American Legal Education with an Innovative Approach

The University of Massachusetts School of Law - Dartmouth builds on a solid tradition of American legal education while also providing an innovative approach to preparing students for the practice of law. The education program at UMass Law maintains a focus on assuring that students acquire the necessary degree of competence in the law—both knowledge of substance and analytical skills.

This approach centers on a classroom experience in which professors foster discussion that explores the underpinnings of legal principles and the development of legal doctrines. Students are prepared to grapple with legal issues at a deep level as practitioners.

Opportunities to Develop Practical Legal Skills

In addition to the traditional academic component, the law school provides students with the opportunity to begin developing practical legal skills. The school  recently initiated a multiple-semester Legal Skills program that integrates:

• legal writing
• legal research
• legal skills
• ethics

The school also offers clinical courses that focus on the day-to-day problems and tasks of practicing lawyers as well as clerkship opportunities that put students to work in law firms and courthouses. In this way, the full-time faculty, supplemented by an adjunct faculty of accomplished judges and practicing lawyers, prepare students to face the reality of practicing law while still in school.

Introduction to Fundamental Human Questions

The educational program also introduces students to the fundamental human questions connected with the study and practice of law. In all its courses, professors and students examine such issues as whether laws must be just to be legitimate, the special role lawyers have in a society premised on the rule of law, and the fundamental political questions which arise under our constitutional order.

By pondering these types of questions, students begin to understand the responsibilities that come with being a lawyer. Such inquiries also begin to prepare them to face the challenges involved in the practice of law in American society today.

An Atmosphere of Cooperation and Collegiality

UMass Law assumes that there is more to legal education than instilling knowledge of the law. The best education is one that takes place in an atmosphere of cooperation and collegiality. The hallmark of the faculty is that they are deeply devoted to helping students learn.

Professors make themselves available to students for individual help and work with them to realize their highest potential. Both the professional accomplishment and personal satisfaction of the faculty are measured by the success of their students in mastering the law.

Students are Recognized as Individuals

Each person is treated as an individual. UMass Law welcomes the varied backgrounds and experiences of all its students. During the admissions process, students are evaluated on an individual basis to assure that their abilities and potential are truly recognized.

Program Offerings

In addition to a full-time day program, the law school offers a part-time day program and a part-time evening/weekend program, both of which provide an opportunity to obtain a legal education to those who might not otherwise be able to do so. The part-time programs are particularly suited to the needs of students with family or employment responsibilities. Students in all programs receive a comprehensive education that focuses on legal principles, practical legal skills, and the responsibilities of the legal profession.

Facility

The law school is located in a custom-constructed facility in North Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Blending contemporary and traditional architecture, the spacious building provides a comfortable setting for student-faculty interaction, library study, and student activities. The university offers student access to the Internet and school e-mail accounts both through a computer lab in the library and through building-wide wireless access.

Besides featuring bright amphitheater classrooms, the building has many private areas for individual and group study. In addition, the student lounge provides a relaxed atmosphere for study breaks and eating. The building also meets the needs of the physically challenged. There is ample parking in a large, well-lit parking lot.

A Unique and Exciting Legal Education

All of these elements combine to make legal education at UMass Law a unique and exciting experience. A graduate of UMass Law will have both the intellectual training necessary for the successful practice of law and an appreciation of the human qualities necessary to make the practice of law a satisfying and meaningful career.