Appalachian School of Law
Lawyers are problem solvers. To be effective, a legal education must prepare students to address clients’ needs. I believe we do that well.
Soits many of our “Since founding, ASL speak has required students of ASL significant exposure as “transforming” practical law. theirtolives – indeed, We have been doing changing destinies. for you overwill a decade I hope come what other along with us.schools Ours is are nowpartnership beginning a lifetime toin embrace.” the law.
Ourbeen mission is to nourish those who want to Much has written about the the dreams need toofchange become lawyers and leaders in their communities. And we do it well.
the traditional approach to legal education. Studies have concluded that modern legalbest education should We seek out those who learn in an intimate facultystudent mentoring model, and those who want actual to live for the term of emphasize “experiential” classes, in which their law school education a stunningly beautiful practice skills are taughtinaside substantive law.small community, and thrive in a collegial atmosphere of learning.
Since its the curriculum Appalachian School of Lawon the practical Wefounding, offer a varied with an emphasis skills of lawyering, both in and out of the courtroom. We offer has required significant exposure to practical law. certificates for those who want to specialize in Natural Resources & We have been doing for over a decade what other Energy Law, Alternate Dispute Resolution, Litigation, and Public Health schools are now beginning to embrace. Law. Much isin afoot at Appalachian School of Law. We have great ASL is unique valuing practice experience in its optimism about your future, and we look forward to the journey with faculty. Our professors have been in courtrooms, you, and to helping you achieve your professional dreams. boardrooms, and negotiations, representing real clients. Consider our emphasis on professionalism, problem
solving, skills development, and service. We look forward to helping you become a member of the Lucy S. McGough Dean, that ChiefisOperating privileged profession the law. Officer and Professor of Law
Clinton W. Shinn Dean, Chief Operating Officer, and Professor of Law
2
Contents A New Way of Thinking ................................6-7
The Appalachian School of Law admits students without regard to age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion, political affiliation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students
A Practical Focus ...............................................8
at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion,
The Externship ...................................................9
political affiliation, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions
Faculty Commitment ................................10-11
policies, scholarship and loan programs, and/or other school administered programs. ASL is an AA/EEO
Academic Support .....................................14-15
Employer.
Student Life.................................................16-17
The Appalachian School of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association. The ABA may be contacted
Community Service ..................................20-21
through the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, 321 N. Clark St., Chicago, Illinois, 60654-7598,
Outcomes and Careers ............................22-23
312-988-6739.
Contact Us ........................................................24
The Appalachian School of Law has been certified by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to operate in Virginia.
3
“Our students have many opportunities to be active leaders at ASL and in the community. Our externship opportunities are second to none.� DERRICK HOWARD Associate Dean of Student Affairs
A new way of thinking Studying law is a different kind of education. It requires more reading, more studying, and a new way of thinking. Just when you think you’re on to something, your professor will show you another avenue to explore. ASL is a different kind of law school. We blend traditional legal education with a focus on lawyering skills. This unique focus necessitates a different type of training
6
beyond traditional classroom instruction. We challenge all students to take both theoretical knowledge and practical skills and apply them in real-life situations. Our curriculum will give you insight into the time-honored role of an attorney as a counselor and representative of the court, seeking a balance between the interests of the client and the public. This complete
education gives you the best opportunity to walk out the door prepared to practice law. ASL also places a high priority on service to the community. We strive to produce alumni with heart who have the drive to not only reach their goals, but help out in their communities. Recent graduates have volunteered nearly 25,000 hours during their three years at ASL.
