SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF
LAW
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 “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.” Courtney M. Witte, ‘06 Greenberg Traurig, LLC Orlando, FL
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
2 MISSION
4 CURRICULUM
10 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
12 STUDENT SUPPORT
14 ALUMNI
16 CAMPUS & COMMUNITY
18 ADMISSIONS
20 SCHEDULE A VISIT
Southern Illinois University School of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.
MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN
S
outhern Illinois University School of Law is an outstanding, small public law school that will provide you with an optimal mix of theoretical and experiential educational opportunities in a student-centered environment. At SIU, we will prepare you for a changing legal profession in a global 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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MISSION
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 twenty-first 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.
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The SIU School of Law offers: • Faculty members with distinguished academic and practice backgrounds who are engaged with the legal community on local, state, national and international levels • An intellectually challenging academic program within a supportive learning environment • One of the lowest student/faculty ratios in the nation (12:1) • Hands-on learning through legal clinics, externships, and Semester in Practice programs • Seven joint-degree programs • Nationally recognized Center for Health Law and Policy • All the academic, cultural, and social benefits of being part of a top research university
www.law.siu.edu
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CURRICULUM
T
oday’s law student needs both the skills and knowledge necessary for lifelong learning and
professional development. You will get both at SIU.
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www.law.siu.edu
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. Classes engage students in a critical understanding of the different models of lawyering and legal practice, as well as professionalism and the ethical practice of law through reading and writing. 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.
www.law.siu.edu
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The School of Law’s student-to-faculty ratio (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.
First Year The 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.
Upper Division The second- and third-year curriculum includes courses, seminars, and experiential learning opportunities that allow students to focus on their individual interests, or explore a variety of topics.
Joint Degree Recognizing the increasing complexity of the law, the SIU School of Law has partnered with the SIU Graduate School and SIU School of Medicine to offer seven concurrent degree programs that allow students to receive M.D. or Masters degrees while pursuing a law degree. • • • •
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Doctor of Medicine Masters of Accountancy Masters of Business Administration Masters of Science in Education www.law.siu.edu
• Masters of Public Administration • Masters of Social Work • Masters of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Health Law The Health Law Program at SIU School of Law was developed in the early 1980s to advance education and research regarding critical issues in health law and public policy and medical ethics. The program was recently ranked #19 in the country in the U.S. News andWorld Report’s Best Law Schools Specialty Rankings. SIU law students have the opportunity to participate in a range of health law and policy programs. • • • • • • • •
The Health Law & Policy Semester in Practice J.D./M.D Concurrent Degree Program The Journal of Legal Medicine Law and Medicine Society National Health Law Moot Court Competition Dr. Arthur Grayson Distinguished Lecture Ryan Bioethicist in Residence SIH/SIU Health Policy Institute
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International Law SIU School of Law provides many opportunities for students to prepare to practice law in a global environment. Students have the opportunity to participate in a study abroad program in Ireland and Wales, designed to provide students with an understanding of the legal structure, institutions, and social history of Irish political entities as well as commercial law relating to doing business with Ireland and other countries on the European continent. In addition, our legal globalization course gives students an opportunity to travel abroad for in-depth study of the impact of globalization on culture and legal and political structures in a particular country or region of the world. Students have many opportunities to work with faculty who are engaged in international activities and scholarship with a global focus in their areas of expertise. Several of our faculty members have taught at universities abroad, several as Fulbright Scholars, and faculty members have presented at conferences in Argentina, Jordan, Botswana, Columbia, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Lithuania, Netherlands, and Wales. SIU School of Law has relationships with law schools in many of these countries. An active International Law Society provides many opportunities for students to learn about and become involved in international activities within the law school and university and beyond.
