Ohio Northern University College of Law
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A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN LAW EVOLVES FROM A QUALITY EDUCATION THAT INSPIRES, PREPARES AND SUPPORTS >>
2012 Admitted Students Guide YOUR NEXT MOVES.
GREETINGS ADMITTED STUDENTS, ENTERING CLASS OF 2012 YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE. In just a few short months, you will begin the training that is the necessary first step in fulfilling your dreams of becoming a lawyer. You are likely excited and a bit anxious for the start of class. We want you to know that we are here for you and will do all we can to help ease your transition to ONU Law. This booklet has been designed to provide further information about ONU Law, the necessary next steps you will need to take to secure your seat and information about orientation, your first year, student life and so much more. In addition to this booklet, we have an admitted students webpage devoted to the 2012 entering class, which can be found on the Admissions page at www.law.onu.edu. As new information becomes available, we will use this site to post updates and necessary reminders, so bookmark it now for your convenience later. 2 ___
We want to welcome you to Ohio Northern University’s Pettit College of Law. As always, if you have any questions or concerns we can address, please contact us. Sincerely, Office of Law Admissions
“Ultimately, we pride ourselves on a high standard created by small classes, individualized attention and professors who know you by name.”
WELCOME
WELCOME
to the ONU family.
WHAT’S INSIDE • About ONU Law • Available Programs • ONU Law at a Glance • Admitted Students Checklist • Important Deadlines • Your First Year – Getting Started • First-Year Curriculum • Course Descriptions • Upper-Level Requirements 3 for Graduation ___ • Faculty • Student Life • Taggart Law Library • Information Guide
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABOUT ONU COLLEGE OF LAW AT ONU LAW, IT’S PERSONAL.
At ONU Law, you are not just a number. With one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios in the U.S., 10:1, you will have the opportunity to engage with some of the best faculty in the nation. Our goal is not only to educate, but also to ensure the development of practical skills, morals and leadership needed to be successful in the practice of law. Students know the moment they set foot on our campus and meet our students, faculty and staff that this is a special place, one where exceptional teaching and learning take place. They feel a real sense of community – one of scholarship, individualized attention and support. They understand that having nationally recognized faculty is an added benefit to the fact that our professors also mentor and champion the success of our students. ONU Law’s rich academic environment, globalized curriculum and dynamic student community will provide you with the well-rounded legal education you deserve. 4 ___
PROGRAMS – Full time only JD (Juris Doctor) Concurrent JD and LL.M. (Master of Laws) • Focus in international law Concurrent JD and MPPA (Master of Professional Practice in Accounting) • Focus in taxation • Baccalaureate degree in accounting mandatory
DISCOVER ONU LAW
ONU LAW AT A GLANCE Claude W. Pettit College of Law
Founded in 1885, ONU Law is the second oldest of nine Ohio law schools and is a founding member of the Ohio League of Law Schools.
Dean
David C. Crago, A.B., Duke University; J.D., University of Michigan Law School; Dean since 2001
Alumni
ONU Law’s more than 5,000 distinguished alumni are the backbone of who we are. Our alumni sit on federal and state courts, including the Ohio Supreme Court. They hold executive offices in the United States Congress and state legislatures and are partners and associates at major law firms across the country.
Law Library
ONU’s Law Library features an outstanding collection of federal, state and international legal materials. With more than 436,000 volumes in print and microforms, Taggart Law Library is the second-largest private law school library in Ohio. Most material is available in stacks as well as a wide variety of electronic research tools.
Faculty
More than 50 percent of the faculty members in the College of Law hold a Ph.D. or LL.M. in addition to their JD. They bring their experience and expertise into the classroom, where it is applied to theory and analysis. This means you learn your craft from renowned experts specializing in areas such as international law, law of war, commercial law, business law, bankruptcy law, criminal law and tax law.
