admitted
a welcome guide for new KU Law students | spring 2021 | law.ku.edu/admitted
welcome
You are about to embark on the most intellectually challenging, and the most rewarding, educational experience of your life. The knowledge and skills you gain over the next three years will form the foundation of your legal career. As a student at KU Law, you can ensure that the foundation you build will support your professional goals, whatever they may be.
At KU Law, you become part of a proud history. The University of Kansas was established by a determined group of abolitionists with the personal courage and integrity to take a stand against slavery. When you walk around Green Hall, you will see composite photographs of generations of law students. From the earliest classes, those pictures include the faces of students of color and women. KU Law is, as it always has been, an inclusive place. KU lawyers are trained to accept uncertainty. They examine issues from different perspectives, then craft balanced solutions. This past year, that training has been vital to navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. When we’re faced with difficulty, we rely on our community. The strength of the KU Law community has been immensely important in the school’s ability to navigate the pandemic together. We are preparing to return to our traditional classroom format for the 2021-22 academic year, encouraged by our experience this year that we can handle any eventuality. As a law student, you can select courses from a broad and varied curriculum and participate in a wide array of extracurricular learning opportunities. You can pursue a general legal education or specialize in one of our seven certificate programs or 12 jointdegree programs. When you complete your legal education and take your own place as a member of the bar — whether your place is in the courtroom, the boardroom or the classroom, on the bench or in the statehouse — KU lawyers will be there to welcome you. — Stephen Mazza, Dean of KU Law
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WHERE OUR GRADUATES GO Wherever you land, the Jayhawk lawyer network will be there to welcome and support you. More than 8,000 KU Law alumni live and work in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, three U.S. territories and nearly 30 foreign countries.
102 6
9
8
61
6
47 24
33
24 11
38
56
57
139
42
243
35
29
2
369
165
17
38
42
4,239
690
106
53
164
12
27 MA
27 NJ
25
22 17
58
15
15
138 100+ alumni
25-49 alumni
50-99 alumni
1-24 alumni
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CRITICAL MASS The four states/districts where the most 2019 KU Law grads are employed:
#1 KANSAS 35 jobs (36.8%)
#2 MISSOURI 31 jobs (32.6%)
#3 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 5 jobs (5.3%)
4 RI
8 DE 67 DC 71 MD13
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33
6 380
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6:00 a.m.
1:15 p.m.
HOME
CLASS
Exercise, then review the day’s readings and eat breakfast
Lawyering Skills and Criminal Law
3:30 p.m.
9:20 a.m.
STUDY
CLASS
Read and work ahead for the next day’s classes
Contracts and Civil Procedure
12:30 p.m. LUNCH Eat lunch with my small section via Zoom
8:00 p.m. HOME Make dinner and relax for the evening
a day in the life of a 1L: Savannah Lucas
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Last year, the Black Law Students Association collected $4,000 for local charities.
The Environmental Law Society is one of more than 25 organizations you can join at KU Law.
Student organizations provide leadership, community service and academic opportunities.
More info on involvement: law.ku.edu/ student-life
Intrigued by international issues? Want to dive into health and environmental law? We’ve got you covered. 4
KU Marketing Communications
get connected
Q&A with KU Law: What is your favorite thing about KU Law? “My favorite thing about KU Law has been finding my community of amazing and wonderful people through student organizations.” — Bria Nelson, 3L “My favorite thing about KU Law is the opportunity to make your own path. Professors have been so supportive of my interests and goals, and have gone out of their way to support these pursuits.”
— Ellen Bertels, 3L
Which class has been your favorite so far? “My favorite class so far has been Contracts I. Although it was my most difficult class, it was engaging and I learned so much.” — Sim Johal, 2L
KU Law students visit the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.
