be spent in a classroom, I have realized that time spent
Washington, D.C. externship program
assisting in the practice of law
In , Elon Law and The Washington Center for Internships and Academic
is equally important to my
Seminars announced a partnership to provide law students with legal
legal education. I have learned
externship opportunities in Washington, D.C. The program provides law
a great deal about how law is
students with opportunities for full-semester or summer externship placements in executive and legislative branches of the federal government, as well as in non-governmental sectors in Washington, D.C. Elon Law student placements in the first two semesters of the program include: Office of the Counsel for the
actually practiced on a dayto-day basis. My externship experience has expanded
Commandant of the Marine Corps, U.S. Department of Justice-Narcotic and
my horizons and helped to
Dangerous Drug Section, U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, the National
formulate my career goals.”
Whistleblowers Center and Advocates for Justice, a public interest law firm.
State, National and International Externships Elon Law’s externship program offers law students placement opportunities in dozens of state executive, legislative and judicial branch offices, as well as
Tom Prendergast Class of 2014 2012 externship in the Office of the Counsel for the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.
in a number of nonprofit organizations in North Carolina and in other states and countries. Externship placements have included: Disability Rights North Carolina, Georgia Legal Services Program, Greensboro City Attorney’s Office, Guilford Nonprofit Consortium, Internal Revenue Service-Office of Chief Counsel, International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Rome), Legal Aid of N.C., N.C. Business Court, N.C. Department of Justice-Office of the Solicitor General, N.C. General Assembly, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of N.C., N.C. Supreme Court, N.C. Court of Appeals and several District Attorney’s and Public Defender’s offices.
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Clinical programs putting theory into practice Elon Law’s clinical programs provide students with essential lawyering skills through casework management, research, writing, client interaction and courtroom advocacy, while also helping individuals in need.
Elder Law Clinic Students provide free legal counsel and services under the supervision of faculty to lowincome elderly residents of Guilford County. The clinic focuses on the civil legal issues of older adults, such as power of attorney, end of life planning, contract and consumer issues, housing, grandparent rights, Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security benefits and Veterans benefits.
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 Through the Wills Clinic, students represent low-income homeowners referred by Habitat for Humanity and other sources. Students interview clients, draft documents tailored to client needs, and oversee the self-proving signing protocol for those documents. The course presents ethical problems related to wills drafting, explores legal issues surrounding the transfer of property at death in North Carolina and operates as a law firm with students alternating in the role of managing attorney.
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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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Home of the North Carolina Business Court Elon Law is one of only a handful of law schools in the nation to house a working court—the North
Facilities designed to enhance the student learning experience
Carolina Business Court. The court hears cases involving complex commercial and corporate law disputes in the school’s Robert E. Long Courtroom. The courtroom provides opportunities for students to observe a working court and to conduct moot court and trial advocacy programs.
Elon law students have access to first-rate facilities and technology. The law school building, named in honor of Greensboro business leader and philanthropist H. Michael Weaver, underwent a $ million renovation in and includes: ■ High-tech classrooms ■ Seminar rooms ■ Courtrooms ■ Student lounge and coffee bar ■ Student store The law library occupies the lower floor and mezzanine, with study carrels, comfortable seating, a computer lab and numerous group study rooms. Wireless Internet access is available throughout the ,-square-foot facility. Since , Elon has acquired several buildings within one block of the Weaver building to accommodate the school’s expanding clinics, student organizations and the new Center for Professional Development.
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Elon’s law library offers: ■ a balanced collection of hardcover, microfiche and electronic titles ■ large study carrels ■ group study rooms ■ a computer lab with individual workstations ■ 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 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
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Preparing lawyers 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 trains 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 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 providers of executive education for consecutive years.
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 course of the three-year program, Elon Law incorporates the best of leadership education through courses, clinics and capstone experiences that allow students to work 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 O’Connor, spoke at Elon Law on Sept. , , May , and April , .
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National Public Radio Legal Affairs Correspondent Nina Totenberg
David McCullough, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian
Jeffrey Toobin, CNN legal analyst, author and lawyer
Lecture Series Harold Ford, Member of Congress, -
Bonnie McElveen Hunter, Chair, American Red Cross; CEO, Pace Communications; former U.S. Ambassador to Finland
Scott Turow, author and lawyer
Former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Henry E. Frye
Cory Booker, Mayor, Newark, N.J.
