Southern Illinois University School of Law
www.law.siu.edu
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Mission Statement A
legal education at Southern Illinois University School of Law is shaped by what we value: students, teaching, scholarship, service, and community. We provide a rigorous, high-value legal education that prepares our students for the challenges of a twentyfirst century legal career. Our curriculum equips students for a career in any environment—from a legal aid office to a large urban law firm, from a corporate board room to a government agency— and our low tuition rates free them to go wherever their dreams might take them.
Students. We strive for a highly qualified, diverse student body from across the country and from all walks of life. Small by design, SIU School of Law has one of the lowest student-faculty ratios in legal education. Our professors and administrative staff maintain an open-door policy for students, providing mentoring and opportunities for individualized feedback. Our Academic Success Program paves the way for high student achievement in the classroom and on the bar exam. Teaching. We choose faculty who teach well, love the classroom, and place high expectations upon themselves and their students. We value educational innovation and strive to implement the best of theoretical and experiential teaching in our classroom and clinical environments. Our classrooms are equipped with the latest teaching technologies to enhance the classroom experience. SIU School of Law’s nationally ranked Lawyering Skills program and ABA Gambrell Professionalism Award winning Professional Development Series bridge the gap between theory and practice and prepare our students to function effectively as professionals when they begin their careers. Our goal is to teach our students to become independent learners who know how to analyze and solve problems for a lifetime as attorneys.
School of Medicine. As an aid to scholarship, we provide twentyfour hour physical access to the law library, as well as electronic access to SIU Carbondale’s nationally ranked Morris Library. We showcase the best of our students’ legal scholarship through our two law journals and award-winning moot court program.
Service. We believe public service is one of the highest callings of the bar. SIU School of Law is committed to keeping tuition and expenses low so our graduates can afford to pursue public service careers if they so choose. We demonstrate our commitment to public service through our clinics, which serve critical needs within underserved segments of the community; the individual pro bono initiatives of our faculty, students and staff; and the service our staff and faculty give to bench, bar, and educational committees at the local, regional, and national levels.
Community. We are proud to be a part of Southern Illinois University and its heritage of providing educational access to students from all walks of life. We embrace our local communities, the stunning natural beauty of the region, and the unique geographical access we have to major urban areas in the Midwest and the South. Our social traditions unite us as a law school community and emphasize the importance of friendships and balance in a professional life. We treasure the community of students, scholars, alumni, visitors, and friends associated with the law school, and we honor our past—the vision and commitment of those who recognized the need for the SIU School of Law and worked so hard to establish an institution in the public interest to serve the public good.
Scholarship. We expect high standards of scholarship from both our faculty and our students. Many of our faculty members enjoy national reputations as experts in their fields of study; several have been selected to teach abroad as Fulbright scholars. The law school’s presence on the campus of a major research university permits cross-disciplinary scholarship, including the work done by our Center for Health Law and Policy in conjunction with the SIU
“For those who find the practice of law their proper place and calling, the law school experience is difficult, stressful, and overwhelming in every sense; however, the enduring life skills acquired equip each successful student to navigate the legal profession with skill and integrity, not for the benefit of the lawyer, but for the benefit of the clients they will serve.” Nick Tinsmen, ‘11 Carterville, IL
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Welcome from the Dean T
hank you for your interest in Southern Illinois University School of Law. Let me share a few things that I think make SIU a great law school that will prepare you well for a career in a constantly changing legal environment. First, SIU Law emphasizes excellence in academics. You will learn from faculty members who are nationally recognized in their fields and who have earned prestigious honors for their teaching and scholarship. Second, SIU Law emphasizes practical skills development as well as the theoretical intricacies of the law. You will have opportunities to study abroad, to engage in interdisciplinary studies, to gain practical legal skills by working in our clinic or as an extern, and to participate in a wide variety of co-curricular and extra-curricular organizations, clubs, teams, and journals. Third, SIU Law provides a rigorous legal education in a supportive environment. You can get individual attention from professors and administrators who genuinely care about your success. We have an exceptional student support system that includes our Academic Success Program, free bar exam preparation, and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Finally, SIU Law’s motto is “Established in the public interest. Serving the public good.” We fulfill this mission through programs such as our exceptional Legal Clinic and Externship programs, our nationally-recognized Lawyering Skills program, and our award-winning Professional Development program. We hope you will become involved in these programs as a way to give back to your community while continuing to develop critical professional skills and gaining valuable practical experience. Our commitment to keeping tuition low allows our graduates the freedom to pursue public interest work after graduation as well. At SIU Law, you will receive an intellectually rigorous legal education that will enable you to leave law school with a thorough grounding in theory and practice. You will have the skills and confidence to hit the ground running in today’s legal profession, and you will be prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s legal profession. I invite you to visit our law school, sit in on a class, meet our students and faculty, and explore for yourself the outstanding education and vibrant traditions that await you at Southern Illinois University School of Law. With best regards,
Cynthia L. Fountaine Dean and Professor of Law
www.law.siu.edu
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Admissions and Financial Aid 4. Character and Fitness Disclosure form and supplemental documents and explanation SIU School of Law considers prior acts of academic and other misconduct in the admissions process. Similarly, the SIU School of Law must certify to the Board of Bar Admissions of each state in which students apply for admission that they are fit to practice law. For these reasons, all applicants are required to make a full and complete disclosure when submitting their application. Applicants should carefully follow the instructions outlined in the application.
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IU School of Law believes that a diverse student body, faculty, and staff are not only important to a legal education, but to the future of the legal profession. Issues, concepts, problems, and strategies, that a student may not have encountered, are incorporated into the classroom discussion. The School of Law’s student to faculty ratio of 12:1 is one of the lowest in the country. The total student body is less than 400 students. This small community promotes a highly personalized, learning environment and ensures that every student voice is heard. The students who choose to come to the Southern Illinois University School of Law are a large part of what makes it unique. They are a diverse group of individuals who come from across the United States, as well as foreign countries.
Application Process
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Current Resume Applicants are required to submit a current resume that includes post-high school education, employment history, honors and awards, and extracurricular activities including community service. This document can be uploaded through LSAC to be added to the applicant’s file.
Upon receipt of an application, the Office of Admissions will email the applicant with an online user name and password. This will allow the applicant to periodically check his/her application status online. Once an applicant file is complete, it takes the Admissions committee approximately two to three weeks to reach a decision.
The following items are required for a complete application: 1.
Application with $50 application fee Applications can be completed online through the Law School Admission Council (www.lsac.org).
2.
Memorandum to the Admissions Committee Unlike a personal statement, the memorandum consists of five specific questions outlined in the application. The Admissions Committee prefers applicants submit their responses in a question/answer format. Since the School of Law does not conduct personal interviews, an applicant’s memorandum is one way for the committee to learn more about the student. The document can be uploaded through LSAC to be added to the applicants file.
3.
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Letters of Recommendation SIU School of Law requires two letters of recommendation. It is suggested that at least one letter is from an academic source. If an applicant has been out of school for a significant amount of time, the letters can be from current or past employers.
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2010 Admission Statistics
Applications received..................................................................658 Admitted........................................................................................364 Matriculated..................................................................................144 LSAT percentiles....................................157/153/151 UGPA percentiles.......................................3.6/3.3/3.0 Minority.................................................................... 13% Age...........................................................................20-55 Undergraduate institutions represented.................59 States represented.......................................................19
Tuition
SIU School of Law boasts one of the lowest annual tuition rates among the American Bar Association (ABA) approved law schools. Tuition for in-state residents is $12,750 for the 2011-2012 academic year. Most out-of-state residents can obtain in-state residency after one semester. School of Law students graduate with an average law debt load of $63,000, much lower than graduates from other law schools. The School of Law believes public service is one of the highest callings of the bar. With an affordable annual tuition and the low cost of living in southern Illinois, graduates will have the flexibility to enter any type of legal practice without the burden of overwhelming law school debt.
Financial Aid
To be classified as an in-state resident, students must have an Illinois address, register his/her car in Illinois, have an Illinois driver’s license, and be registered to vote in Illinois. Students may qualify for in-state tuition any time of the year prior to the start of law school by meeting deadlines in mid-December for the summer semester, mid-February for the fall semester, or mid-July for the spring semester.
Admitted applicants are automatically reviewed for the Admissions’ Achievement Scholarships. These scholarships are based on the applicant’s highest LSAT score, determined annually, and valid for three years provided the student maintains a 2.80 GPA and is enrolled in at least 12 credit hours of law school classes.
For more information, visit www.law.siu.edu.
Traditionally, over one-half of the entire student body receives a scholarship or award. Students applying for financial aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FASFA) application online. Southern Illinois University’s federal school code is 001758. Please know that prospective law students are not required to include any parental information or income.
Additional financial aid opportunities are available to students once the first semester is completed. The Office of Career Services houses information on a variety of scholarships, fellowships and writing competitions. Winners of these awards are honored at the annual awards ceremony. In addition, the School of Law offers second- and third-year students a variety of opportunities for practical work experience within the law school as well as the campus community. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale is a state-funded institution. Although the non-resident tuition rate is much lower than that of most private schools, it is considerably higher than the resident tuition rate. However, the residency policy permits students to change their classification status from non-resident to Illinois resident after six-months of residency.
Schedule a Visit
From taking a tour of the law school and seeing what distinguishes SIU from other law schools, to sitting in on a class and finding out why the School of Law has a reputation for excellent legal education, prospective students have the opportunity to get questions answered and personally experience the School of Law. While on campus ask any current student why they chose SIU and you will find they are happy to share their experiences with you. In addition, prospective students will have the opportunity to speak with the admissions staff about financial aid, admissions requirements and concurrent degree programs. To schedule an appointment, visit the Office of Admission website at www.law.siu.edu or call directly at 1-800-739-9187 ext. 1.
2012 Application
Available September 1, 2011
Application Timeline Below are important dates to keep in mind when applying to SIU School of Law: September 1: Late October: November - April: April 1: April 1: June 1:
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid begins accepting applications for next fall 2011 entry Admissions Committee begins reviewing application files Application files are reviewed on a rolling basis; applicants are notified of decisions Suggested application deadline for first-year J.D. applicants. Committee continues to review all completed applications until class is full. First seat deposit deadline Second seat deposit due
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1L Experience Orientation
Through a three-day series of speakers, panels, workshops, and social events, upper-class students help the incoming first-year class adjust to life in law school. Updated each year and ran by the Office of Admission with assistance from faculty, staff and students, the mandatory program covers a wide range of topics from buying books to writing case briefs. In addition, students will receive information on the wide range of services offered by the School of Law and the SIU campus.
Academic Success
During that critical first year, all first-year students participate in a study group, led by an upper-class Taylor Mattis Fellow Student, where they will practice the analytical tools necessary to “think like a lawyer”. The Fellow helps the student learn about law school classes, grading, exam protocol, and more. The Fellow also offers the first year student the chance to receive one-on-one feedback on briefing, outlining and other skills necessary for success.
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he first year of law school sets the foundation of the lawyer in training. The faculty at the School of Law are strongly committed to ensuring that 1L students receive a solid foundation in the basic principles of the law, the basic skills of legal analysis, research and writing, and an introduction to the core values of the legal profession. The year-long Lawyering Skills course offers an integrated approach to research, writing, and analysis. This basic skills instruction is then supplemented by a Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) program in the doctrinal courses as well as a comprehensive Academic Success Program that includes the use of structured study groups. The 1L faculty work collaboratively to sequence Writing Across the Curriculum assignments by level of difficulty to help students systematically build their writing and analysis skills. The Academic Success Director then integrates both together by coordinating the assignments and reinforcing the lessons through the structured study groups. Woven together in this manner, the program successfully integrates fundamental legal theory with the basic skills required of a successful law practice.
Additional support is offered to those who face challenges after the first semester. In addition, the program provides free support to graduates preparing for the bar examinations.
Faculty Mentor
Each first-year student is paired with a mentor from the School of Law faculty. Mentors help first-year law students understand the processes and demands of law school, make informed academic choices, and work through professional questions. Mentors can be valuable resources for first-year law students regarding the opportunities a legal education can provide.
Lawyering Skills
Lawyering Skills classes, small in size, use active learning and student-centered teaching techniques. These classes are designed especially for the first-year student and take both the first and second semester of the first year. Classes engage students in a critical understanding of the different models of lawyering and legal practice, as well of professionalism and the ethical practice of law through reading and writing. Students learn about legal analysis and reasoning, legal writing, legal research, client interviewing, client counseling, advocacy, and negotiation. The feature that sets our approach to lawyering skills apart is its understanding of the complex relationships between legal doctrine, legal theory, and legal skills. Problem-solving and transactional lawyering skills, which are often neglected in curricula at other law schools, are an important part of the course.
“I know that my choice to go to SIU School of Law was the best choice. I have personally worked with many successful graduates of our law school and have seen what they learned here at SIU being applied…We all made the right choice to come here and although we must be diligent in our studies to succeed, [we] take comfort in knowing that we will have a great foundation to do so.”
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Deborah Besserman, ‘13 www.law.siu.edu Granite City, IL
Professional Development
Future lawyers and those who plan to use their legal education in other fields must develop the traits of professionals. From day one, the School of Law helps prepare students to become those professionals. Through a series of workshops and other activities, students learn about the legal profession and their responsibilities. The highlight of the professional development program is the induction of first-year law students as lawyers-in-training. Prior to the ceremony, students study the core values of the legal profession and draft an oath committing themselves to those values. During the ceremony, a Justice of the Illinois Supreme Court leads the students in taking that oath. The ceremony is scheduled during homecoming weekend. The SIU School of Law Professional Development program was awarded the coveted E. Smythe Gambrell Award from the American Bar Association. The law school was recognized for its design and implementation of a model professionalism program for law students.
Writing Across the Curriculum
Lawyers in every type of practice must express their legal analysis in a wide variety of written forms. The skill is best acquired in an environment that provides not only multiple opportunities in which it may be used and practiced, but also substantial constructive comment on its execution. The requirements of the Writing Across the Curriculum program are designed to establish such an environment by ensuring that appropriate opportunities to use and assess this skill are provided in every course in the curriculum. Accordingly, every course offered in the School of Law provides at least one substantial writing exercise for which the student receives timely and effective feedback. Examples of writing assignments include: legal memoranda; trial briefs or notebooks or appellate briefs; client letters; opinion letters; contracts or contracts clauses; documents, etc.
Registered Student Organizations (RSO)
The School of Law has approximately 22 active student organizations in the School of Law, representing the variety of interests and diversity of the student body. The Student Bar Association (SBA) serves as the umbrella organization for all student groups within
the law school. Almost every student is involved in at least one organization or substantial activity outside of the classroom.
Summer Abroad
The School of Law partners with the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law offering students an opportunity to study abroad over a five week period during the summer semester. The program is designed to provide students with an understanding of the legal structure, institutions, and social history of both Irish political entities and the laws applicable to the conduct of commerce by foreign (including U.S.) companies in Ireland and through Ireland to the European continent. The Office of Law Student Development and Career Services collects information on other ABA-approved law school study abroad programs.
1L Coursework Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Course Credit Hours Contracts I....................................................................................... 3 Criminal Law.................................................................................. 3 Lawyering Skills I........................................................................... 3 Property I......................................................................................... 3 Torts.................................................................................................. 4 Professionalism and the Law...................................................... .5
Course Credit Hours Contracts II..................................................................................... 3 Civil Procedure I............................................................................ 3 Lawyering Skills II........................................................................ 3 Legislative and Administrative Process.................................... 3 Property II...................................................................................... 3 Professionalism and the Law..................................................... .5
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2L / 3L Experience
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s a student progresses through law school there are several different opportunities. Whether it is a judicial externship, clinic experience, or pro bono work, a School of Law student will receive the hands-on practical experience.
Clinical Experience & Externships
Our award-winning clinics offer students the opportunity to develop not only lawyering skills but also an understanding of the professional role of a lawyer in society. Students engage in direct contact and represent clients under the supervision of either a clinical faculty member or a licensed attorney.
Civil Practice Clinic The Civil Practice Clinic is open to any student who has completed the first year of law school. Students who enroll in this Clinic work with a clinic attorney and provide free civil legal services to community members 60 years or older from a 13-county area in southern Illinois. Students represent clients from the intake interview through the completion of their case, whenever possible.
Domestic Violence Clinic The Domestic Violence Clinic is open to students who have completed 54 law credit hours including evidence and civil procedure. These pre-requisites will allow students to obtain the Illinois Student Practice License so that they can represent clients and appear in court under the supervision of a Clinic attorney. Students will learn and practice skills that are essential to any law practice. Often students will interview the client, prepare the client for a hearing, appear before the court in a contested or uncontested hearing, prepare an order for the court, and follow through with the necessary steps to make the order enforceable.
Public Interest Extern Clinic The Public Interest Extern Clinic is open to students who have completed the first year of law school. Students can work in city, state, federal, or non-profit law offices. Placements can be anywhere in the United States as long as the site has been pre-approved by the Clinic Director. Externs learn research techniques, investigation techniques, legal document drafting, computer skills, and client interviewing and counseling skills. Students with a student practice license can appear in court and represent clients under attorney supervision.
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Self Help Legal Center The Center offers legal information and assistance to the public who want to do a simple legal task without the assistance of an attorney. Students are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Center, including customer service, research assistance, pro-se class preparation, agency referrals and requests, and editing and updating self help materials.
Judicial Extern Clinic The Judicial Extern Clinic is open to any student who has completed the first year of law school. Students who enroll in the Clinic will work in the chambers of federal or state, trial or appellate judges. The SIU School of Law has more than 70 approved judicial extern sites in both the federal and state court systems and may seek approval for sites that are not currently on the list. As a result, extern opportunities are available virtually anywhere there is a courthouse or judicial chambers.
Pro Bono Opportunities
Approximately four times a year, students have a volunteer opportunity to visit the Tri-County Justice & Detention Center, located in Ullin, Illinois, to meet with the immigration detainees being held by Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. During the visit, students will conduct individual intake interviews to assess whether the detainees’ legal needs are being met. This project is coordinated with the National Immigration Justice Center, based in Chicago, which provides follow up legal services for many of the detainees. Students also have the opportunity to work with the Downstate Illinois Innocence Project. Through this Project, students assist attorneys who represent convicted inmates in appellate cases where there is a strong chance the inmate is innocent. Students in the program have the opportunity to learn how to write legal motions and arguments, go into court, and interact with clients. Working hands-on with real clients provides an experiential learning opportunity that cannot be gained in the classroom.
Moot Court
SIU School of Law is highly respected for its excellent moot court programs and skills competitions. All first year students participate in an oral advocacy intra-school competition as part of their Lawyering Skills class. Sitting judges and practicing attorneys from across the Midwest come to the School of Law to judge oral arguments. Members of the Moot Court Board are selected from the students who participate in the Intramural Competition. Second and third year students can compete nationally in either the Appellate Advocacy division or the Trial Advocacy divison of the Moot Court Board. Every fall, students from law schools across the country come to the School of Law for the National Health Law Moot Court competition.
Semester Away
Two semester away programs allow second- and third-year students the opportunity to spend a semester living and working away from campus. The Law and Government program, located in the Illinois state capitol of Springfield, focuses on state and local government. Past sites have included the Opinions Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, Legal Counsel for the Illinois Speaker of the House, and the Illinois Municipal League. The second program, located in southeast Missouri, provides hands-on experience with the Missouri Public Defender System.
Joint Degree
SIU School of Law offers eight joint degrees along with the JD. With the exception of the JD/MD, students apply through the graduate school sometime during the first year of law school. Students interested in the JD/MD degree would need to apply to both programs at the same time.
Doctor of Medicine..........................................................6 year program Masters of Accountancy..............................................3-5 year program Masters of Business Administration..........................3-5 year program Masters of Science in Education................................3-5 year program Masters of Public Administration..............................3-5 year program Masters of Social Work................................................3-5 year program Masters of Electrical & Computer Engineering......3-5 year program
Women in Leadership
This program, which launched in 2010, consists of a two-day workshop, followed by a semester-long class. Workshop topics include gender and communication, negotiation, interviewing, networking, gender issues in the workplace, developing a personalprofessional brand, and balancing career and family. The workshop features law school faculty, alumni, and local attorneys participating in lectures, small group discussions, group exercises, and panel discussions. In the advanced course following the workshop, students have the opportunity to job shadow female attorneys and observe court proceedings. Those students also complete further readings and make presentations about women’s leadership issues.
Social Activities
The law school community offers a wide range of extracurricular activities. Some are social, some focus on community service, some work within the boundaries of the legal profession, and others are academic in nature. Such activities include Boggs Ping Pong Tournament, Christmas food drive, Chili-Trivia Night and the Federalist Debates.
Approximately 98% of the law school student body gained practice ready experience outside the classroom in 2010.
Upon successful completion of the first-year law courses, students can begin taking coursework in both programs. The completion time can vary depending on undergraduate coursework and is determined on a case-by-case basis.
“The intramural competition was my first opportunity to gain an extensive amount of practical courtroom experience. The championship round was argued in front of an appellate court justice, a circuit court judge, and a law professor that previously clerked for the Missouri Supreme Court. After competing and succeeding in this setting, I feel like I received the practical training necessary to thrive in the legal market after graduation.” Ross Sorensen, ‘11 Crescent City, IL
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Faculty Adams, Jill, Associate Professor of Law B.A., University of North Carolina M.A.T, University of Massachusetts J.D., University of New Mexico
Alexander, Peter, Professor of Law
B.A., Southern Illinois University Carbondale J.D., Northeastern University
Anderson, Cheryl, Professor of Law B.A., University of North Dakota J.D., University of North Dakota LL.M., Temple University
Basanta, Eugene, Southern Illinois Healthcare Professor of Law & Co-Director of the Center for Health Law and Policy B.A., Williams College J.D., University of Kentucky LL.M., Temple University
Buys, Cindy, Professor of Law & Director of International Law Programs B.A., State University of New York M.A., Syracuse University J.D., Syracuse University LL.M., Georgetown University
Dervan, Lucian E., Assistant Professor of Law B.A., Davidson College J.D., Emory University
Drennan, William, Associate Professor of Law J.D., Saint Louis University LL.M., Washington University
Fountaine, Cynthia L., Dean & Professor of Law B.S., Indiana University-Bloomington J.D., University of Southern California – Los Angeles
Houdek, Frank, Associate Dean & Professor of Law B.A., University of California – Los Angeles J.D., University of California – Los Angeles
Johnson, Twinette, Assistant Professor of Law & Director of Academic Success Program B.A., Saint Louis University J.D., Tulane University
Liemer, Sue, Associate Professor of Law & Director of Lawyering Skills B.A., Princeton University J.D., University of Virginia
Lindsey, R. Hokulei, Assistant Professor of Law Behan, Christopher, Assistant Professor of Law B.A., Brigham Young University J.D., Brigham Young University LL.M, United States Army
Beyler, Keith, Professor of Law A.B., Princeton University J.D., University of Chicago
Brittingham, Mark, Clinical Assistant Professor of Law B.A., Southern Illinois University Carbondale M.S.Ed., Southern Illinois University Carbondale J.D., Southern Illinois University
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B.A., University of Hawaii J.D., University of Hawaii LL.M., University of Wisconsin
Marlow, Melissa, Clinical Professor of Law B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale J.D., Southern Illinois University
McCubbin, Patricia, Professor of Law B.A., University of Virginia J.D., University of Virginia
Mekel, Michele, Assistant Professor of Law & Assistant Professor, School of Medicine B.J., University of Missouri – Columbia MBA, University of Missouri – Columbia MHA, University of Missouri – Columbia J.D., University of Missouri – Columbia
Munson, Valerie, Clinical Assistant Professor of Law B.A., Augustana College J.D., Rutgers University – Camden
Noble-Allgire, Alice, Professor of Law B.S., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville J.D., Southern Illinois University
Porter, Tracie R., Assistant Professor of Law B.A., Cornell University J.D., Drake University
Robertson, R.J., Professor of Law A.B., University of Missouri – Columbia J.D., University of Missouri – Columbia
Schmitz, Suzanne, Assistant Professor of Law B.A., St. Xavier College M.S.Ed., Southern Illinois University Edwardsville J.D., St. Louis University
Schroeder, William, Professor of Law B.A., University of Illinois J.D., University of Illinois LL.M., Harvard Law School
Schultz, Mark, Associate Professor of Law B.A., George Washington University J.D., George Washington University
Visiting Faculty
Macias, Steven J., Visiting Assistant Professor of Law A.B., B.S., Stanford University M.A., University of California – Berkeley J.D., University of California – Berkeley LL.M., University College London Ph.D., University of California – Berkeley
Smith, Shelley, Visiting Assistant Professor of Law B.A., State University of New York - Stony Brook J.D., Columbia University
Clinical Faculty
O’Neill, Rebecca, Clinical Professor of Law B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale J.D., Southern Illinois University
Ramos, Heidi, Visiting Assistant Clinical Professor B.A., Southern Illinois University Carbondale J.D., Southern Illinois University
Thomas, Gail, Clinical Assistant Professor B.S., Southern Illinois University Carbondale J.D., Southern Illinois University
Library Faculty
Lind, Douglas W., Director of Law Library & Associate Professor of Law B.A., Purdue University J.D., Valparaiso University M.L.S., University of Michigan
Pereira, Cornelius A., Acquisitions/Catalog Librarian M.M., Illinois State University M.A., Bombay University M.L.I.S., University of Illinois
Wester-Mittan, Candle, Access Services Librarian & Assistant Professor B.S., Nebraska Wesleyan University J.D., University of Nebraska M.L.I.S., University of Illinois
Wright, Nolan L., Reference Librarian & Assistant Professor B.A., Virginia Commonwealth University M.A., University of Arizona J.D., University of Washington M.L.I.S., University of Washington
Erbes, John – Interim Clinic Director & Clinical Associate Professor of Law B.A., Western Illinois University J.D., Southern Illinois University
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Practice Ready Graduates Bar Pass Rate
In five of the past six years, the first-time pass rate ( July) for SIU graduates exceeded the Illinois state pass rate. In the most recent exam administration (Feb. 2011), 89% of SIU graduates taking the bar for the first time passed. The state pass rate was 84%.
