Elon University School of Law Viewbook 2013

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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


An innovative law school … In 2012, Elon Law was named one of “America’s 20 most innovative law schools” by The National Jurist magazine. In 2013, Elon Law’s Leadership Program was recognized with the American Bar Association’s E. Smythe Gambrell Award, the leading national award recognizing excellence in legal professionalism programming.

… launched by the nation’s “Leader in Engaged Learning” The law school’s innovations in legal education reflect the values and strengths of Elon University. The university’s distinctions include: n Named the national “Leader in Engaged Learning” (Newsweek-Kaplan, 2010) n Ranked #1 overall among 124 Southern master’s-level universities (“America’s Best Colleges” U.S.News & World Report, 2014) n Named the nation’s #1 “best-run college” (The Princeton Review, 2013) n Named a national leader in service-learning/civic engagement for a seventh year (President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll, 2013) n 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 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. In addition, students develop skills in legal analysis, research and advocacy through courses taught by an outstanding faculty known for their extensive practical experience and innovative teaching.

Elon establishes JD/MBA program Elon Law and the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business at Elon

Small class sizes With a 15 to 1 student/faculty ratio and a majority of classes with fewer than 25 students, Elon Law fosters a personalized learning environment. Students at Elon value the commitment of the faculty to the education and professional development of each law

University began offering a four-

student, the faculty’s accessibility in and outside of class, and the supportive, collegial

year JD/MBA program in fall 2013.

environment of the student body at the law school.

Students enrolled in the program will benefit from the law school’s innovative approach to legal education and the strengths of Elon’s MBA

A wide range of courses In addition to the core curriculum, Elon offers a broad range of electives to fit students’

program, ranked the #1 part-time MBA

interests and career objectives. The following partial list illustrates the depth of course

program in the nation by Bloomberg

offerings: Accounting for Lawyers, Administrative Law, Advanced Criminal Procedure,

Businessweek. Apply at law.elon.edu.

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, 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: n 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 regularly placed in highly regarded national law journals such as: American University Law Review, Cardozo Law Review, Connecticut Law Review, Florida Law Review, Harvard Journal of Law and Public Policy, Hastings Law Journal, Michigan State Law Review, North Carolina Law Review, Northwestern University Law Review, University of Colorado Law Review and William & Mary Law Review.

The faculty of Elon Law:

n Teach with global perspectives gained from a broad range of law firm,

Thirty-seven faculty members with more than 200 years of combined teaching experience

judicial and judicial clerkship experience in the following locations and court

Legal practice experience in 17 states, Washington, D.C. and 7 countries

of Palau and Spain, Indiana Supreme Court, N.C. Court of Appeals, N.C.

Broad experience in public analysis of law, with faculty members featured in the following media in 2012-13: 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

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth

systems: Washington, D.C., California, Illinois, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Australia, Czech Republic, China, England, Italy, Republic Supreme Court, U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, Circuit, U.S. District Court for the Middle District of N.C. and U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. n 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. n 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: n Brooks Pierce McLendon Humphrey & Leonard, LLP n Lincoln Financial Group 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

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 stated, “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 n The student-run Elon Law Review advances legal education and scholarship through the contribution of intelligent discussion and analysis of the law. n 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. n Elon Law’s moot court program, guided by law faculty, has achieved success since the program’s inception, winning multiple semifinal, quarterfinal and best brief awards at national competitions. In 2013, Elon hosted the third annual Billings, Exum & Frye National Moot Court Competition, named for three former chief justices of the N.C. Supreme Court who 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. n 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

State, National and International Externships

assisting in the practice of law

Elon Law’s externship program offers law students placement opportunities

is equally important to my

in dozens of state executive, legislative and judicial branch offices, as well as

legal education. I have learned

in nonprofit organizations in North Carolina and in other states and countries.

a great deal about how law is

Externship placements have included: Georgia Legal Services Program, Guilford

actually practiced on a day-

Nonprofit Consortium, Internal Revenue Service-Office of Chief Counsel, International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (Rome), Legal Aid N.C., N.C. Business Court, N.C. Dept. of Justice-Office of the Solicitor General,

to-day basis. My externship experience has expanded

N.C. General Assembly, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Middle District of N.C., N.C. Supreme

my horizons and helped to

Court, N.C. Court of Appeals and District Attorney’s and Public Defender’s offices.

formulate my career goals.”