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Courses First Year Civil Procedure I Contracts I, II Criminal Law Lawyering Skills I, II Legislative & Administrative Process
Criminal Procedure: Pre-Trial
Legislative and Administrative Process
Current Developments in American Law: Animal Law
Medical Malpractice Law
Current Developments in International Law: Human
Medical Malpractice Clinical Rotation
Rights Current Developments in International Law: International Intellectual Property and Economic Development
Mental Health Law Natural Resources Law Negotiation
Disability Law
Partnership Taxation
Domestic Violence Clinic
Pre-Trial Advocacy
Education Law
Products Liability
Elder Law
Professionalism and the Law
Upper Division
Employment Discrimination
Property I
Administrative Law
Employment Law
Property II
Environmental Law I: Laws and Policies
Public Health Law
Environmental Law: Business Transactions
Public Interest Externship
European Union Law
Regulation of Health Care Professionals
Evidence
Remedies
Family Law
Securities Regulation
Federal Business Taxation
Semester Away Externship: Criminal Practice
Federal Courts
Semester Away Externship: Health Law and Policy
Federal Business Taxation
Semester Away Externship: State and Local Government
Federal Income Taxation
Senior Writing Seminar (Advanced Criminal Procedure
Professionalism & the Law Property I, II Torts
Advanced Appellate Advocacy Advanced Appellate Moot Court Advanced Electronic Legal Research Advanced Environmental Litigation Advanced Mock Trial Advanced Real Estate Transactions Advanced Torts Advanced Trial Advocacy Agency and Partnership Agricultural Law Alternative Dispute Resolution Antitrust Bankruptcy Basic Estate Planning Bioethics and the Law Business Planning Charities & Charitable Giving Children and the Law Civil Practice Clinic Civil Procedure I Civil Procedure II Civil Rights Client Interviewing & Counseling Conflict of Laws Constitutional Law Constitutional Law: Advanced Topics (14th Amendment) Constitutional Law Consumer Protection Contracts I Contracts II Copyright Law Corporate Taxation Corporations Criminal Law Criminal Procedure: Post Investigations
First Amendment Rights
Topics)
Food, Drug, and Medical Device Law
Senior Writing Seminar (Financial Regulation)
Health Care Legislation
Senior Writing Seminar (Gambling Law)
Health Policy Law
Senior Writing Seminar (Global Climate Change)
Immigration Law
Senior Writing Seminar (International White Collar
Immigration Law Practice Experience
Crime)
Independent Research and Writing
Senior Writing Seminar (Judicial Selection)
Insurance Law
Senior Writing Seminar (Military Law)
Intellectual Property
Senior Writing Seminar (Not-for-Profit Corporations)
International Business Transactions
Senior Writing Seminar (Race and the Law)
International Criminal Law
Senior Writing Seminar (Redistricting and
International Law
Reapportionment)
Introduction to American Law and Legal System
Senior Writing Seminar (Supreme Court Decisions)
Introduction to Commercial Law
Sentencing Law
Introduction to Transactional Skills
Sports Law
Journal of Legal Medicine
State and Local Government
Judicial Externship
Torts
Jurisprudence
Trademarks and Unfair Competition
Juvenile Justice Clinic
Trial Advocacy
Labor Law
Trusts and Estates
Land Use Planning
Water Law
Law and Economics
White Collar Crime
Law Journal
Women in Leadership Workshop
Law Practice Management
Women in Leadership Practicum
Lawyering Skills I
Workers’ Compensation
Lawyering Skills II Legal Profession
The listing reflects approved courses as of August 2011. Course selection is subject to change. Some elective courses are not offered every semester/ year. Full course descriptions are available online at www.law.siu.edu. www.law.siu.edu
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HANDS-ON LEARNING
W
hether it is a judicial externship, clinic experience, or pro bono work, SIU School of Law students have
many opportunities to receive hands-on legal experience. 10
www.law.siu.edu
Clinical Experience & Externships
Moot Court
Our award-winning clinics, serving a 13-county area in southern Illinois, offer students the opportunity to work with staff or local attorneys to gain experience in a variety of programs.Â
Students have an opportunity to participate in Moot Court (appellate and trial) in each of their three years of law school. Southern Illinois University School of Law is also the host of the annual National Health Law Moot Court Competition.
Semester in Practice
Law Journal
Our Semester in Practice program combines a substantial externship with courses related to a particular field of study. Students are able to earn a full semester’s credit while gaining hands-on experience in locations such as Chicago, Springfield, and southeastern Missouri.
Two law journals, The Southern Illinois University Law Journal and the Journal of Legal Medicine, offer students the opportunity to achieve distinction in writing and editing during their law school career.
Pro Bono Opportunities Students have opportunities, such as the Immigration Detention Project and the Downstate Innocence Project, to obtain practical work experience while providing service to underrepresented populations. www.law.siu.edu
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STUDENT SUPPORT
“T
he environment of SIU Law is what I enjoy
the most. The professors are easily accessible, whether it be through email or simply stopping by their office. The professors really take an interest in their students and show that they really care
�
about our success.
