admitted a welcome guide for new KU Law students
spring 2013
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.
As a KU Law student, 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. As a KU 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 eight certificate programs. We have 12 joint degree programs, all of which allow you to obtain both a J.D. and a master’s degree on an accelerated basis. These programs allow you to begin your legal training by prosecuting criminals or representing inmates, serving in judge’s chambers or providing legal services to the poor. 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
GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF GRADUATES KU graduates work and around themajority world, with the KU Law graduates workacross across thethe nationnation and around the world, with the employed in the Midwest. Outside of Kansas and Missouri, the highest concentration of KU Law alumni majority employed in the Midwest. Of the 132 members of thelive and work in Washington D.C. Of the 132 members of the Class of 2011 reported as employed, Class ofthe2011 reported as124employed, the geographic geographic location of (93.9%) is known. Here’s a breakdown oflocation where those of 124 graduates are employed: (93.9%) is known. Here’s 124 a breakdown of where they’re employed: WEST NORTH CENTRAL 94 (75.8%)
PACIFIC 5 (4.0%)
EAST NORTH CENTRAL 2 (1.6%)
MID-ATLANTIC 2 (1.6%)
NEW ENGLAND 0 (0%)
SOUTH ATLANTIC 7 (5.6%)
MOUNTAIN 7 (5.6%) WEST SOUTH CENTRAL 5 (4.0%)
EAST SOUTH CENTRAL 0 (0%)
CRITICAL MASS
STATE
# REPORTED
% REPORTED
The three states/districts where the most KU Law graduates are employed:
Kansas
76
61.3%
Missouri
17
13.7%
D.C.
6
4.8%
Texas
5
4.0%
California
4
3.2%
Colorado
4
3.2%
Utah
2
1.6%
Illinois
1
0.8%
Indiana
1
0.8%
Nebraska
1
0.8%
New Jersey
1
0.8%
New York
1
0.8%
Virginia
1
0.8%
Washington
1
0.8%
Wyoming
1
0.8%
Non-U.S.
2
1.6%
#1 KANSAS 76 jobs (61.3%)
#2 MISSOURI 17 jobs (13.7%)
#3 WASHINGTON, D.C. 6 jobs (4.8%)
Geographical statistics according to NALP.
9:15 a.m.
CRIMINAL LAW I’m up today in Criminal Law. I’ve been in law school for a few months now, and I still get nervous to talk in class. Luckily, my professor has us go up in groups of three, so I have two other people to fall back on.
11 p.m. BED
11:25 a.m. TORTS II
9:15 p.m. HOME
I’m back home again. I like to think of my apartment as a law-free zone. Sometimes I bring homework back here with me, but I usually leave it all at the school and come home to relax.
12:20 p.m. LUNCH
I’m done with class for the day, and I meet some of my fellow summer starters for lunch in the commons. It’s a great way to unwind and get your focus back.
1:30 p.m. READING FOR CLASS
5:27 p.m.
INTRAMURAL SOCCER
a day in the life of a 1L: Michelle Kraak
The Environmental Law Society is one of 32 organizations you can join at KU Law.
More info on involvement: law.ku.edu/ organizations
Student organizations provide leadership, community service and academic opportunities.
The Environmental Law Society plants a tree during Earth Day festivities on KU’s campus.
Would you rather defend animals or dive into sports and entertainment law? We’ve got you covered.
get connected
Q&As WITH KU LAW What’s the best thing about the first year? “The students here are dedicated, motivated and intelligent. But the best part is that they are always willing to lend a helping hand.” — Aqmar Rahman, 1L
“Law school can be overwhelming, but it’s great to be surrounded by classmates and faculty who understand and can relate to you.” — Whitney Novak, 2L
What’s the toughest thing about the first year? “Adjusting to a new way of learning was difficult for me, but I quickly learned that the professors want to help you succeed” KU Law is affiliated with study abroad and exchange programs in Cambridge and London, England; Limerick and Dublin, Ireland; and Istanbul, Turkey. These programs provide students with the opportunity to study the law from an international perspective under the guidance of eminently qualified professors. U.S. Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg have been instructors in these programs. The Cambridge Pre-Law Institute is an option incoming law students are encouraged to consider. The program will be July 7-August 2, 2013. It offers undergraduates and incoming law students the opportunity to live and study at Cambridge University, focusing on the culture, history and politics of the English and American legal systems under the guidance of KU Law faculty. Students in the program take two 3-credit courses and have many opportunities to explore the prestigious university. Find more information online: studyabroad.ku.edu.