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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.”
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
David Gergen Chair, Elon Law Advisory Board Adviser to four U.S. presidents CNN Senior Political Analyst
Student leadership opportunities Elon Law students have formed and lead numerous organizations. The Student Bar Association is the law school’s student government and serves as the umbrella organization for most other law school organizations and committees. Student organizations include:
by a distinguished advisory board led by former presidential adviser David Gergen
■ American Civil Liberties Union
■ Law Review
and including two former North Carolina
■ American Constitutional Society
■ Law School Democrats
governors, three former North Carolina
■ Black Law Students Association
■ Law School Republicans
Supreme Court chief justices, a former
■ Business Law Association
■ Leadership Fellows
president of the American Bar Association,
■ Counsel for Christ
■ Mock Trial
a former U.S. ambassador and chair of the
■ Criminal Law Society
■ Moot Court
American Red Cross, and numerous other
■ Delta Theta Phi
■ OutLaw
business and legal leaders.
■ Family Law Society
■ Phi Alpha Delta
■ Federalist Society
■ Pro Bono Board
■ HELP Initiative
■ Public Interest Law Society
■ Honor Council
■ Rugby Club
■ Innocence Project
■ Society for Health Law & Bioethics
■ Intellectual Property Student Organization
■ Sports & Entertainment Law Society
■ International Law Society
■ Tech Law Society
■ Jewish Law Students Association
■ Women’s Law Association
■ Latin American Law Students Association
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■ Tax Law Interest Group
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. Each year, they also present legal analyses to nonprofit organizations and municipal agencies on matters ranging from farmland preservation to the management of a juvenile justice substance abuse program. In , law students formed a Pro Bono Board to increase public service opportunities for Elon Law students across North Carolina. Underscoring the law school’s extensive engagement with civic, business and legal sectors in the region, the Class of contributed more than , hours of community service during their three years of study.
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Global Citizens Recognizing that legal services in the st century are being provided in an increasingly global marketplace, the law school offers coursework, study abroad experiences and externship opportunities that prepare graduates for international advocacy. Course offerings include Commercial Law, Secured Transactions, Conflict of Laws, Global/ International Law, International Commercial Arbitration, International Law-Business Transactions, International Law-Public Law, International Law-Refugee and Asylum Law 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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“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.”
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.
<<
<<
The Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic at Elon Law hosted an immigration law conference in April , featuring directors and senior officers of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.
<<
Helen Grant Professor of Law Director, Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic
Elon Law students Caroline Johnson and Brenna Ragghianti in Italy, during their externship with the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law.
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After Elon
Chart your career path Opening Doors: The Center for Professional Development seeks desirable employment opportunities for law students and alumni. We have an active professional network of employers, preceptors and alumni whom we draw upon to identify employment opportunities. Students meet leaders in the legal community through on-campus networking events and off-campus professional events. On-campus recruiting and Elon’s online recruiting systems give students access to summer positions, full-time employment and judicial clerkships. Maximizing Employability: The Center for Professional Development 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 center ensures 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 one’s professional development. We offer a comprehensive series of professional development activities to assist students with the transition to the workplace.
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Class of 2011 92% overall bar passage rate on all bar exams taken in several states by the Class of 2011.
+358
Law Firms: % Business & Industry: % Government: % Judicial Clerkship: % LL.M./Graduate Study: % Public Interest: %
85% of Class of 2011 graduates reporting their employment status secured professional employment or matriculated into a full time graduate program within nine months of graduation. Ninety-one of 99 graduates reported their employment status.
Melissa Apperson ’ and Collin Cooper ’ interned with North Carolina Court of Appeals Judges Robert N. Hunter, Jr. and Linda Stephens.
Examples of Alumni Employment: American Express Co., New York, N.Y. Buckley Sandler LLP, Washington, D.C. Cranfill Sumner & Hartzog LLP, Charlotte, N.C. Georgia Public Defender Standards Council, Atlanta, Ga.
Examples of Student Summer Placement:
Kilpatrick Townsend, Raleigh. N.C.
Children’s Law Center, Winston-Salem, N.C.
King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, Bethlehem, Pa.
Funk & Bolton, P.A., Baltimore, Md.