As a KU Law student, you have the opportunity to spend part of your summer abroad. While you’re there, you’ll take challenging classes from distinguished faculty members alongside your fellow students, earning credits toward your degree and gaining an entirely new appreciation of the world. You’ll also have ample time to explore the city, take excursions, and try new things. KU Law is affiliated with study abroad programs in Cambridge, England; Limerick and Dublin, Ireland; and Istanbul, Turkey. Looking for a more immersive experience? KU Law has partnerships with a number of international law schools in countries including: New Zealand, India, Scotland, Italy and Costa Rica. Students can live and study abroad through semester-long exchange programs. Find more information online: law.ku.edu/study-abroad
“Property law overlaps with so many areas of law in sometimes unexpected ways. It’s really fascinating! Also, Professor Lua Yuille teaches in a way that makes the material interesting and challenging, yet accessible.” — Cortez Downey, 2L
What do you like about Lawrence? “I love the energy of Lawrence. There is so much Jayhawk pride in the community, and, of course, great basketball! — Associate Professor Meredith Schnug “KU students come from roughly 110 countries each year. They study with world-class scholars in a friendly, safe environment.” — Professor Raj Bhala
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Tips to settle in Where should I live next year? Are there any campus housing options? There are many apartment complexes and rental properties in Lawrence. The Lawrence Journal-World’s apartment directory is a great place to start. Although there is no designated housing for law students, on-campus student housing is available. housing.ku.edu apartments.lawrence.com
How can I find a roommate? Head over to the Admitted Students website and check out the housing information section to get started. You can also post or find posts seeking roommates in the Class of 2024 Facebook group. law.ku.edu/admitted facebook.com/groups/kulaw2024
Which utility companies should I use? Most rental properties use the same companies for all residents. If you do plan to buy a home, the most common utility companies are Evergy for electric, Black Hills Energy for gas, and the City of Lawrence for water, trash and recycling. Internet options include Midco and AT&T. More tips online: law.ku.edu/admitted
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life in lawrence Lawrence boasts art galleries, museums, performance halls, global cuisine, lakes, trails, Division I athletics and proximity to Kansas City. It’s laid-back living in a cosmopolitan Midwest community. The University of Kansas lies at the center of the community and infuses an already vibrant city with vitality and diversity. In 2020, Livability ranked Lawrence No. 17 on its list of the 100 best places to live. And Lawrence has been recognized in a lot of other rankings: • The National Trust for Historic Preservation ranked Lawrence among its “Dozen Most Distinctive Destinations,” touting it as one of the best-preserved and unique communities in America. • Business Insider and Lumosity have ranked Lawrence one of the nation’s smartest cities. • USA Today ranked Lawrence as one of the most integrated communities in the country. • Entrepreneur ranked Lawrence 23rd among the top 50 U.S. cities for entrepreneurs. This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we teach, learn and connect with one another at Green Hall. What did not change is our commitment to preparing students to be outstanding members of the legal profession, whether they’re learning the law on campus or remotely. Next year, we anticipate returning to our traditional classroom format. For current updates about KU Law operations, visit law.ku.edu/updates.
Best of Lawrence 2020
as voted by lawrence.com readers Best Best Best Best Best Best Best Best
Bar: Bullwinkles Bar Pizza: LiMESTONE pizza + kitchen + bar Coffee: Alchemy Coffee + Bake House Place for Live Music: Liberty Hall Hiking and Bike Trails: Clinton Lake Trails Outdoor Dining: Cielito Lindo Apparel Store: Weaver’s Art Gallery: Lawrence Arts Center
Head 40 minutes east to Kansas City for world-famous jazz and barbecue, first-rate performing arts and convenient access to Kansas City International airport.
Take in a game at Allen Fieldhouse, hailed as “the best place in America to watch college basketball.�
Massachusetts Street (Mass Street) is the epicenter of shopping, restaurants and nightlife in Lawrence.
There are lots of housing and dining options within walking and cycling distance of campus.
Just steps from Green Hall, the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center offers a climbing wall, cardio theater, yoga classes and more.
KU Marketing Communications
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what’s next? First 6 steps to launching your legal education
Important dates and deadlines March March 1 // Priority date to file the FAFSA. March 15 // Seat deposit due (summer starters). If you’ve been admitted, register for Admitted
1. Submit your seat deposit
Students Weekend at law.ku.edu/admitted-students-
weekend.
Congratulations on confirming your decision to attend KU Law! To submit your seat deposit, visit law.ku.edu/admitted.
2. Apply for financial aid Contact the Financial Aid & Scholarships office to help finance your education: affordability.ku.edu.
3. Enroll in courses
No need to register for your first semester; we will take care of that for you!
4. Get your KU ID card Your card will gain you free access to the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center and the City of Lawrence bus system (Jayhawks ride free!). Learn more at kucard.ku.edu.
5. Buy your books
Students will receive their class schedule about three weeks before classes start. Shop online or at the KU Bookstore in the Kansas Union.
6. Reserve your study carrel
Students have a chance to sign up for a designated space to study in the Wheat Law Library. More information will be shared over the summer.
April April 9-10 // Admitted Students Weekend. April 15 // First seat deposit due (fall starters).
May Summer starters attend orientation and start classes.
June June 15 // Second seat deposit due (fall starters).
August Fall starters attend orientation and start classes.
The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity & Access, IOA@ ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Ave., Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY.