College of Law 2016 Admissions Viewbook law.uky.edu
1 Welcome to UK Law 2 A Tradition of Excellence 4 Schedule your Visit to UK Law
Program Structure 5 6 8 9 10
A Curriculum Designed for Success Academic Success Program: 1L, 2L & 3L Curriculum Program Requirements Dual Degrees Clinical Offerings for Real-World Experience
The UK Difference
Life at UK Law 20 23 24 26
UK: The Ultimate Student Experience Student Organizations Student Advocacy Teams and Competitions Meet Lexington: The Heart of the Bluegrass
How to Apply 28 29 30 31 32
Seeking A Talented & Diverse Student Body Admissions Process & Application Requirements Affording UK Law Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships See UK Law For Yourself
14 Quality, Devoted Educators 16 A Well-Resourced Campus 18 A Network for Career Development The University of Kentucky is committed to a policy of providing educational opportunities to all academically qualified students regardless of economic or social status and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, veteran status, or physical or mental disability. Qualified students with disabilities should contact the Disability Resource Center at 859.257.2754.
Welcome to UK Law “The University of Kentucky College of Law strives to be an outstanding public law school. To that end, we prepare leaders and practiceready lawyers to serve the country and the Commonwealth, produce nationally-recognized legal scholarship, and contribute to the advancement of justice.” David A. Brennen, Dean, UK Law
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A Tradition of Excellence Welcome, prospective law student. You hold in your hands a guide to the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s premier law school, a 100-year old training ground for tomorrow’s leaders that has produced some of the nation’s finest lawyers, judges, political leaders and businesspeople. UK Law takes pride in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment to help students take the next steps towards their goals. Discover your place in the UK Law community.
UK Law Founded in 1908 Located on the University of Kentucky’s main campus in Lexington, KY Ranked #3 by National Jurist Magazine as the “Best Value Law School” in 2014 Ranked 12th in the country in full-time, long-term, bar passage required, JD jobs for the class of 2014 [1] First-time test takers had a 90.2% bar passage rate in 2013 [2]
Approximately 400 full-time Law Students 11:1 Student to faculty ratio 15 Clinical and Externship Opportunities 4 Dual degree programs Alumni base represents all 50 states Approved by the American Bar Association in 1925, and elected to the Order of the Coif, the most prestigious national legal honorary society, in 1931
[1] According to the reported ABA employment data, UK Law is #12 in the nation in the category of full-time, long-term, bar passage required, excluding jobs funded by a graduate’s own law school or university. You can find more information on our employment statistics and the full 2014 ABA Employment Summary by visiting the UK Law website. [2] For previously reported 2011-2013 bar passage statistics, view the full ABA Required Disclosures on the UK Law website.
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Located in the heart of historic Lexington, Kentucky, UK Law couples the amenities of a large, well-resourced university with the tight-knit community of a smaller school. You’ll find helpful information in this guide, but you’re also encouraged to visit UK’s campus to look around and get a feel for life on campus. There are student and faculty representatives ready to help you at every touchpoint. You can schedule your visit to UK Law at law.uky.edu/admissions/connect.
Program Structure A Curriculum Designed for Success Discover a diverse course catalog, unique dual degree options and an unwavering academic support system. “UK Law provides a well-rounded legal education that prepares law students to enter the profession and the judiciary with skill and confidence.” Mary Noble, Deputy Chief Justice UK Law Class of 1982
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See course descriptions at law.uky.edu/course-catalog.
Academic Success Program 1L, 2L and 3L Curriculum The College of Law’s Academic Success Program is built to ensure that you have tools for success at your disposal every step of the way. In addition to a set curriculum, First-Year (1L) students can enroll in a summer “Introduction to Legal Reasoning” course prior to orientation, and can attend workshops throughout the fall semester on topics such as time management, reading and briefing cases, outlining and exam prep. Second-Year (2L) and Third-Year (3L) students must complete a Professional Responsibility course, a professional skills course and a seminar with a writing requirement. As a 2L and 3L student, you’ll also have opportunities for skills assessment tests and individual coaching, as well as several bar preparation options for those planning to take a bar exam after graduation. From individual and group support to expert advice and helpful study resources – at UK Law, you are never alone in your academic journey.