Student Body
Our dynamic and vibrant student community will make your three years here more than memorable. At ONU Law, the friendships you leave with are only some of the many perks you will discover while you are here.
DISCOVER ONU LAW
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CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ACCEPTANCE I’VE BEEN ADMITTED; WHAT IS NEXT?
We are excited that you will be joining us for the 2012-13 school year! The following information will help guide and instruct you on the necessary steps you will need to take in order to secure your seat and scholarship (if awarded to you).
CHECKLIST Read through entire acceptance packet thoroughly.
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If you haven’t already, submit your FAFSA to ONU as soon as possible in order for the Office of Financial Aid to evaluate your need and determine for what awards you are eligible (School code: 003089) http://www.fafsa.ed.gov Join us for one of our two Accepted Student Days. Submit your deposit by going online to our Admitted Students page or by mailing it to: Office of Law Admissions, 525 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810 If you have been awarded a scholarship, you will need to sign, date and return the appropriate acceptance form provided to you in the admittance packet by May 15, 2012. If you are interested in on-campus law housing, you will need to contact the Office of Residence Life at 419-772-2430 to register for an apartment. A $250 housing deposit is required.
YOUR NEXT MOVES
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: Dial 419-772 and then the extension Bookstore – 2410 Controller’s Office – 2014 or 2012 Counseling Center – 2190 Dining Services – 2400 Financial Aid – 2272 Health Center – 2086 IT Services – 3100 Law Admissions – 2211 Parking and Security – 2222 Registrar’s Office – 2024 Residence Life – 2430
VISIT ONU LAW
When visiting campus, each admitted student is welcome to stay at The Inn at Ohio Northern University, compliments of the College of Law. Breakfast is complimentary for guests over the age of 13. Phone: 866-713-4513
For continuous updates, visit our Admitted Students page. Also, once you’ve submitted your first deposit, please join us on the Class of 2015 Facebook group.
YOUR NEXT MOVES IMPORTANT DEADLINES APRIL 16, 2012 Your first deposit of $400 is due on April 16, 2012. You can submit your deposit in one of two ways: 1) Online on our Admitted Students page or 2) By mailing it to: Office of Law Admissions, 525 S. Main St, Ada, OH 45810
MAY 15, 2012 If you have been awarded a scholarship, you must sign, date and return the appropriate acceptance form in the mail by May 15, 2012, in order to hold your scholarship until you arrive.
JUNE 15, 2012 Your second deposit of $200 is due on June 15, 2012. You can submit your deposit in one of two ways: 1) Online on our Admitted Students page or 2) By mailing it to: Office of Law Admissions, 525 S. Main St, Ada, OH 45810
For students admitted after the deadlines: Please pay close attention to the deadlines listed in your acceptance letter. These dates will be your timeline. 7 ___
2012 ACCEPTED STUDENT DAYS
In spring 2012, ONU Law will host two on-campus Accepted Student Days. These events are the perfect opportunity for you to catch a glimpse of the life of an ONU Law student. Invitations will be sent out in early February with instructions on how to RSVP. Friday, March 16, 2012, and Saturday, March 31, 2012 At the events, you will have the opportunity to attend the following sessions: • Intro to Student Life • Intro to Career Services • Intro to Academic Support • Intro to Clinical Externship Programs • Intro to Financial Aid – Financing Your Legal Education
• Tour of law building and Taggart Law Library • Private Q&A with current students (no faculty, staff or parents) • Luncheon with a guest alumni speaker • Sit in on a first-year class (Mock class on March 31, 2012)
YOUR NEXT MOVES
GETTING STARTED ATTENDING ONU LAW Final and Official Transcripts Even though you have submitted transcripts to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), the University is required by its accrediting organization to have two official transcripts from your degree-granting institution showing both the date and degree awarded. These certified copies must be sent directly to the Office of Law Admissions from your undergraduate college or university. Students are not permitted to physically handle the transcripts at any part in the transfer process. Health Insurance 88 All students are automatically registered for ONU health insur___ ___ ance. To opt out of the insurance, you’ll need your ONU BANNER ID number, which you can find on your deposit form or in your orientation packet. To waive your ONU health insurance, go to https://studentcenter.uhcsr.com. Waivers must be received by the Controller’s Office by Aug. 1, 2012. Starting Funds Start putting together funds for the start of classes – we recommend $700 to $1500 to hold you over prior to your loan disbursement. Please note that book expenses will likely range from $500 to $1,000.