7
A practical focus ASL provides a practical education that goes beyond theory to the actual practice of law. The curriculum is aimed at giving students the skills they will need for their future career. First-year students take traditional courses including Torts, Property, and Contracts. Since the transition to law school can be stressful, ASL does not rank first-year students. Instead, competition is between students and their course material, not their classmates. In the summer prior to their second year, students are required to serve an externship with a judge or lawyer. Second-year students continue with the core legal curriculum tested on most state bar exams. However, unlike most law schools, ASL offers an introductory course in Dispute Resolution, a growing area of law that has always been a focus of ASL’s curriculum. Upper-level Dispute Resolution courses are also available. Interested students may train to become civil mediators through the Lawyer As Problem-Solver program. Second-year students may also choose such electives as Appellate Advocacy. Many students elect to continue honing their legal skills through a legal internship after their second year. In the third year, our students are able to take electives and seminars that interest them most. They may also take small practicum courses, designed to give them a solid foundation in areas such as Family Law, Real Estate Transactions, Estate Planning, and Trial Advocacy. Our practical commitment shows in the success of our Moot Court teams. ASL is a two-time national champion and five-time finalist or semifinalist at the Wechsler Criminal Law competition in Buffalo, New York. ASL has also made strong showings at competitions like the American Association for Justice Mock Trial contest, CSOL National Constitutional Law Competition, Gabrielli National Family Law Competition, and ABA National Family Law Competition.
8
spending at least 200 hours working under an experienced attorney. This allows them to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply it to the real world. Most students complete externships Externships in a judge’s chambers, public law office, government agency, or public The Appalachian of Law has Our unparalleled School externship program interest organization. Approved sites distinguished itself from other law is an approach that other law schools across theour nation. are located Students schools by providing students with are just now implementing. practical legal through will prepare forexperience the experience in an its Externship program well before externship class at ASL during their For six weeks between first graduation. During theirtheir externships, second semester. During their and second years, ASL students earn students may: externships, students may: three hours of academic credit by spending at least 200 hours working n Assist with trial strategy under an experienced attorney. This n Draft judicial opinions, pleadings allows them to take what they have and legal memoranda learned in the classroom and apply n Interview clients it to the real world. n Observe court proceedings n Perform factual investigations Most students complete externships n Research legal issues in a judge’s chambers, public law n Update law libraries office, government agency, or public interest organization. Approved sites are located across the nation. Students will prepare for the experience in an externship class at ASL during their Most students complete externships second semester. During their in a judge’s chambers, public law externships, students may: or public office, government agency, interest organization. More than 500 n Assist with strategyacross the approved sitestrial are located nation. Thus, a myriad of placements n Draft judicial opinions, pleadings are and available to our students at sites legal memoranda such as: n Interview clients n Observe court proceedings n Perform factual investigations n U.S. Department of Justice n Research legal issues n U.S. Environmental Protection n Agency Update law libraries n
n n
n n n
9
State Supreme Court justice’s chambers State Trial Court judge’s chambers Federal magistrate, circuit court, and district court judge’s chambers State Attorneys General offices State District Attorney offices U.S. Air Force Legal Office
9
Faculty commitment members are have more than 325 years ASL faculty members legal practitioners. They of experience practicing the law. Theyteach draw theory on draw on their legal experience to help that knowledge and expertise in the classroom in practice. ASL professors are also nationally so that their students understand recruited scholars can withthoroughly degrees from schools what it means to practice, too. However, beyond their including: practical experience, ASL professors are also nationally recruited scholars with degrees from schools including: n Appalachian School of Law n
n n
n n
n n
n n
n n
n n
n n
n n
n n
n n
University of Virginia Yale University University of Richmond Princeton University University ofVirginia Pittsburgh University of University ofTennessee Tennessee University of University ofPennsylvania Pennsylvania University of Ohio State University Stanford University Georgetown University Ohio State University Lewis and Clark Law School Georgetown University Harvard UniversityUniversity of Minnesota Emory University University of Missouri University of Missouri
They are experts on a wide range of subjects, including dispute resolution, natural resources They are the experts a wide range of subjects, law, and Firston Amendment.
including dispute resolution, natural resources law, and the First Professors atAmendment. ASL are approachable and available for questions. They are teachers, first and foremost, who are committed their students' success. Our Professors at ASL aretoapproachable and available for students do not have to wait for weeks to schedule help. They are teachers, first and foremost, who are an appointment to speak withsuccess. their professors. committed to their students' Our professors Instead, professors make themselves available and make themselves available, in the office, for a cup of are even willing to meet students over a cup of coffee, over lunch, or often at home for dinner. coffee, lunch, or dinner.