Joe Venditti, III, J.D., 2012
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www.law.siu.edu
Academic Success
Faculty Mentorship
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 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.
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.
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 SIU 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.
Bar Pass Rate
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 search tools, on- 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 ABA-approved 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.
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%. www.law.siu.edu
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ALUMNI
S
ince the first class graduated in 1976, the SIU School of Law alumni network has grown to more than 3,500 individuals. The alumni are a supportive
community willing to assist current students and recent graduates in a variety of ways, including externships, networking, and employment opportunities.
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SIU Law Alumni are Everywhere 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, Bermuda, Canada, China, Germany, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, and United Kingdom. More than 70 alumni have or are currently filling state and federal judgeships. Our alumni are a true testament to the success of the SIU School of Law.
“SIU’s biggest asset is its small size and personal attention. I highly doubt I would have stayed with a program at a larger school. I really felt like the faculty at SIU cared about my success.” Kristen Johnson ’08 Attorney-Advisor Division of Land and Water Resources Office of the Solicitor U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC
“In addition to receiving an outstanding legal education, I developed a statewide network of friends at SIU Law that enriched my law practice and judicial career.” Honorable Ron Spears ’77 Resident Circuit Judge Christian County 4th Judicial Circuit in Illinois Taylorville, IL Past President Illinois Judges Association
“As a student, I found SIU LAW 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 SIU LAW experiences were life changing and I am proud to have graduated from the institution.” Andre G. Pineda ’90 Cary Street Partners LLC Fredericksburg,VA
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CAMPUS & COMMUNITY
S
outhern Illinois University is located in Carbondale, Illinois, a town of approximately 27,000. A classic university town, the population grows each year with the addition of approximately
20,000 university students of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. Students at the School of Law enjoy the advantages that come with a major research institution. Students can take part in a variety of cultural, athletic, educational, and recreational events.
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Registered Student Organizations (RSO) The School of Law has more than 20 active student organizations, 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.
Student Health Center The Student Health Center, a newly built facility, offers quality programs and services that help improve 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.
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.
Saluki Athletics As a member of the highly competitive Missouri Valley Conference, Southern Illinois University sponsors 18 intercollegiate sports. Since 2001, Southern Illinois University has won 18 conference championships and appeared in 24 NCAA tournaments or regionals.
www.law.siu.edu
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ADMISSIONS
A
t the SIU School of Law, we believe that
a diverse student body, faculty, and staff are not only important to a legal education, but to the future of the legal profession. In fall 2011, first-year students came to SIU from 45 undergraduate institutions, 14 states and one foreign country.
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Application Process
Fall 2011 Class Profile
• • • • •
Enrolled.............................................................. 120 LSAT 25th percentile.............................................. 151 LSAT Median........................................................ 153 LSAT 75th percentile.............................................. 156 UGPA 25th percentile............................................ 2.96
Online Application Personal Statement Two Letters of Recommendation Current Resume Character and Fitness Documentation, if applicable
Cost (2011-2012)
UGPA Median...................................................... 3.30 UGPA 75th percentile............................................ 3.62
SIU School of Law boasts one of the lowest annual tuition rates.
Illinois resident tuition.......................................$12,750 Non-resident tuition..........................................$32,910 Average graduating debt......................................$63,500
In-State Residency Southern Illinois University is a state-supported institution. Our resident and non-resident tuition rates are much lower than that of most law schools. Our non-resident students may be eligible to change their residency classification after six months of Illinois residency. Therefore, after six months, non-resident students will be eligible for resident tuition which will significantly reduce the total graduating debt.
Application Timeline SEPTEMBER 1:
Fall 2012 applications available through the Law School Admission Council NOVEMBER - APRIL: Application files are reviewed on a rolling basis; applicants are notified of decisions APRIL 1: Suggested application deadline for first-year J.D. applicants; Application review continues until class is full; First seat deposit due JUNE 1: Second seat deposit due
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SCHEDULE A VISIT
V
isiting campus is the best way for you to
learn about SIU School of Law. We invite you to join us for a class, talk with our students, and discuss the advantages of a legal education at one of the best small, public law schools in the country. To schedule an appointment, visit the SIU School of Law website at www.law.siu.edu or call us at 800.739.9187.
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www.law.siu.edu
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SCHOOL OF LAW OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS - MAIL CODE 6811 SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY CARBONDALE 1 2 0 9 W. C H A U TA U Q U A CARBONDALE, ILLINOIS 62901
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