GETTING STARTED
Change of Address If your address or primary email changes between now and the start of classes, please notify the Office of Law Admissions immediately. You can do so by calling 419-772-2211 or by emailing lawadmissions@onu.edu Housing Students looking to live on or off campus have several options. For more information, please visit our housing page: www.law.onu.edu>>Admissions>>Housing Orientation Packets (mailed late July) Orientation packets will contain: • Computer account username and password • ONU student identification number • Fall 2012 course schedule and section number • Orientation schedule • Directions for purchasing textbooks • Instructions for required immunization and medical insurance forms
www.law.onu.edu>>Admissions>>Admitted Students
ADMISSIONS TIMELINE Jan. 2: FAFSA application opens. ONU Law’s school code is 003089 January-July: Acceptance offers are made on a rolling basis January-July: Scholarship offers are made on a rolling basis according to your date of admission – applicants will be notified via telephone and mail March 16: Admitted Students Day March 31: Admitted Students Day April 1: On-campus housing registration opens – students will receive an email from Residence Life April 16: First deposit deadline ($400) for students admitted prior to April 9, 2012. Applicants admitted after April 9 can find their deposit deadline on their acceptance letter. A confirmation of receipt of your deposit will be sent via email May 15: Scholarship acceptance form must be signed and returned to the Office of Law Admissions (for students awarded a scholarship) May 29: Summer Starter Program orientation (for students admitted to the SSP only) May 30: Summer Starter Program classes begin June 11: June LSAT administered – June 2012 LSAT score accepted for fall 2012 entry June 15: Second deposit deadline ($200) July 17: Tuition bills sent electronically from the Controller’s Office to ONU email account July 20: Fall orientation packets mailed to current address on file (includes orientation information, section assignment, computer account username/password, and other related information) July 31: Deadline to apply for JD admission into the fall 2012 entering class Aug. 1: Fall tuition, fees and housing bills due* Aug. 1: Deadline to opt out of student health insurance Aug. 19: Law on-campus move-in day Aug. 23-24: Fall orientation – mandatory for ALL incoming students, including Summer Starter students Aug. 24: Deadline for submitting two final, official transcripts from your undergraduate degree-granting institution Aug. 27: Fall classes begin *For students who will be funding their legal education with scholarship or loans disbursed through ONU, your payment due date will be postponed until your funds become available.
ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
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YOUR FIRST YEAR GETTING STARTED SECTIONING
All first-year students are assigned to one of two sections consisting of approximately 55 people. During their first year, students will share nearly every course with the members of this section and will be encouraged to form study groups within their section for outside class debates, discussion and study. Every student will have two first-year courses, Legal Research and Writing and Legal Problem Solving and Analysis, which will meet in smaller sections consisting of approximately 20-25 students. Small sections allow students the opportunity to get to know their professors and provide the opportunity to easily interact and engage with fellow classmates.
PEER AND FACULTY ADVISORS
Every new ONU Law student is assigned both a student peer advisor and a faculty advisor upon entering the law school. Students are encouraged to use their advisors when in need of advice or guidance during their first year or for assistance in the transition into law school. Your faculty advisor 10 will follow you through all three years of law school to assist in course planning for your law school career and beyond. ___ Orientation 2011
FALL ORIENTATION
New ONU Law students are acclimated to the College of Law through a mandatory two-day orientation held the Thursday and Friday prior to the start of classes. Orientation includes information sessions on academic procedures, student life and information technology as well as introductions to peer and faculty advisors and alumni class mentors. Orientation is designed to provide students with all they need for an easy transition into law school (mandatory for Fall and Summer Starters).