Semester-in-Practice Externships The Semester-in-Practice Externship Program allows students to participate in full-time, semester-long externships in nonprofit organizations or government offices nationally or internationally. In the program students obtain extensive

Tom Prendergast Class of 2014 Externship in the Office of the Counsel for the Commandant of the Marine Corps, Washington, D.C.

legal experience while earning academic credit under the supervision of faculty.

In-House Counsel Externships Through the In-House Counsel Externship Program students gain legal experience working under the supervision of attorneys in corporate offices. In the externship, students may observe attorney meetings and strategy sessions, negotiations and management conferences, and participate in litigation strategy development, contract drafting, contract review and legal research.

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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 proper execution of 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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In the Humanitarian Immigration Law Clinic, students assist applicants seeking refugee and asylum status in the U.S. Students help clients to apply for political asylum, permanent residency, citizenship and employment authorization, as well as reunifying families separated by war and conflict.

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Home of the North Carolina Business Court Elon is one of a handful of law schools in the nation to house a working court—the North Carolina Business

Facilities designed to enhance the student learning experience

Court. The court hears cases involving complex commercial and corporate law disputes in the school’s

Elon law students have access to first-rate facilities and

Robert E. Long Courtroom. The courtroom enables

technology. The law school building, named in honor of

students to observe a working court and conduct

Greensboro business leader and philanthropist H. Michael

moot court and trial advocacy programs.

Weaver, underwent a $6 million renovation and includes: n High-tech classrooms n Seminar rooms n Courtrooms n Student lounge and coffee bar n 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 84,000-square-foot facility. In recent years, Elon has acquired several buildings within one block of the Weaver building to accommodate the school’s expanding clinics, student organizations and the Center for Professional Development.

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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 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 cultivates the capacity of students to serve as leaders in society 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 more than 10 consecutive years.

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 Secretary of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and 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. 19, 2006, May 8, 2010 and April 14, 2012.

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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

Harold Ford, Member of Congress, 1997-2007

Lecture Series Bonnie McElveen Hunter, Chair, American Red Cross; CEO, Pace Communications; former U.S. Ambassador to Finland

Scott Turow, author and lawyer

Cory Booker, Mayor, Newark, N.J.

Former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Henry E. Frye

Anthony Foxx, U.S. Secretary of Transportation and former Mayor of Charlotte, N.C.

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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 by a distinguished advisory board led by

David Gergen Chair, Elon Law Advisory Board Adviser to four U.S. presidents CNN Senior Political Analyst

Student leadership opportunities Elon Law students form 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:

former presidential adviser David Gergen

n American Civil Liberties Union

n Jewish Law Students Association

and including a former North Carolina

n American Constitutional Society

n Latin American Law Students Association

governor, three former North Carolina

n Amicus Curiae newspaper

n Law Review

Supreme Court chief justices, a former

n Black Law Students Association

n Law School Democrats

president of the American Bar Association,

n Business Law Association

n Law School Republicans

a former U.S. ambassador and chair of the

n Business Fellows

n Leadership Fellows

American Red Cross, and numerous other

n Counsel for Christ

n Mock Trial

business and legal leaders.

n Criminal Law Society

n Moot Court

n Delta Theta Phi

n NC Advocates for Justice

n Elder Law Society

n OutLaw

n Family Law Society

n Phi Alpha Delta

n Federalist Society

n Pro Bono Board

n Honor Council

n Public Interest Law Society

n Initiative for Diversity and Cultural Awareness

n Society for Health Law & Bioethics

n Innocence Project

n Tax Law Interest Group

n Intellectual Property Law Society

n Women’s Law Association

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n Sports & Entertainment Law Society


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. The student-led Pro Bono Board increases 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, each graduating class has contributed more than 20,000 hours of community service during their three years of study.