1L Law Students Curriculum
2L & 3L Law Students Curriculum
Fall August-December
In addition to the 3 course requirements for 2L and 3L students, UK Law encourages students to explore courses within their specific areas of interest to gain experience and deepen their understanding of the complexities of the law. Faculty members are ready to assist you in deciding which courses to pursue within the following areas of focus.
Contracts I
3 credit hours
Torts
4 credit hours
Criminal Law
3 credit hours
Civil Procedure I
3 credit hours
Legal Research and Writing
Enrolled
Spring January-May Contracts II
3 credit hours
Property
4 credit hours
Constitutional Law I
3 credit hours
Civil Procedure II
3 credit hours
Legal Research & Writing
4 credit hours
Business Law
Health Care Law
Commercial Law/Bankruptcy
Intellectual Property Law
Criminal Law
International Law
Environmental Law
Litigation
Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Family Law
Tax Law
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Program Requirements
Requirements: n
The UK Law program is designed for completion in six successive semesters, or in five semesters with two eight-week summer sessions in an accelerated program. Full-time students must take a minimum of 10 hours, but most students typically take between 14-16 hours per semester.
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Six semesters of law study totaling at least 90 credit hours GPA of 2.0 or better Specific courses in professional responsibility, skills and writing
Dual Degrees UK Law offers four joint degree programs in cooperation with other UK graduate schools, providing a unique opportunity for you to complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree and earn a Master’s degree in just three or four years. Students studying certain undergraduate disciplines can take advantage of UK’s BLUE program and receive a Juris Doctor (JD) and Bachelor of Arts (BA) in six years. To be considered for a dual degree program, you must apply independently to both programs and the Graduate School, and must meet the admission standards of each.
Juris Doctor/Master of Arts in Diplomacy and International Commerce: Patterson School of Diplomacy and International Commerce uky.edu/pattersonschool Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration: Gatton School of Business and Economics* gatton.uky.edu *Accelerated program may be completed in 3 calendar years.
Juris Doctor/Master of Health Administration: College of Public Health uky.edu/publichealth Juris Doctor/Master of Public Administration: Martin School of Public Policy
UK Colleges offering Dual Degrees U.S. & World Report Ranked The Martin School 16th in Public Affairs Amongst Public Universities U.S. News & World Report Ranked The College of Public Health in the Top 25 Anchored by a series of rigorous foundation courses in business, UK’s MBA programs emphasize leadership, ethics, critical thinking, problem solving and team building skills The Patterson School accepts 35 new residents each year Smallest student cohort of all ranked U.S. programs
martin.uky.edu For more information on the dual degree programs and Graduate School, visit law.uky.edu/dual_degrees and research.uky.edu/gs UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF LAW
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Clinical Offerings for Real-World Experience UK Law students have unique opportunities for various clinical and externship offerings in and around Lexington. The local and federal courthouses downtown serve as headquarters for Lexington’s legal community, and are frequently where the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court convene. You’ll have the chance to receive practical, real-world experience outside the classroom to help immerse yourself in substantive and procedural law. UK Law also regularly hosts nationally and internationally recognized speakers to allow students to engage with prominent members of the legal profession. Past honored guests have included U.S. Supreme Court Justices, U.S. Congressmen, federal and international judges and leading authorities on various legal topics such as elections, data, privacy and security.
“Law school is an opportunity to explore all the different areas of the law, even the ones you are sure you aren’t interested in. I encourage students to broaden their horizons, because sometimes you discover your passion in an unexpected place.” Professor Jennifer Bird-Pollan Specialty: Tax
UK Legal Clinic Children’s Law Center Externship Child Advocacy Today Externship City Attorney Externship County Attorney Externship Department of Public Advocacy Externship Energy and Environment Cabinet Externship Immigration Law Externship
Innocence Project Externship Judicial Clerkship Externship Prosecutorial Externship Refugee Ministries Externship UK HealthCare Risk Management Office Externship UK Office of Legal Counsel Externship UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF LAW
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Visit law.uky.edu/academics/legal-clinic or law.uky.edu/tax for more information.
Clinic Spotlight:
Clinic Spotlight:
The College of Law’s Legal Clinic, directed by Professor Allison Connelly, UK Law ‘83 and former Kentucky Public Advocate, provides third-year students the unique opportunity to advise, counsel and represent clients on a variety of civil legal matters.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) clinic is a free tax preparation clinic for the UK & Lexington communities, offering assistance to individuals filing taxes or answering questions about the filing process. While there is no specific income limit for those it serves, the clinic mostly assists low-income individuals.