Students Students often often spot spot professors professors around around town, town, engaged engaged and and involved. involved. They, They, too, too, have have aa passion passion for making a difference. for making a difference.
10
“Professors at ASL seem very interested in seeing students get ahead both in the classroom and in life. Almost all of the professors are available to students at any time.� KENNETH L. CARROLL Class of 2008
11
“We will continue to seek out those who learn best in an intimate faculty-student mentoring model, and flourish in a collegial learning environment.� DEAN McGOUGH
Student Editorial Board, ASL's Natural Resources Law Journal
Academic support ASL's Academic Success Program, also known as the Student Learning and Testing Enrichment Center (SLATE), helps students develop and realize their full potential to succeed in law school and pass the bar exam. All incoming students are required to take Strategies for Legal Success, a one-semester course that helps students learn the essential skills needed to succeed in law school, including critical thinking, reading, listening, case brieďŹ ng, note taking, outlining, and exam writing. Select students will attend Strategies for Legal Success II, which gives students additional opportunities to practice the skills they learned during the ďŹ rst-semester course. Students also take Bar Preparation Studies during the spring semester of their third year. This three-credit course will build on analytical, writing, and organizational skills taught across the ASL curriculum with the goal of enhancing the student's ability to prepare for and pass the July bar exam. Because becoming a good lawyer also requires being a good writer, the Writing Center aims to give a stronger writing foundation through one-on-one assistance to help students improve grammar, syntax, usage, style, and organization. Even after graduation, ASL continues to work with students who are preparing to sit for the July bar exam. Students continue to receive instruction and feedback no matter where they are studying. An Alumni Mentorship Program matches third-year law students with alumni who recently passed the bar and are willing to share their experiences. Additionally, a Faculty Mentorship Program matches faculty members with students preparing to take the bar. Faculty mentors provide review tips, motivation, and encouragement, and travel to select states to provide lunch on exam days to eliminate one additional stress.
14
Workshops and Seminars Throughout the academic year, a series of Academic Success workshops and seminars focus on practical subjects to help students succeed in law school and pass the bar exam. Past topics have included: n n n n n n n n n n n n
Time Management Skills Surviving and Thriving Your First Year of Law School Using Your Personal Learning Style to Your Advantage Writing Seminar: How Not to Write Like a Lawyer Expert Reading Techniques for Law Students Creating Course Outlines and Other Study Materials Maintaining a Healthy Mental Approach to Law School Multiple Choice Test-Taking Strategies Essay Writing Strategies Faculty Panel: Preparing for and Taking Law School Exams Alumni Panel: Taking the Bar Exam (What I Did Right; What I Did Wrong) Social Media Do’s and Don’ts for Law Students and Graduates
15
Student life Just our students connectlaw with the surrounding community throughJust service, they connect Wantasthe typical, cut-throat school environment? Look elsewhere. as our students connect theon surrounding community through service, they connect with each other on with eachwith other our tight-knit campus as peers and friends. our tight-knit campus as peers and friends. When they’re “off the clock,” students have easy access to outdoor activities such as hiking, activities as hiking, When they’re “off the clock,” studentsbiking. have easy access to outdoor rafting, rock climbing, and mountain Nearby Breaks Interstate Park is asuch popular spot rafting, rock climbing, and mountain biking. Nearby Breaks Interstate Park is a popular spot for recreation, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is just a few hours away. Theater for recreation, the Great National Park is just a few hours buffs can catchand a show at theSmoky historicMountains Barter Theatre in charming Abingdon, andaway. musicTheater fans can buffs can a show at theRoad” historic Barter Theatre in charming follow thecatch nearby “Crooked to discover Virginia’s bluegrassAbingdon, heritage. and music fans can follow the nearby “Crooked Road” to discover Virginia’s bluegrass heritage. Nearby cities within a half-day drive for shopping and other cultural activities include Roanoke, Nearby cities within half-day drive for shopping cultural activities include Roanoke, Va., Knoxville, Tenn., aLexington, Ky., Asheville, N.C.,and andother Charlotte, N.C. Va., Knoxville, Tenn., Lexington, Ky., Asheville, N.C., and Charlotte, N.C.