Legal Aid of North Carolina, Greensboro, N.C.
N.C. Attorney General’s Office, Raleigh, N.C.
Lowe’s Companies, Inc., Mooresville, N.C.
Office of Inspector General, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C.
Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, Charlotte, N.C.
Office of Senator Kay Hagan, Washington, D.C.
N.C. Business Court, Greensboro, N.C.
Seventh Judicial Circuit Court of Florida, St. Augustine, Fla.
N.C. Court of Appeals, Raleigh, N.C.
S.C. Attorney General’s Office, Columbia, S.C.
Pennsylvania Appellate Courts, Allentown, Pa.
Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Fort Worth, Texas
Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP, Raleigh, N.C.
ThinkEco, Inc., New York, N.Y.
Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP, Greensboro, N.C.
U. S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Fraud Section, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Air Force, Holloman Air Force Base, N.M.
U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Seattle, Wash.
U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration, Rockville, Md.
U.S. Attorney’s Office, Western District of N.C., Charlotte, N.C.
Ward and Smith, P.A., Asheville, N.C.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the th Circuit, Richmond, Va.
Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman, Charlotte, N.C.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the th Circuit, New Orleans, La.
Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP, Greensboro, N.C.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the th Circuit, Pasadena, Calif.
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Alumni perspective
“The corporate law courses I took
“Elon’s close relationship with the
“The combination of resources
at Elon Law sparked my interest
Business Court introduced me to
Elon offers prepared me
in pursuing a career in banking.
the unique work the Court does in
incredibly well for my work.
After various discussions with
the state. Elon provided me with
The classes I took provided
faculty and career services, I began
opportunities to interact with the
me with the substantive
to realize how marketable my
greater legal community, which
knowledge needed to be
law degree would be within the
helped prepare me for my current
successful. The business and
corporate world. My business and
role with the Court. My work on
litigation classes, externships
corporate law courses gave me the
the Elon Law Review taught me
and clerkship opportunities
real world skills and knowledge
how to better give and receive
prepared me extremely well
that I use in my position at
criticism and work through the
for private practice. Moot court
Goldman Sachs on a daily basis.”
editing process with others.”
and law review helped me
Michael Cowart Elon Law Class of 2010 Associate, Private Wealth Management Compliance Division Goldman Sachs & Co. New York, N.Y.
Jessica Anderson Elon Law Class of 2012 Law Clerk for the Honorable Calvin E. Murphy North Carolina Business Court Charlotte, N.C.
develop skills that I will rely
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on for the rest of my career.” Jason Burton Elon Law Class of 2011 Associate, Kilpatrick Townsend Raleigh, N.C.
“Individual attention makes the
“My time at Elon Law served
“I came to law school to help the
difference at Elon Law. Mapping
as a great foundation for my
people who are most vulnerable
out my professional goals with
selection as a Presidential
in the community. Public interest
career services was important
Management Fellow. The
law is a way to reach out into the
in my legal job search and in
emphasis that Elon places on
community and help people who
my effort to identify the area of
leadership helped to prepare
could not otherwise afford legal
law in which I now practice.”
me for my future responsibilities
representation. As lawyers, we have
with the federal government
a responsibility to represent the bar
and will give me an advantage
in a professional and ethical manner,
in completing the leadership
but we also have the opportunity,
training within the PMF program.”
and I think the obligation, to
Katherine Bobb Elon Law Class of 2009 Attorney at Law Gwinnett Sexual Assault and Children’s Advocacy Center Atlanta, Ga.
address the legal needs of those Brendan Garcia Elon Law Class of 2011 Presidential Management Fellow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Washington, D.C.
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. Numerous law firms, municipal and corporate offices also are located within blocks of the law school.