Legal Clinic
UK’s Legal Clinic offers an exceptional introduction to the realities of legal practice and client representation, whether you choose to pursue a career in public interest law or private practice. “By putting a human face on the legal problems and needs facing those without means, the clinic has promoted an understanding of the need for fairness and justice in our legal system, and has translated those needs into a valuable educational experience.” Professor Allison Connelly UK Law ’83, Legal Clinic Director
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
“The students also take away valuable experience in developing their law and accounting skills, and I hope they take away a good sense of the value of community service. And they receive taxpayer smiles, hugs, and kind words, which are truly invaluable. It is a chance to be someone’s hero.” Professor Douglas Michael Associate Dean of Academic Affairs & leader of VITA During the 2014-2015 Academic Year, UK Law Students involved in the Legal Clinic and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program devoted 2,732 hours to clients, and saved taxpayers $95,000.
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The UK Difference Quality, Devoted Educators “Get to know your professors outside of class. Doing so will deepen your understanding of each professor’s area of expertise and will give you the opportunity to learn more about the legal profession and your role in it.” Professor Kristin Hazelwood Specialty: Legal Research & Writing
The faculty members at UK Law employ hands-on, open door teaching philosophies, listening closely to your needs and aspirations as a law student and helping you achieve your goals. Faculty teaching first-year courses are particularly dedicated to meeting with students outside class, working to make the transition to law school a successful one. A small student-to-faculty ratio means students have the opportunity to develop personal relationships with their professors, fostering a collaborative, supportive environment. The combined experience of the faculty at UK Law includes many years of work in major law firms, public interest programs and clerking for state and federal judges. You can learn more about UK Faculty by visiting their individual profiles at law.uky.edu/faculty.
Faculty 7 faculty members have been cited by the Supreme Court of the United States 70% of teaching faculty members have graduated from current Top-50 Law Schools 7 UK Law Faculty members have received the UK Great Teacher Award 3 full-time legal writing and 4 full-time legal research professors
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A Well-Resourced Campus Law Library At the Alvin E. Evans Law Library at UK Law, you’ll find the state’s most comprehensive print collection of primary legal materials, as well as expanding access to premiere legal databases such as WestlawNext, Lexis Advance, Checkpoint, Making of Modern Law, and HeinOnline. There are also plenty of reference services available to help you identify, locate and check out resources in any collection. Students can use the desktop computers within the library, connect their personal laptops to the campus Wi-Fi network, or check out laptops. The library is also home to the UK Law IT Department for students needing technological assistance. For more information on the Law Library, visit library.law.uky.edu/home or facebook.com/uklawlibrary.
Library Services Circulation and Reserves Reference Services n Printing, Copying, and Scanning n Internet Access and Library Desktop Computers n
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Library Laptops Inter Library Loan (ILL) Study Carrels and Study Rooms
Student Resources Law school can be challenging, which is why UK Law is proactive in providing opportunities for students to develop healthy ways to deal with stress. Resources are available both on campus and online, from drop-in meetings with a full-time academic success advisor, to online faculty blogs offering study and time management tips. No matter your course load, UK Law is here to help you meet the demands of a challenging curriculum. To learn more about the resources available to you as a UK Law student, visit law.uky.edu/academics/useful-resources.
“I didn’t fully appreciate the quality of my law school education at the University of Kentucky College of Law until I was practicing law. After working a bit, I realized how well I’d been prepared for the bar exam, for landing a federal judicial clerkship and for joining my firm with something to contribute at the outset.” Angela Edwards, Partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP UK Law Class of 1994
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A Network for Career Development “UK Law provided a unique opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with people from across the country. After law school, many of those relationships have been very valuable, both personally and professionally. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to attend UK Law.� Jane Allen, Chairman and Founder of Counsel On Call UK Law Class of 1991
With employment statistics consistently exceeding national averages, UK Law prides itself in connecting students with career opportunities. UK Law’s Career Development Office is a dedicated, on-site resource for law students during their employment searches. At the Career Development Office, you will be able to take advantage of helpful services such as one-on-one career counseling, seminars, workshops, career speakers, on-campus interviews, job postings and assistance with navigating online resources. You will also have the unique opportunity to receive career and interview advice from former practicing attorneys and UK Law graduates. The most popular choices for UK Law graduates after graduation are usually a state or federal judicial clerkship or private practice. Other graduates typically enter careers in public interest, business, government, academia, or decide to pursue further education. Many UK Law graduates begin practice in Kentucky, however others opt to pursue careers out-of-state. The Career Development Office, in partnership with the UK Law Alumni Association, helps connect students wishing to practice elsewhere with practicing alumni. For more detailed information on employment statistics or the Career Development Office visit law.uky.edu/careers.