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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, 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 hosts an annual immigration law seminar, regularly featuring senior officers of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service.

<<

Helen Grant Professor of Law

Elon Law students Caroline Johnson and Brenna Ragghianti in Italy during their 2012 externship with the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law.

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Chart your career path

Employment After Elon Class of 2012 Business & Industry: 25% Government: 7%

desirable employment opportunities for law students and alumni.

Academic: 7%

We have an active professional network of employers, preceptors and

Judicial Clerkship: 6%

alumni whom we draw upon to identify employment opportunities.

Public Interest: 3%

Students meet leaders in the legal community through on-campus

Law Firms: 50%

50 +57625

Opening Doors: The Center for Professional Development seeks

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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For detailed information about employment after Elon, visit law.elon.edu/cpd.


Melissa Apperson ’12 and Collin Cooper ’12 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. Florance Gordon Brown, Richmond, Va.

Examples of Student Summer Placement:

Georgia Public Defender Standards Council, Atlanta, Ga.

Children’s Law Center, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Kilpatrick Townsend, Raleigh. N.C.

Funk & Bolton, P.A., Baltimore, Md.

King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, Bethlehem, Pa.

N.C. Attorney General’s Office, Raleigh, N.C.

Legal Aid of North Carolina, Greensboro, 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 4th Circuit, Richmond, Va.

Wishart, Norris, Henninger & Pittman, Charlotte, N.C.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, New Orleans, La.

Womble Carlyle Sandridge & Rice, LLP, Greensboro, N.C.

U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, Pasadena, Calif.

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Alumni perspective

“The corporate law courses I took

“Elon Law prepared me for success

“The combination of resources

at Elon Law sparked my interest

because my legal education did

Elon offers prepared me

in pursuing a career in banking.

not end at legal theory. Elon Law

incredibly well for my work.

After various discussions with

went a step further, teaching

The classes I took provided

faculty and career services, I began

the practical application of the

me with the substantive

to realize how marketable my

law and showing me how to use

knowledge needed to be

law degree would be within the

my skills to serve clients and the

successful. The business and

corporate world. My business and

community. My job title is attorney,

litigation classes, externships

corporate law courses gave me the

but my real job is ‘professional

and clerkship opportunities

real world skills and knowledge

problem solver’ and my focus

prepared me extremely well

that I use in my position at

is on providing economical and

for private practice. Moot court

Goldman Sachs on a daily basis.”

practical solutions for my clients.”

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.

Rachael Dimont Elon Law Class of 2010 Associate, Blanco Tackabery & Matamoros, P.A. Winston-Salem, N.C.

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develop skills that I will rely 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.

Brendan Garcia Elon Law Class of 2011 Presidential Management Fellow U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Washington, D.C.

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. Numerous law firms, municipal and corporate 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

9

17 BB&T

Old Guilford County Courthouse

Bryan Family YMCA

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 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 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 280,000, 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 47,000 college students in Greensboro contribute to a vibrant intellectual and cultural community. The seven colleges and universities in Greensboro house a vast reservoir of intellectual capital that is a tremendous resource for business growth in central North Carolina, helping to build the region’s reputation as a national model for collaboration in knowledge-based economic development.

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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Elon Law students have attended the following undergraduate institutions, among others: Appalachian State University

Temple University

Auburn University

Towson University

Boston University

Tulane University

Bucknell University

United States Air Force Academy

The Citadel

United States Military Academy

Clemson University

United States Naval Academy

College of Charleston

University of Charleston-West Virginia

College of William and Mary

University of Colorado

Davidson College

University of Delaware

Drexel University

University of Georgia-Athens

Duke University

University of Houston

East Carolina University

University of Kentucky

Elon University

University of Maryland-College Park

Emory University

University of Miami

Florida International University

University of North Carolina-Asheville

Furman University

University of North CarolinaChapel Hill

George Mason University George Washington University Guilford College Hampden-Sydney College Hampton University

University of North Carolina-Charlotte University of North CarolinaGreensboro University of North Carolina-Pembroke

Greetings from the Office of Admissions Thank you for your interest in admission to 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. We are 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. We 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. After reviewing these materials and visiting the school, we trust that you will find Elon Law to be an exceptional place to launch your legal career.

