School of Law Viewbook

Page 1


INSPIRE the PROFESSION. INNOVATE the PRACTICE. IMPACT the WORLD.

PRACTICING LAW ISN’T JUST A CAREER. IT’S A CALLING.

Are you setting out to turn your passion for law into a purpose for life? We want to support you in that mission. At Liberty University School of Law, we have a smaller, more intimate environment that helps you grow in your convictions while immersing you in the tenets of law. Through our uniquely tailored program, you’ll move beyond books and into courtrooms for the solid practical experience you need to make a difference right away.

At Liberty Law, we champion your success. We will equip you with the values, knowledge, and skills needed to inspire your peers, innovate your profession, and impact the world on the first day of your career. Join us and learn how Liberty Law can help you find your passion for law and your purpose for life.

ACADEMICS

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

COMPETITIONS

FACILITIES THAT REINFORCE COMMUNITY

PRACTICE READY HOW TO APPLY

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS VISIT US

WHO WE ARE

SINCE 1971, Liberty University has had a singular vision of developing Christ-centered men and women with the values, knowledge, and skills essential for impacting the world for Christ. Our founder, Jerry Falwell Sr., dreamed of a university filled with men and women from all walks of life who loved God and were the best at what they’d been called to do. In 2004, Jerry Falwell Sr.’s dream of a law school became a reality. Since then, hundreds of Liberty Law graduates have been making a lasting impact on their profession, their communities, and the world.

Liberty graduates are sought after by prestigious companies for their integrity, personal discipline, and versatility. They are the voice for the voiceless, the hands of mercy in times of trouble, and advocates for those who cannot defend themselves. For Liberty Law graduates, the law is a calling, not just a profession.

Dr. Falwell invited thousands of people to join him in this dream — and today we invite you to be part of that vision. Get the world-class education and Christian foundation you’re looking for at Liberty University School of Law.

WHY APPLY TO LIBERTY?

Dedicated student support

We intentionally cultivate an environment where students receive the support and assistance needed to succeed — Liberty is often noted as being a statistically high-performing law school.

We pride ourselves on the relationship we foster between faculty and students. Our professors serve students as mentors and role models. As a community of scholars, our faculty are deeply committed to the search for knowledge through meaningful legal scholarship, but never at the expense of the academic success and professional development of each student.

Practice-ready from day one

Liberty Law focuses on training graduates who are ready to represent clients from their first day in practice. Our graduates possess the skills necessary to successfully lead in their communities with unparalleled integrity.

“It was the skills and the knowledge that I learned at Liberty Law that have allowed me to represent hundreds of people in the United States and abroad. Be a Champion for Christ for your community, be a Champion for Christ for your family, be a Champion for Christ for your country, and let’s be Champions for Christ for this world.”

Jesus Reyes | Class of 2015 Founder of The Law Office of Jesus Reyes

DEVELOP A CAREER. PASS THE BAR. MANAGE YOUR DEBT.

2023 graduates achieved a 91% EMPLOYMENT RATE Listed as a 2024-25 TOP SCHOOL FOR MOOT COURT by PRELAW MAGAZINE 96.88% NATIONWIDE on most recent ULTIMATE BAR PASSAGE RATE (2021 graduates)

ACADEMICS

Commitment to Christian Worldview

We teach that the Western legal tradition is firmly built upon a foundation of faith because we believe the best lawyers possess both knowledge and character. We believe the law is best learned within the context of the Christian intellectual tradition and the integration of faith and reason, with Scripture standing alongside revered documents such as the Magna Carta, the Justinian Code, and the Mayflower Compact. We value the biblical foundations on which the concept of law was built and incorporate those Christian values into our program to teach students how to integrate faith and ethics into their pursuit of justice. A legal education at Liberty, with its emphasis on faith, learning, service, and the search for truth, brings a sense of empowerment. Our students graduate with the ability to distinguish themselves through their work ethic, compassion, and honesty.

Dual Degrees

Expand your career options with an additional degree through Liberty University. With five dual degree programs to choose from, you can combine credits toward the completion of another graduate degree and earn both a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and a master’s in as little as three years.