Alumni
Since the first class graduated in 1976, the number of SIU School of Law alumni has grown to over 3,500 individuals. The alumni are a supportive network willing to assist current students and recent graduates in a variety of ways, including externships, bar preparation, and employment opportunities.
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fter three years of intensive education in both theory and skills, graduates of the SIU School of Law are well prepared to not only pass the bar, but also to begin their careers with confidence in the skills that they have learned and practiced during skills courses and experiential learning opportunities.
Career Services
The Office of Law Student Development and Career Services serves as a liaison between employers and students by providing workshops on topics such as interview preparation, job searching tools, on-campus and off-campus interviews, and resume collections. In addition, the office provides individualized career counseling for students and graduates as well as resume and cover letter assistance. Career Services works with employers in the surrounding states including Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana. Students are eligible to obtain reciprocity to other ABAapproved law school job databases. This will provide access to job listings throughout the United States, which is especially helpful to those who wish to relocate to another region.
Bar Preparation
SIU School of Law was among the first law schools in the nation to create and offer additional bar exam preparation, including workshops and simulated essay exams through the Academic Success Program. The specialized eight-week, no cost program provides academic support for all Southern Illinois University School of Law graduates preparing to take the bar exam. This program runs concurrently with the commercially (for profit) bar review course. You must pass the bar examination to be admitted to the bar. Taking and passing the bar exam is only one part of the bar admission process. As each state has its own licensing requirements.
SIU School of Law alumni enjoy successful careers in a variety of legal positions in both the private and public sectors. They practice in 48 of the 50 United States and internationally including Belgium, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, South Korea, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the Virgin Islands. Over 70 alumni have or are currently filling state and federal judgeships. The alumni are a true testament to the School of Law and its graduates.
Class of 2009 Employment Statistics Academic................................................................. 3.5% Judicial Clerk........................................................... 2.3% Government..........................................................26.7% Business..................................................................14.0% Private Practice ....................................................46.5% Public Interest ........................................................ 7.0% Location: Instate.....................................................................69.0% Out of State...........................................................31.0%
“The shareholders have told me that I have been taught the practical aspects of the law better than any other associate that the Orlando office has seen, and that my knowledge and experience is equivalent to most 6-7 year associates at the firm….please pass on my gratitude to everyone at SIU for really helping me to develop my own way of lawyering, while remaining ethical, conscientious and always open to learning more.”