SUMMER ORIENTATION (For Summer Starter Students Only)
For students admitted to the Summer Starter Program, orientation is held the Tuesday of the first week of classes.
JD FIRST YEAR
CURRICULUM FIRST SEMESTER, First Year
First-year students are enrolled in a required comprehensive core curriculum designed to provide a well-rounded understanding of American law. This includes Property, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Torts and Legal Research and Writing. You are pre-registered for all courses your first semester only.
JANUARY TERM, First Year (Required)
The January term allows students the opportunity for in-depth study of a concentrated area of law. January-term courses provide our students with a more interactive and practical look at law. You will be pre-registered for the January-term course required in the first year, Legal Problem Solving and Analysis.
SECOND SEMESTER, First Year
[Verbatim]
In the spring semester of your first year, you will register for Public Law and the Legal Process, Property 2, Civil Procedure 2, Contracts 2, Legal Research and Writing 2 and Criminal Law. If you matriculated in the summer, register for Evidence in lieu of the courses you took in the summer. Make certain to register for the correct section of each of your classes. You must continue each course in the section in which you started.
I chose to attend ONU Law because I could tell that the school valued me. The staff was extremely helpful, and the professors genuinely cared. I knew that with the numerous support systems available to me, I could succeed. I was right.
JOSHUA A. BROWN, L-2 Muncie, Indiana Ball State University
JD FIRST YEAR
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YOUR FIRST YEAR FIRST-YEAR COURSE DESCRIPTIONS CIVIL PROCEDURE 1 AND 2
The operation of the courts. The organization of the state and federal courts and the relation between them; the methods by which these courts attempt to resolve civil disputes in accordance with controlling law and the extent to which a judicial decision is conclusive of subsequent disputes. Jurisdiction of courts over persons, property and subject matter; the scope of litigation as to claims, defenses and parties; preparation for trial through pleading, discovery and pretrial; trials and the related functions of judge and jury; appeals and the role of the appellate courts; the means of controlling frivolous litigation; the finality of judgements and decrees, consideration of the process by which judicial decision-makers are selected; questions of professional responsibility and attorney decorum in civil litigation; and brief mention of alternative dispute resolution systems. Preparation of pleadings used in civil litigation. 12 ___
CRIMINAL LAW
The theories of crime and punishment, the manner in which crimes are defined and graded, the principles of criminal culpability, including the mental element of crime and the requirement of an act; the exculpatory devices including defenses, excuses and justifications; and the parties to crime including aiders, abettors and conspirators.
CONTRACTS 1 AND 2
The nature and history of contract law, the concepts of “freedom of contract,� the intention to be legally bound, reaching an agreement, interpreting assent, written manifestations of assent, the doctrine of consideration, the doctrine of promissory estoppel, performance and breach, conditions, defenses to contractual obligation, remedies, and the relation between basic contracts concepts and Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code.
JD FIRST YEAR
All information related to course offerings and descriptions can be found on our website under the Academics section. www.law.onu.edu
FIRST-YEAR COURSE DESCRIPTIONS, CONTINUED LEGAL PROBLEM SOLVING AND ANALYSIS
Allows student to reflect on what they have learned through careful review of the methods of legal analysis and work on complex problems beyond the bounds of any single doctrinal subject, explored through simulation and teamwork. The course will focus on problem solving and will give students an opportunity to interact with practicing lawyers and judges.
LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING 1 AND 2
The basic tools and methods of legal research as well as development of writing skills necessary in the practice of law. Completion of legal research exercises and preparation of a memoranda. In the second semester, you will be challenged to draft court documents, write an appellate brief and participate in oral arguments.