• Master of Arts in History (M.A.)

Programs include:

• Master of Arts in Public Policy (M.A.P.P.)

• Master of Arts in Theological Studies (M.A.T.S.)

• Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) - 36-hour

• Master of Divinity (M.Div.)General

Curriculum and Areas of Study

At Liberty Law, we’re committed to making sure you have a strong academic foundation that will drive you to become a confident and compassionate lawyer. We provide a quality legal education by integrating traditional courses of law with practical skills — all in a faith-based context.

Liberty University School of Law is approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the ABA, 321 Clark Street, Chicago, Ill. 60654, which can be reached at (312) 988-6738.

FIRST YEAR

• Civil Procedure I and II

• Contracts I and II

• Foundations of Law

Curriculum:

• Lawyering Skills I and II

• Property I and II

• Torts I and II

• Criminal Law or Legal Methods

• Advocacy

• Appellate Advocacy

Areas of Study:

• Business Law

• Constitutional Law

• Criminal Justice

SECOND YEAR

• Business Associations

• Constitutional Law I and II

• Criminal Law

• Criminal Procedure

• Evidence

• Lawyering Skills III and IV

• Professional Responsibility

• Taxation of Individuals

• Family and Juvenile Law

• International Law

• Law Planning

• Property Law

• Tax Law

THIRD YEAR

• Lawyering Skills V

• Lawyering Skills VI

• Wills, Trusts, and Estates

• Trial Advocacy

• Wealth Management and Financial Planning

Lawyering Skills Program

At Liberty Law, we believe a quality legal education can only be achieved when traditional courses are integrated with a comprehensive practical skills curriculum. We know that while understanding the theory behind the law is critical, you also need the skills necessary to apply it effectively. We’re committed to making sure you have a strong academic foundation, and the six semesters of Lawyering Skills courses will equip you to become a confident, compassionate, and competent attorney for your clients.

Our unique curriculum combines the foundations of law theory with practice. We’ll challenge your analytical and problem-solving skills through:

• Litigation, mediation, and dispute resolution simulations

• Drafting memoranda, pleadings, contracts, legislation, and communication documents

• Taking depositions and making discovery requests

• Engaging in oral argument and client interviewing sessions

“I was immediately interested in the school’s hands-on Lawyering Skills program. I was really interested in a program that continued on through all six semesters. So far, I have been able to draft briefs, motions, statutes, and operating agreements, while also engaging in moot court tournaments, negotiations, a client interview, and oral arguments for a motion.”

Honors Program

Liberty Law enjoys a national reputation for academic excellence, service, and skills training. Our graduates positively impact numerous legal markets across the country. Our Honors Program enhances our legal education program and deepens its commitment to recruiting, developing, and placing highperforming students in the field of law. Participation in the Honors Program will help you to unlock your full potential as a highperforming law student.

When you join our Honors Program community, you will have opportunities to:

• Enjoy intentional mentorship by students and alumni

• Receive generous scholarships

• Network with judges, law professors, deans, business leaders, political leaders, general counsel, and lawyers in private practice

• Participate in law review

• Attend exclusive Honors Program events

• Engage in professional development opportunities, conferences, and dinners

• Take a judicial clerkship seminar

• Compete in regional and national tournaments

• Attend faculty scholarship presentations

• Present legal scholarship to faculty, students, and special guests

“Through the Honors Program, I had the opportunity to talk with influential judges, be mentored by faculty, and interact with some of the top students at the law school.”

“As a member of the Honors Program, I was given opportunities to interact with judges, research for professors, and ultimately seek and secure job opportunities.”

Christiana

“When I founded the Honors Program, I envisioned building it upon five pillars: Recruitment, Enhanced Student Experience, Placement, Branding, and Development. When combined with our high-caliber legal education program, the Honors Program helps you build the strongest possible foundation for your legal career.”

Hannah Bodenhamer (’20)
Johnson (’20)

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Experiential Learning

Liberty Law takes you beyond textbooks with a wide variety of opportunities to get real-life training. With our recognized practical skills program, you can get hands-on experience through publishing opportunities, externships, competitions, and more. The dedicated clinical space affords students and professors authentic law-practice areas to truly blend theory and application.