— Juliet Nguyen, 3L
“Learning the ropes...there are a lot of ropes to learn.” — Zak Beasley, 2L
What do you like best about living in Lawrence? “Downtown Lawrence is one of my favorite places in the world. It’s a great place to shop, dine, or enjoy a drink.” — Professor Steve McAllister
“KU students come from roughly 110 countries each year. They study with world-class scholars in a friendly, safe environment.” — Professor Raj Bhala
TIPS TO SETTLE IN Where should I live next year? Are there any campus housing options? There are many apartment complexes and other rental properties in Lawrence. The Lawrence-Journal World’s apartment directory, apartments.lawrence.com, is a great place to start. Although there is no designated housing for law students, on-campus student housing is available. Visit the following link for more info: housing.ku.edu.
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 KU Class of 2016 Facebook group: facebook.com/groups/kulaw2016.
Which utility companies should I use? Most rental properties use the same companies for all residents. If you do plan to buy, the most common utility companies are Westar Energy for electric, Black Hills Energy for gas, and the City of Lawrence for water and trash. Internet options include AT&T, Knology, and Sunflower Broadband. More tips online: law.ku.edu/admitted
life in lawrence Lawrence boasts art galleries, museums, performance halls, global cuisine, lakes, trails, Division I athletics and proximity to Topeka and 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. Recently, the American Institute for Economic Research ranked Lawrence ninth on its list of the 75 best college towns. 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. • Lawrence has been rated among the top 15 in “The 100 Best Small Arts Towns in America” by author John Villani. • USA Today ranked Lawrence as one of the least segregated communities in the country. • The National Endowment for the Arts has ranked Lawrence in the top 12 among cities in the U.S. with the largest percentage of professional artists in the work force. • The Lied Center of Kansas, the University of Kansas’ multimillion-dollar performing arts center, was ranked by International Arts Manager magazine as one of the “Top U.S. University Presenters.”
Best of Lawrence 2012 (as voted by lawrence.com readers) Best Restaurant: Free State Brewing Company Best Bar: Sandbar Best Pizza: Rudy’s Best Coffee: La Prima Tazza Best Place for Live Music: Liberty Hall Best Place to Watch a Game: Johnny’s Tavern Best Place for a Date: 715 Best Apparel Store: Weaver’s Best Apartment Complex: Meadowbrook Apartments and Townhomes Best Event: Lawrence Busker Festival
Clinton Lake on the far west side of town is a great place to hike, fish, boat and camp, especially in the summer.
Head down south Iowa Street for essentials from Target, WalMart, Kohls, and Home Depot.
There are lots of housing options on Sixth Street, another major road through town, and more dining options.
Massachusetts Street (Mass Street) is the epicenter of shopping, restaurants and nightlife in Lawrence.
Clinton Parkway runs all the way from the lake to East Lawrence. It turns into 23rd Street halfway down. Photo courtesy of KU Marketing Communications
what’s next? Anytime: Anytime: Anytime:
Join the KU Law 2016 Facebook Group (facebook.com/groups/ kulaw2016) Add admitlaw@ku.edu to your contacts so that emails from Admissions won’t go to junk mail Establish a registered KU email account (technology.ku.edu/ accounts)
summer starters May 23 May 29
Attend Orientation
First Day of Classes
March 1 April 5-6 April 15
Priority deadline for financial aid application: financialaid.ku.edu Attend Admitted Students Weekend
First Seat Deposit Due
fall starters June 15
Second Seat Deposit Due
August 22
Attend Orientation
August 29
First Day of 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. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Director of the Office of Institutional Opportunity and Access, IOA@ku.edu, 1246 W. Campus Road, Room 153A, Lawrence, KS, 66045, (785)864-6414, 711 TTY.