16
Clubs and organizations n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
American Association of Justice/Mock Trial American Constitution Society Appalachian Journal of Law Appalachian Natural Resources Law Journal Appalachian Women in Law ASL Basketball ASL CARES ASL Softball Black Law Student Association Christian Legal Society Criminal Law Society Democratic Law Society Education Law Society Energy and Mineral Law Society Environmental Law Society
n n n n n n n n n n n n n n n
Federalist Society Gay/Straight Legal Alliance (OutLaw) Hamilton Society International Law Society Knitting Circle Moot Court NC/SC Bar Association Phi Alpha Delta Phi Delta Phi Republican Law Student Association Second Amendment Rights Society Sports and Entertainment Law Society Student Bar Association Sutin Public Interest Association Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
17
“That’s what I loved about ASL ... It seems like you’re tucked away in the mountains, but you’re pretty tight with everyone by the time you’re done.” JARROD CROCKETT Class of 2006
ASL graduates are practice-ready and prepared to lead.
Community service ASL educates its future lawyers to become civic servants and leaders. ASL is so passionate about service that our students are required to complete 25 hours of service each semester. They do so willingly, as ASL attracts students who see beyond themselves and become leaders in their community, now and in the future. While students are able to structure their service commitment to meet their schedules, ASL does allow one afternoon a week for its students and faculty to volunteer. Volunteer opportunities are varied and have included: n
tutoring children at local schools
n
aiding patients at remote medical clinics
n
coaching local youth sports groups
n
advocating for abused children in court
n
volunteering for the animal shelter
n
assisting public attorneys or defenders
n
helping residents complete their taxes
n
mapping property for a municipal project
n
cleaning up area rivers and streams collecting winter coats for local children planting trees at former strip mine sites
n n
In the past, ASL has been recognized with the President’s Honor Roll Award for Service. This award is the highest federal recognition that a school can achieve for its commitment to service learning and civic engagement.
22 20
“You are not just a lawyer from 8 to 5 … you’re a lawyer at home; you’re a lawyer in the community. ASL understands that you’re a lawyer all the time and that responsibility goes along with being a lawyer.” DAVID J. ROBINSON Class of 2007
23 21
Outcomes and careers ASL graduates do remarkable things. That’s because they’ve benefited from an innovative legal education rooted in learning by doing. Through ASL, they made vital connections to experienced law professionals, many of whom are ASL alums who want to give back to the institution that helped them build their careers. Students get a head start on their career search with the help of ASL’s Career Services office, which maintains a library of career prep materials; internship, scholarship, and fellowship listings; and a frequently updated job postings database. The office coordinates on-campus interviews, mock interviews, career fairs, resume collections, and resume and cover letter reviews that help students put their best foot forward.
“My experience at the Appalachian School of Law prepared me for not just a career in law, but a career focused on using the law and legal process to make a positive change in the world around me.” Margaret Sagi ‘06 n Assistant District Attorney General, 23rd Judicial District, State of Tennessee
ASL's alumni network is made up of graduates across the country. Alumni Affairs After graduation, After graduation, the the Alumni Relations office office and Alumni Association will help you stay connected. Our alums make a difference difference in the Appalachian region and beyond in fields fields including public and private law practice, government, andeducation. business. government, and higher Many decide to work for themselves and begin their own practices.