Clinics

Develop a discipline of lifetime service through a variety of pro bono programs and clinics that serve the community. Our clinical opportunities include intellectual property, prosecution, and constitutional litigation. Pro bono programs such as Street Law and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program directly impact the Lynchburg community by sharing law, civic knowledge, and life skills with underserved populations.

Law Review

Excel academically and professionally by participating in Law Review. Be part of this exclusive group of students who achieve and maintain academic excellence and demonstrate an ability to analyze and write well.

As a member of Law Review, you will work under the guidance of the law faculty to:

• Deepen your understanding of discrete areas of law through research and writing.

• Participate in the leadership and management of the organization.

• Develop analytical, research, and writing skills through writing notes and comments.

• Edit and publish scholarly writings, such as articles, essays, and lectures, by members of the legal profession and academy, as well as student-written pieces.

Not only will participation in Law Review challenge you to reach your full potential in legal thinking, researching, writing, and editing, but it may also help you optimize your career potential as well. Participation in Law Review is often a requisite for the most sought-after positions after law school.

Academic Support and Center for Legal Writing

Academic Support and the Center for Legal Writing work together to help all students achieve their full potential. Academic Support is designed to help you with class preparation, class participation, and postclass review prior to taking law school examinations. Like Academic Support, the Center for Legal Writing also offers one-on-one meetings with students to review and improve their written communication skills. Academic Support and the Center for Legal Writing also offer workshops designed to help students develop the skills they need to succeed.

Orientation

We know the transition from undergraduate/graduate studies, or another career, into law school can be difficult. To help you transition successfully, we’ve developed our Systematic Approach to Integrated Legal Studies (SAILS) program. This required orientation helps you with the challenges of adjusting to law school and its demands.

During the SAILS program, you’ll hone your legal writing and reasoning skills and prepare to actively participate in class discussions. In addition, you’ll also learn the following:

• Basic legal terms

• Exam-taking strategies

• How to draft case briefs

• How to create case outlines

Through the SAILS program, you’ll meet the faculty, get to know your classmates, and meet the mentors who will support you throughout your first year. Your orientation schedule includes sessions taught by our faculty and optional activities with your mentors. The schedule also leaves time to address issues like purchasing books, getting your Flames Pass, contacting the university’s IT Help Desk, and registering your vehicle.

Dedicated, committed faculty and staff

All faculty have open-door policies and value opportunities to consult with students one-onone. Liberty Law professors have held various esteemed positions, such as:

• Trial lawyers

• JAG and district attorneys

• State and federal law clerks

• State appeals court and administrative law judge

• State attorney general

• Authors

• Nonprofit leaders

COMPETITIONS

Develop the practical skills you need in specialized areas like oral advocacy, alternative dispute resolution, and mediation by joining our competition teams. Prepare yourself for your career and develop the kind of résumé that will attract future employers.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Sharpen the critical skills you need for alternative dispute resolution under conditions that simulate the demands you will face in practice. Gain lifelong, valuable legal skills in negotiation, mediation, and client counseling.

Client Counseling

Increase your understating of preventive law and counseling while you develop interviewing, planning, and analytical skills. If you meet the qualifications to compete in client counseling competitions, you will act as an attorney in a simulated law office consultation. Experience the counseling process while interviewing clients for the purpose of discovering the facts, advising them about relevant law, providing options for a proceeding, and helping them make informed decisions.

Mediation

Understand and utilize the mediation process to serve your clients with excellence. Prepare for real-world mediation as you learn effective problem-solving techniques in competitions where you will represent clients in a mock mediation.

Moot Court

Build the confidence and the knowledge you need to master the law in any situation with Liberty Law’s Moot Court program. Develop the analytical, writing, and oral advocacy skills that are crucial to your legal career.

Trial Team

Compete in mock jury trials and competitions around the country and receive intensive training in all aspects of trial advocacy. Participating on the Trial Team will hone your communication, organizational, and analytical skills, as well as your trial technique. You will learn to conduct effective opening statements, direct and cross-examinations, and closing arguments.