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For additional information visit
Life at UK Law
getinvolved.uky.edu uky.edu/UKHome/subpages/studentlife.html finearts.uky.edu ukathletics.com lexarts.org visitlex.com
UK: The Ultimate Student Experience As a student at UK Law, you’ll be part of a thriving college campus in the heart of bustling Lexington, a city named the five-time winner of “100 Best Communities for Young People” by America’s Promise Alliance. There are events and opportunities happening around campus and Lexington that you won’t want to miss, orchestrated by students, faculty members and the Lexington community.
Campus Life Over 100 events put on by the Student Activities Board. 450+ Student Organizations
Sports
Fitness
Arts & Culture
22 NCAA Intercollegiate sports*
State-of-the-art Johnson Athletic Center
Singletary Center
44 Club Sports + Various Intramural teams
Arboretum with walking & jogging paths
* UK Law Students receive discounts
The Art Museum Webb Museum of Anthropology Martin Luther King Jr. Cultural Center International Center The Barnhart & Randall Galleries UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF LAW
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UK Law is also home to two prestigious student-run law journals, The Kentucky Law Journal (KLJ) and The Kentucky Journal of Equine, Agriculture, and National Resources Law (KJEANRL).
Student Organizations Most students at UK Law are active in at least one of UK’s many student organizations, which provide opportunities for educational growth, social activities and community service. With all the organizations available, there is sure to be something for everyone, or take advantage of the opportunity to create your own!
Student Organizations n n n n
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American Constitution Society Appalachian Law Caucus Arts and Culture Law Society Asian and Pacific American Law Student Association Black Law Students Association Christian Legal Society Energy and Mineral Law Society Environmental Law Society Equine Law Society Federalist Society Health Law Society Intellectual Property Law Society International Law Society Kentucky Journal for Equine, Agricultural, and Natural Resources Law*
n n n n n n n n n n n n
Kentucky Law Journal* Latino(a) Law Student Association Law Student Veterans Organization Moot Court Board* OUTLaw Phi Alpha Delta Sports Law Society Student Bar Association Student Public Interest Law Foundation Tax Law Society Trial Advocacy Board* Wellness Club Women’s Law Caucus
*Students may participate in these competitive co-curricular programs to receive course credit.
For more information, visit law.uky.edu/academics/student-organizations. For more information on KLJ or KJEANRL, visit law.uky.edu/klj or law.uky.edu/kjeanrl. UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY COLLEGE OF LAW
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Student Advocacy Teams and Competitions Students can take part in an intra-school competitions by participating in the Trial Advocacy Board (TAB) and the Moot Court. TAB gives students interested in litigation or advocacy the opportunity to gain applicable experience for effective trial advocacy. Students interested in appellate advocacy can participate in the Moot Court, which allows students to hone advocacy, public speaking and legal analysis skills. Both programs at UK Law regularly compete on a regional and national stage and have won numerous awards.
Moot Court n
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1st place, George Washington Religious Freedom Moot Court Competition, 2012 Best Oral Advocate, Saul Lefkowitz Moot Court Regional Competition, 2012
Trial Advocacy Board National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Top 16 Law School Trial Programs in the nation, 2008-2013 n 1st place, Regionals of the National Trial Competition (6 out of the last 8 years) n Winner, Kentucky Mock Trial Tournament (13 out of 17 years) n Second in the Nation, National Trial Competition 2009; one of top 8 teams in the nation in 2010 and 2011 n
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Meet Lexington: The Heart of the Bluegrass Lexington is considered one of the best college towns in America. In fact, the American Institute for Economic Research ranked Lexington the ninth best small metro college town in a recent survey. A vibrant, bustling city nestled in the heart of beautiful horse country, Lexington offers a unique blend of rural aesthetics and cosmopolitan amenities. Just minutes from campus you’ll find an exploding culinary scene, exciting nightlife, charming art galleries, live music, city parks, coffee shops and more.