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Courtney M. Witte, ‘06 GREENBERG TRAURIG, LLC www.law.siu.edu Orlando, FL
Alumni National Map Ashley Nagrodski ‘08 Garden City Group Seattle, WA Christopher Blaesing ‘08 Bryan Cave, LLP St. Louis, MO
Brynna Barnhart ‘06 Nat’l Collegiate Athletic Association Indianapolis, IN
Senator Lena Taylor ‘93 4th Senate District Madison, WI
WA 25 OR 9
CA 56
MT 3 ID 8
NV 10
Jennifer Daulby Kaleta ‘02 Lobbyist, Land O’ Lakes, Inc. Washington, DC
Hon. Sue E. Myerscough ‘80 Illinois Appellate Court, 4th District Springfield, IL
Andrew Roszak ‘08 US Dept of Health and Human Services Washington, DC
ND 1
MN 11
SD WY 3 UT 6
AZ 44
IA 19
NE 4
CO 37
KS 7 OK 4
NM 7
TX 52
AK 5
WI 39
MO 199
VT 1 2 NY 4 18 0
MI 22
IL 2027
OH 20
IN 77
KY 76
PA 13 WV 2
LA 6
AL 7
MS 2
GA 34
SC 6
NH MA
RI- 2 CT NJ- 2 DE-1 DC-18 MD-16 National Association for Law Placement (NALP) Geographic Regions East North Central West North Central South Atlantic East South Central Mountain Other
FL 70
HI 4 Andrew Wall ‘05 Wall Law Firm, PLC Tempe, AZ
Jacob Nist ‘02 Perkins Coie, LLP Anchorage, AK
VA 41 NC 22
TN 48 AR 5
ME 7
Sherri Rollison ‘90 Office of the Attorney General Tallahassee, FL
Cheryl Runyon ‘82 Nat’l Conf of State Legislatures Denver, CO
Gabriel Dumitrescu ‘85 Counsel, The Coca-Cola Co. Atlanta, GA
Richard Garcia ‘10 Smith, Hiatt, Diaz, P.A. Fort Lauderdale, FL
Frederick Krull ‘86 Ernst & Young, LLP Los Angeles, CA Thomas Pajda ‘82 Counsel, SBC Telecommunications, Inc. Dallas, TX
www.law.siu.edu
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Community S
outhern Illinois University is located in Carbondale, IL, a town of approximately 27,000. A classic university town, the population grows each year with the instillation of approximately 20,000 university students of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. Students at the School of Law can enjoy the advantages that come with living in a larger city with a major research level institution. Amenities include a shopping mall, many chain restaurants, and other popular stores. Also as a student of Southern Illinois University, one can take part in a variety of cultural, athletic, educational, and recreational events and places for a minimal fee.
Transportation
Navigation to, from and around Carbondale is relatively easy. Located approximately 2 hours from St. Louis and the Lambert International Airport, SIU students can take advantage of shuttle service to and from the campus. Amtrak train service has several trains that make stops during the day about one mile from campus. The Williamson County Airport, located in Marion, IL approximately 10 miles away, provides air shuttle service to and from St. Louis. Southern Illinois University also provides a bus system that runs through Carbondale and some of the surrounding communities.
Student Recreation Center
The Student Rec Center offers a wide variety of services including personal trainers, therapeutic massage, intramural sports, sport clubs, aquatics and instructional programs such as yoga and pilates, dance, boxing, and martial arts. Outdoor adventures, such as scuba diving, are available as well as camping and boat packages. For more information visit www.reccenter.siu.edu.
Saluki Athletics
As a member of the highly competitive Missouri Valley Conference, Southern Illinois University sponsors 18 intercollegiate sports. Each season, the Salukis build on a tradition of academic and athletic excellence. Since 2001, Southern Illinois University has won 18 conference championships and appeared in 24 NCAA tournaments or regionals. With a valid SIU id, students can attend athletic events free of charge or at a reduced student rate. For more information visit www.siuc.edu/athletics.
Housing
Southern Illinois University has housing available for students who wish to reside on campus. For information regarding oncampus housing options, visit the University Housing website at www.housing.siu.edu. The majority of our law students elect to live off-campus. While many students live within Carbondale and walking distance to the law school, there are several options within a 15-mile radius. For more information regarding off-campus housing options, visit www.law.siu.edu.
Student Health Center
Newly built facility and quality programs and services that help support the mission of the university by improving the health and quality of life for all students. Services include medical and mental health clinics, dental, optical, pharmacy, nutrition and fitness, insurance benefits, substance abuse education, and more. For more information visit www.shc.siuc.edu
“As a student, I found SIULAW to be a great place to learn and grow. The small student body enabled me to become very involved in law school and community activities and it allowed me to closely interact with my colleagues. I found the curriculum challenging and the faculty excited to teach and pass along their knowledge. Overall, my SIULAW experiences were life changing and I am proud to have graduated from the institution.”
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Andre G. Pineda, ‘90 Financial Advisor, Cary Street Partners LLC Fredericksburg,VA
www.law.siu.edu
WE ARE SIU LAW. Southern Illinois University School of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law School. www.law.siu.edu
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Southern Illinois University School of Law Office of Admissions Mail Code 6811 1209 W. Chautauqua Carbondale, Illinois 62901
www.law.siu.edu