FACILITIES THAT REINFORCE COMMUNITY

As part of Liberty University, Liberty Law is able to offer the amenities of a large campus while maintaining the intimacy of a much smaller school. To help make that sense of community a reality, we’ve created a convenient, selfcontained law campus. The main building includes classrooms, courtrooms, student organization offices, and the Ehrhorn Law Library.

“Liberty Law is one of the only places in the world where future legal scholars, judges, and practitioners are trained to answer the challenges of the 21st century by learning Christian legal ideas that have served as a historical foundation for the creation of just and stable legal systems.”

Yuri G. Mantilla

of Law, Director of Online Programs and Global Initiatives

As a law student, you have access to all of Liberty’s recreational facilities, including the LaHaye Recreation & Fitness Center, indoor basketball courts, soccer fields, tennis courts, an Olympicsize pool, a rock climbing wall, an ice center, and cardio and weightlifting facilities. You can also enjoy year-round snowless skiing, snowboarding, and tubing at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre and participate in one of Liberty’s many intramural sports.

If you prefer to be on the sidelines, you can also cheer on our 20 NCAA Division I athletic programs and more than 40 Club Sports teams. If you’re more into the arts, you can catch the latest art gallery exhibit or enjoy a play at Tower Theater or The Black Box Theater.

Located in historic Central Virginia, Liberty is just a short drive from attractions such as Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest, Patrick Henry’s Red Hill, and Monticello. The beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains surround the city of Lynchburg, and 50 miles of hiking trails are located on Liberty Mountain for you to enjoy. You can also relax at Smith Mountain Lake or fish on the James River.

Nearby Cities:

ROANOKE, VA. | 1 hour

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. | 1.5 hours

RICHMOND, VA. | 2 hours

RALEIGH, N.C. | 2.5 hours

WASHINGTON, D.C. | 3.5 hours

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. | 4 hours

PRACTICE READY

Center for Career & Professional Development (CCPD)

We’re committed to helping you achieve your goals and fulfill your calling. One way we do that is by ensuring your growth as a professional. The CCPD exists to equip students and alumni with essential tools for career development.

Services include:

• Individual counseling

• On-campus interview opportunities

• Job fairs and workshop opportunities

• Practice interviews

• Résumé preparation, review, and evaluation

• 12Twenty software for online career services

• Information on law firms, corporations, clerkships, government agencies, and more

HOW TO APPLY

The following steps are necessary to complete an application: STEP 1 STEP 6

STEP 5

Register with the Law School Admission Council (LSAC)

Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS)

Submit your electronic application to Liberty University School of Law:

• One letter of recommendation is required (will accept up to four)

• Personal statement

• All graduate and undergraduate official transcripts

• Résumé (optional)

Check the status of your application. Once your application has been received and reviewed, you will receive a username and password, which will allow you to check the status of your application via Applicant Status Online (ASO), or you may contact the Admissions Office directly.

Interview with the Admissions Committee (case-by-case basis)

FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIPS

At Liberty Law, we believe your investment in a quality legal education will last a lifetime but your student debt shouldn’t. We’re committed to making your Liberty Law education affordable — our generous, meritbased scholarship assures that virtually every admitted student is awarded a scholarship.

• Scholarships are awarded up to full tuition.

• Scholarship awards are renewable for subsequent terms based on continued eligibility.

• Law students can also fill out the FAFSA and apply for Grad PLUS loans.

To qualify for a full or partial scholarship award, you must be accepted into the School of Law, meet scholarship criteria, submit your confirmation deposit, and enroll in our J.D. program.

As a scholarship recipient, you must accept any institutional and private grants for which you are eligible. Institutional and private grants, when combined with scholarships, cannot exceed tuition. If an excess occurs, your scholarship will be reduced.

VISIT US Experience Law

At our Experience Law events, you can:

• Attend class

• Meet faculty and staff

• Talk with current students

• Tour the law school Visit

Liberty.edu/Law/ExperienceLaw to register.

Individual Visits

If you can’t attend an Experience Law event, we’d still love to show you around. Please feel free to make an appointment for a private visit by calling (434) 592-5300.

Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.