Lexington, KY Three airports within a 90-minute drive Centrally located within a day’s drive of 2/3 of the U.S. population Lexington-Fayette Population: 295,800 “Horse Capital of the World” – over 400 surrounding horse farms 15 colleges and universities within the region Conveniently located at the intersection of I-64 and I-75
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Visit law.uky.edu/admissions for more information.
How to Apply
SEPTEMBER 1 UK Law application is available to candidates on lsac.org Mid-to-late NOVEMBER UK Law admission decisions begin on a rolling basis
Seeking a Talented & Diverse Student Body
FEBRUARY 1 Priority application deadline for scholarship consideration
Admission Process & Application Requirements
FEBRUARY Last LSAT accepted by UK Law
UK Law prides itself in selecting a talented, diverse student body that enhances the education quality of the university as a whole. The admission process involves a “full-file� review of each applicant, taking into account numerical, academic and non-academic factors. UK Law offers a full-time day program for students entering their fall semester.
MARCH 1 UK Law application must be complete for scholarship consideration MARCH 15 UK Law Application deadline MARCH 15 FAFSA Priority Deadline
The Admissions Process & Application Requirements Application Requirements Application Application Fee n Personal Statement n Resume (highly preferred) n Transcripts (undergraduate & graduate) n Two Letters of Recommendation n Law School Admission Test (LSAT) n Law School Admission Council (LSAC) Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report n Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (required for all applicants whose native language is not English) n n
For additional information, visit law.uky.edu/admissions/apply law.uky.edu/admissions/frequently-asked-questions lsac.org
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Affording UK Law At UK Law, you’ll receive a high-quality legal education for a comparatively low cost, whether you’re a resident of Kentucky or not. UK Law’s Student Financial Aid Office is here to help administer Federal Financial Aid to ensure every student can afford an education.
Tuition, Financial Aid & Scholarships 2015-2016 Cost of Attendance
Resident Nonresident
Tuition
$20,369 $39,587
Fees
$1,249 $1,249
Federal financial aid is available to UK Law students from the following programs: n
Room & Board $11,434 $11,434
n n n
Books & Supplies $1,000
$1,000
Travel
$850 $1,150
Personal
$2,338 $2,320
Loan Origination $210 Total
$210
$37,450 $56,950
Federal Perkins Loans Federal Direct Loans (unsubsidized) Federal Graduate Direct PLUS Loans Federal Work-Study (available for 2Ls and 3Ls)
Types of Scholarships: Merit Scholarships, including Bert Combs Scholarship & Ashland Inc. Legal Scholarship n Diversity Scholarships n UK Fellowships n
For additional information, visit uky.edu/financialaid fafsa.ed.gov research.uky.edu/gs/StudentFunding/fellowships.html
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See UK Law for Yourself As a future law student, you know that there’s only so much reading you can do before you need to dive in for some firsthand experience. The faculty and students at UK Law are eager to answer any questions you might have about life on campus or the application process. Schedule a campus visit – look around, ask questions. There will be someone here for you every step of the way.
Visiting UK Law If you are interested in visiting the University of Kentucky College of Law in Lexington, Kentucky, you can arrange a visit by signing up online at law.uky.edu/admissions/ connect. If you have additional questions, please call 859.218.1699 or email uklawadmissions@uky.edu. We look forward to seeing you on campus soon! Learn More and Schedule a Visit
Have questions? Give us a call!
Meet a UK Law Representative law.uky.edu/admissions/road
UK Law Admissions 620 South Limestone Street, Suite 260 Lexington, KY 40506 859.218.1699 uklawadmissions@uky.edu
Attend an Information Session law.uky.edu/admissions/information-sessions Receive a tour of the Law School from a UK Law Student, or sit in on a First-Year class law.uky.edu/admissions/class-visits-and-tours
“I came to UK Law for a couple of reasons, but it all goes back to the school’s commitment to making each student feel like he or she is receiving a personalized experience.” Chris Stewart UK Law Class of 2016
law.uky.edu Connect with UK Law: Call 859.218.1699 or e-mail uklawadmissions@uky.edu. University of Kentucky College of Law, 620 S. Limestone Street, Suite 260, Lexington, Kentucky 40506-0048
Facebook.com/ukcollegeoflaw
Twitter.com/uklawadmissions