“ASL gave me practical experience, with insight from attorneys and professors’ own practice. ASL also prepared me for the rigors of the bar exam.”
Take a look at what some of our alumni are up to and what they have to say about how ASL helped launch their legal careers.
24 22
Stewart Harman ‘03 n Plant, Christensen & Kanell, Salt Lake City, Utah n Insurance Defense, Personal Injury, Products Liability, Construction Defects, Sexual Harassment
“ASL fully prepared me for the bar, but it also helped in preparing me for the actual practice of law. So often, law schools get bogged down with the theory of law that they forget the practice of it.” Amy S. Lawrence-Lovely ‘08 n The Lovely Law Firm, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Family Law
“I especially learned a lot from my Alternative Dispute Resolution courses. They have helped me in the world of debt collection and bankruptcy in these tough economic times with handling debtors and creditors.” Alexander Hamilton Ayers ‘08 n Ayers & Stolte, Richmond, Va. n Bankruptcy, Collections, Litigation, Real Estate Transactions, Contracts, Corporate Law, Construction Law
“ASL provided me with
“Professors at ASL give
career opportunities equal
you the practical side of
to those offered by any law
the law, not just book law.”
school. Serving as a law clerk for a
Dustin R.T. Sullivan ‘06 n Sullivan & Snow Law, Bolivia, N.C. n Criminal Defense
federal judge, then as an assistant attorney general for Virginia, afforded “ASL prepared me to be a
me opportunities to participate in trial lawyer by providing a
cases before the U.S. Supreme Court foundation of advocacy
and sit first chair in jury trials around skills via a learn-by-doing approach.”
Virginia.” Travis E. Venable ‘03 n Tom Rhodes Law Firm, William R. “Rob” Sievers ‘02 n Taylor Walker, Richmond,
San Antonio, Texas n Civil Litigation, Personal
Va. Civil Litigation, Sports and Entertainment Law
Injury, Medical Malpractice, Products Liability
n
25 23
ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS “ASL prepared me for a career in law, legal process, and for the ever-tasking bar exam.” Justin Marcum ‘11 n Managing attorney, Marcum Law Office, Williamson, WV Assistant Prosecuting Attorney for Mingo County, WV House of Delegates, WV
“At ASL, you are able to learn the law needed to pass the bar exam while also learning what kind of lawyer you want to be. I made an investment in myself and my investment has paid tremendous dividends.” Jesse C. Markley ‘12 n Associate Attorney Hoffmeyer & Semmelman, LLP, York, PA.
“ASL instilled in me the skills and knowledge required to become a successful attorney in the competitive and face-paced world of business litigation in the exact area of law in which I desired to work.” Blair Wood ‘10 n Attorney, Energy and Mineral Complex Commercial Litigation. Creekmore Law Firm, PC, Blacksburg, VA
26
“From the bar prep course to summer help from professors, ASL fully prepared me to pass the bar exam, the first time.” Westley Ketron ’14, summa cum laude
n
Associate Attorney
Steptoe and Johnson, PLLC., Charleston, WV
“While I do not practice law at Lehigh University, the skills that I learned through my coursework and extracurricular activities were easily transferrable and have significantly helped me in my new role.” Katie Kennedy ‘13 n Assoc. Director, Stewardship LeHigh University, Bethlehem, PA
“ASL prepared me for the bar exam and the practice of law, and they also work diligently to help students obtain a job after law school.” Jennifer Jones ‘12 n U.S. Army JAG Ft. Richardson, AK.
27
Appalachian School of Law 1169 Edgewater Dr. P.O. Box 2825 Grundy, VA 24614 www.asl.edu
Contact Us Please visit our website, www.asl.edu, call us at 1-800-895-7411, or e-mail admissions@asl.edu for more details on ASL, including the application process and financial aid. You can find ASL on Facebook and Twitter, or speak with an admissions counselor via Skype.
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
NORTH TAZEWELL, VA 24630 PERMIT NO. 20