PROPERTY 1 AND 2
13 Law of finders, rule of capture, gifts, adverse possession and landlord-tenant. Methods of title assurance, estates, future in- ___ terests, easements and covenants and taking issues. Property 2 will consist of title assurance, estates (other than leaseholds), future interests, easements and covenants and public control of land use.
PUBLIC LAW AND THE LEGAL PROCESS
An introduction to public law and the modern administrative state. The course will cover the creation of public law both internationally and nationally, the fundamentals of treaty and statutory interpretation, the administrative process including rulemaking and the range of regulatory tools.
TORTS
The basis and extent of legal liability for international or negligent invasions of protected interest in 1) physical security and opportunity and autonomy; 2) emotional security and other tangible interests; and 3) economic security and opportunity. Proving breach of duty, cause in fact and proximate cause and compensatory and punitive damages.
JD FIRST YEAR
JD UPPER LEVEL REQUIREMENTS UPPER-DIVISION REQUIREMENTS
In addition to the courses required in the first year, the College of Law requires upper-division students to complete a sequence of courses during the second and third year of legal studies that will ensure a well-rounded legal education. Each student is required to complete a seminar that entails a major paper, earn at least 10 hours in courses designated as skills courses and take a course that offers a perspective on American law from another legal system or discipline.
REQUIRED COURSES
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Analytical Methods for Lawyers Business Organizations 1 Constitutional Law 1 Evidence Legal Profession
SKILLS REQUIREMENT
CREDIT HOURS 2 3 3 3 2
AVAILABLE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Certificate in Corporate Law Certificate in Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Certificate in Criminal Law Certificate in International Law Certificate in Public Law and Policy Certificate in Civil Litigation Certificate in Taxation
Each student, after completing their first year, must successfully complete at least 10 hours of instruction in designated skills courses. These courses are designed to train students in professional skills needed to practice law. All clinic courses are skills courses. Courses other than clinical offerings meet the skills requirement only if they involve multiple opportunities for assessment in drafting or simulation exercises involving problems of a type encountered in the practice of law. Skills course examples include Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Business Planning, Civil Practice: An Introduction and Corporate Finance, among others.
SEMINAR REQUIREMENT
Each student, during his or her second or third year, must complete, with a grade of “C� or higher, a seminar designated as complying with the Upper-Division Writing Requirement. Seminar course examples include Capital Punishment, Constitutional Interpretation, Environmental Law and Intellectual Property, among others.
UPPER LEVEL REQUIREMENTS
JD GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS UPPER-DIVISION REQUIREMENTS, CONTINUED PERSPECTIVES REQUIREMENT
Each student must complete a course that offers a perspective on American law from the perspective of another legal system or academic discipline. Currently, courses offered are Legal History Seminar (American), Comparative Administrative Law, Comparative Constitutional Law, International Comparative Law, International Law, International Human Rights, Jurisprudence, Law and Economics Seminar, Law and Literature Seminar and Women and the Law Seminar.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The degree of Juris Doctor is conferred upon application to all students with six full-time semesters of residence who have successfully completed a total of 90 hours, including the courses graded with an “S” or “U,” and with an accumulative average of 2.00 for all courses in which a letter grade is given.
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Degrees are conferred at the end of the semester during which requirements were completed. Commencement exercises are held at the close of spring semester. Students who complete their work prior to the spring semester are invited to participate. Students who graduate with an average of 3.60 or higher graduate ”With High Distinction.” Those who graduate with an average of 3.30 or above graduate “With Distinction.”
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
FACULTY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND ACCESSIBLE
Approachability is the hallmark of ONU Law. Our faculty are deeply committed to developing students’ legal and analytical skills and do so by opening their doors and engaging our students one-on-one. ONU’s diverse and global curriculum challenges our students’ way of thinking and opens their eyes to new world views. Our faculty have graduated from some of the top law schools in the nation (Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Michigan and Yale) and are experts in their fields. In law school, it is critical to have access to top legal scholars to assist in understanding and dissecting the law. Our professors will know every student by name and provide them with the necessary skills to succeed in today’s challenging legal profession. 16 ___
To learn more about ONU Law Faculty or to view faculty profiles, visit WWW.LAW.ONU.EDU
[Verbatim] ONU is unique because everything is personalized. I never expected law school to be a “personal” experience. The faculty and staff know their students and want them to succeed. I don’t think there is a better environment in which to study law.