16
25
24
7
2
3
21
13
1
6
9
12
ELM STREET
★
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
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
23 Wachovia Tower
Bryan Family YMCA
and Museum 16 NewBridge Bank Park
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 Miami 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 ,, 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 , 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 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 PHOTO BY ANTHONY VINSON SMITH
Triad Stage
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Profile of the Class of : Applications: Enrolled students: GPA median: . LSAT median score:
Minority representation: % Median age: % male/% female
Elon Law students have attended the following undergraduate institutions, among others: Appalachian State University Auburn University Boston University Bucknell University The Citadel Clemson University College of Charleston College of William and Mary Davidson College Drexel University Duke University East Carolina University Elon University Emory University Florida International University Furman University George Mason University George Washington University Guilford College Hampden-Sydney College Hampton University Harvard University High Point University Indiana University Ithaca College James Madison University Johnson C. Smith University Mercer University-Macon Miami University North Carolina A&T State University North Carolina State University The Ohio 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 Air Force Academy 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 Texas-Austin 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 – October
Applications accepted beginning Oct. Open House
December Early decision application deadline – Dec. February
Diversity Day Leadership Fellows application deadline
March
Open House Admitted Students Day Leadership Fellows interviews
April
First seat deposit deadline – April
May
Admitted Students Day
June
Second seat deposit deadline – June
August
Regular decision application deadline – Aug.
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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. , . 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 August , . CAS materials must also be received by this deadline. Applicants who wish to be considered for merit-based scholarships are strongly encouraged to apply by March . 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 $ by April , or within two weeks of their admission, whichever is later. A second $ nonrefundable deposit must be submitted by June . 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. Students admitted under this option are notified by early January. 5. What are your LSAT/GPA requirements? We do not have a minimum LSAT or GPA requirement. However, the median LSAT for our fall entering class was . The median GPA for our fall entering class was .. 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 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 entering class has more than different college majors represented. We do suggest having a well-rounded education that allows you to develop critical and analytical thinking, reading comprehension, writing and communication skills and ability. 7. Are scholarships available? Yes, there are a significant number of scholarships available. There is no separate scholarship application — all applicants are automatically considered for scholarships. Applicants are encouraged to apply early in the cycle so their application can be among the first considered for competetive scholarship awards. 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
Leadership Fellows Program
$10,000 to six post-9/11 veterans on a first-come, first-
of scholarships and loans. Scholarships are awarded
As part of Elon Law’s mission to infuse legal educa-
serve basis, which will be matched by the U.S. Depart-
based on an applicant’s potential for outstanding
tion with leadership development, the school has
ment of Veterans Affairs (gibill.va.gov). Visit law.elon.
contributions to the law school, the legal profession
created a Leadership Fellows program, providing
edu for more information about these programs.
and society. All admitted applicants are automatically
monetary scholarships and unique leadership
considered for a merit-based scholarship. Applicants
experiences to students who have demonstrated
Important Financial Aid Links
selected to receive a scholarship will generally be
exceptional leadership ability and who exhibit
notified within two to four weeks of their admission.
potential to develop enhanced leadership capaci-
■ ■ ■ ■ ■
ties while in law school and beyond. The program Many students borrow funds to finance their legal
requires a separate application, available at law.
education. To be eligible for Federal Stafford loans,
edu.edu/admissions. Visit law.elon.edu/fellows
applicants must complete the Free Application for
for more information.
law.elon.edu LSAC.org finaid.org fafsa.ed.gov discoverlaw.org
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 participates in the federal government’s
please contact the university’s financial planning
Yellow Ribbon Program, designed to assist post-
office at 800-334-8448 or 336-278-7640.
9/11 veterans with secondary and post-secondary educational opportunities. Elon Law will contribute
Apply Free Online Oct. –Dec. ELONLAW ■ 29
ELON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW Total enrollment: 331 (fall 2012) Faculty and deans: 38; Staff : 27 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 and corporate 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 multimilliondollar 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.
Professional Development: Chris Smith Assistant Dean for Professional Development csmith25@elon.edu Giving Opportunities/Alumni: Eugenia H. Leggett Associate Dean for Development eleggett@elon.edu
Raleigh, N.C. 78 miles Wilmington, N.C. 208 miles Charlotte, N.C. 97 miles Columbia, S.C. 184 miles
Email: law@elon.edu Telephone: 336-279-9200 Toll free: 1-888-ELONLAW Fax: 336-279-8199
Atlanta, Ga. 332 miles
Apply Free Online Oct. –Dec. : 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 special services
30 ■ ELONLAW
and accommodations by contacting Ms. Susan Wise, disability services coordinator, Duke 108H, 336-2786500. The university’s Section 504 coordinator for students and the Title IX coordinator is Ms. Jana Lynn Patterson, Moseley 206, 336-278-7200. 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 elon.edu/irweb.