Harvard University

University of North CarolinaWilmington

High Point University

University of Richmond

Indiana University

University of South Carolina

Ithaca College

University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

James Madison University

University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Johnson C. Smith University

University of Texas-Austin

Mercer University-Macon

University of the South

Miami University

University of Virginia

North Carolina A&T State University

Vanderbilt University

North Carolina State University

Virginia Commonwealth University

The Ohio State University

Virginia Military Institute

December Early decision application deadline – Dec. 1

Pennsylvania State University

Virginia Tech

February

Rhodes College

Wake Forest University

St. Mary’s College of California

Washington and Lee University

March

Stetson University

Winston-Salem State University

Sweetbriar College

Yale University

28 n ELONLAW

We look forward to receiving your application!

Important Dates 2013–14 October

Applications accepted beginning Oct. 1 Open House

Diversity Day Leadership and Business Fellows application deadline Open House Admitted Students Day Leadership and Business Fellows interviews

April

First seat deposit deadline – April 1

May

Admitted Students Day

June

Second seat deposit deadline – June 1

August

Regular decision application deadline


Frequently asked questions 1. When do you begin accepting applications? Because of our “rolling” admissions process, it is better to apply sooner rather 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. Under the Regular Decision option, applications must be electronically submitted (or postmarked) by the second Friday in 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 1. 2. 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 1, or within two weeks of their admission, whichever is later. A second $400 nonrefundable deposit must be submitted by June 1. These deposits will be credited toward fall semester tuition.

3. 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 Elon 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. 4. What are your LSAT/GPA requirements? We do not have a minimum LSAT or GPA requirement. 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.

5. 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 entering classes usually include more than 40 different college majors. 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. 6. 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. 7. 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 and Business Fellows

of scholarships and loans. Scholarships are awarded

$10,000 to six post-9/11 veterans on a first-come, first-served basis, which will be matched by the U.S.

based on an applicant’s potential for outstanding

The Leadership and Business Fellows programs at

Department of Veterans Affairs (gibill.va.gov). Visit

contributions to the law school, the legal profession

Elon Law provide students with monetary scholar-

law.elon.edu for more information about these

and society. All admitted applicants are automatically

ships, stipend-supported externships and special

programs.

considered for a merit-based scholarship. Applicants

programming. Successful candidates will have

selected to receive a scholarship will generally be

demonstrated exceptional ability and the potential

notified within two to four weeks of their admission.

to develop enhanced legal and leadership capacities while in law school and beyond. The programs

Many students borrow funds to finance their legal

require separate applications, available at

education. To be eligible for Federal Stafford loans,

law.elon.edu/admissions.

applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Elon’s federal school code

Yellow Ribbon Program

Important Financial Aid Links n law.elon.edu n LSAC.org n finaid.org n fafsa.ed.gov n discoverlaw.org

is 002927. Applicants should complete the FAFSA as 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. 1–Dec. 31 ELONLAW n 29


ELON UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW Total enrollment: 291 (fall 2013) Faculty: 37; Administration and Staff: 32 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: Alan Woodlief Sr. Associate Dean for Admissions & Administration Associate Professor of Law Dir. of the Moot Court Program awoodlief@elon.edu Sharon Gaskin Associate Dean for Admissions sgaskin@elon.edu Max Armfield Director of Admissions marmfield@elon.edu Washington, D.C. 309 miles Richmond, Va. 204 miles Knoxville, Tenn. 282 miles

Meg Jordan Admissions Counselor mjordan2@elon.edu

Winston-Salem, N.C. 28 miles

Elon University School of Law Greensboro, N.C. Raleigh, N.C. 78 miles

Professional Development: Chris Smith Assistant Dean for Professional Development csmith25@elon.edu

Wilmington, N.C. 208 miles Charlotte, N.C. 97 miles Columbia, S.C. 184 miles Atlanta, Ga. 332 miles

Email: law@elon.edu Telephone: 336-279-9200 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 special services

30 n 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.


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