MEGAN ROBY, JD ’10 Associate, Jones Day, Pittsburgh, Pa.
FACULTY
STUDENT LIFE A COMMUNITY COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS
Our dynamic and vibrant student community will prove to be one of the greatest assets at ONU Law. With more than 20 student organizations in which to become actively engaged, a diverse speaker series program, and a strong support system and community atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else, your experience at ONU Law will more than meet your expectations. Law school is difficult – there is no question about it. This is why being in an environment conducive to learning and success is critical. At ONU Law, you are provided with everything you need to start off your legal education on the right foot. Get involved outside of class... • More than 20 student organizations • Moot Court v. Law Review softball tournament • Flag football tournament • University intramurals • Habitat for Humanity • Debates on current legal issues • Barristers Ball • Courtroom movie nights • Cedar Point trips
17 ___ ADA, OHIO The village of Ada, Ohio, provides a quaint, small-town atmosphere that complements the friendly environment found on campus. Ada offers few distractions – perfect for the rigorous study of law. When law students take a break from the rigors of their legal studies, the village offers affordable entertainment. The Ada Theatre shows first-run movies in a classic setting with $4 admission. Students satisfy their hunger at a variety of local restaurants offering menu options from Chinese to Mexican and several local pizza shops. The Inn at Ohio Northern University offers affordable deluxe accommodations for visiting family and friends, dining options and a pub. For a change of atmosphere, students can travel to nearby cities like Columbus, Dayton and Toledo.
THE ONU LAW EXPERIENCE
TAGGART LAW LIBRARY STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES
Ranked first among Ohio private law school libraries by The National Jurist in 2010, ONU Law’s state-of-the art Taggart Law Library is equipped to meet all your legal information needs. Whether you need to locate a case, connect to the Internet or study quietly, the library is available to you seven days a week. The Law Library features an outstanding collection of federal, state and international legal materials. With more than 436,000 volumes in print and microforms, Taggart Law Library is the second-largest private law school library in Ohio. Most material is available in open stacks accessible during library hours. The Law 18 Library also provides a wide variety of electronic research tools. ___ In all, 306 open seats at tables and work stations are available throughout the library to accommodate group and individual study. Almost all seating is wired for electricity and network connectivity, and the University’s wireless network can be accessed anywhere in the building. In addition, the library computer lab is available for research, training and printing. Reference librarians or staff assistants are always available to assist you with your library needs.
TAGGART LAW LIBRARY
Taggart Law Library’s Hanson Reading Room was recognized as an Outstanding Library Design by the American School & University’s 2009 Educational Interiors Showcase.
INFORMATION GUIDE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON‌ Address Changes 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
Character and Fitness Updates 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
Financial Aid 419-772-2272 financial-aid@onu.edu
Application Status 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
Deferring Admission 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
Housing 419-772-2430 reslife@onu.edu
Career Services 419-772-2249 lawcareer@onu.edu
FAFSA 419-772-2272 financial-aid@onu.edu
International Legal Studies 419-772-3580 LLM@onu.edu Scheduling a Visit 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu Scholarships 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
INFORMATION GUIDE
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ONU’S CAMPUS… GREEN AND BEAUTIFUL!
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Office of Law Admissions
Ohio Northern University College of Law 525 South Main Street Ada, OH 45810 Phone: 419-772-2211 Toll Free: 877-452-9668 Fax: 419-772-3042 lawadmissions@onu.edu www.law.onu.edu 2012
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