The Office of Professional Development & Alumni Affairs Meet Associate Dean Lucas-Ross

AVE MARIA LAW Office of Professional Development

Preparing Students for the Legal Profession The Office of Professional Development encourages students to consider themselves professionals on day one. Professionalism and professional development have always been closely aligned with career and employment outcomes. Our office offers resources, programming, opportunities, and advice for students as they take responsibility for their professional development so they will be well-positioned for entry into the legal market upon graduation. This office exists to support each and every student’s transition from a law student to a legal professional, ongoing and throughout their three years of law school.

Jennifer Lucas-Ross, Esq., Associate Dean

of Professional Development and Alumni Affairs, is responsible for all administrative functions of the Professional Development and Alumni Affairs Offices, as well as the administration of the Externship and Legal Internship programs. Ms. Lucas-Ross brings over twenty years of experience in management and administration. Ms. Lucas-Ross offers individualized counseling services to students and alumni. She is also responsible for outreach to alumni and employers, coordinating the law school’s recruitment programs, providing professional development training and tools to students and alumni, and producing public interest opportunities for students. “I love seeing the students develop and move from law student to practicing professional. My favorite experience in my role is watching a student graduate, begin their career, and then ask them back to mentor our current students. Every time they allow me to share in their success is a delight. Since taking over Alumni Affairs, I have also been able to see the further progress of our alumni. They are so talented and a deeply caring and receptive alumni community. Ave Maria School of Law, the Office of Professional Development, and our Ave Maria Law alumni know how challenging this year has been for everyone, especially for our Class of 2020. It is not every class who has to finish law school, graduate, take the bar exam, and search for their first position during a once in a century health crisis. Twelve years ago, our Ave Maria Law graduates faced a challenge of a different sort—the Great Recession. Know that no matter what happens, the Office of Professional Development, our alumni, and the entire law school community are here for you.”

“Having a plan is essential, but keep your heart open. I believe that our profession is a calling. And as such, sometimes we are called down a path we didn’t see when we first began this journey.”

Ave Alumni, we would love to hear about your news and accomplishments. Please contact Dean Lucas-Ross to keep us updated.

JENNIFER LUCAS-ROSS, ESQ. Associate Dean of Professional Development and Alumni Affairs jlross@avemarialaw.edu • (239) 687-5351