2014 ADMITTED STUDENTS GUIDE
ONULAW
The Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law YOUR NEXT STEPS
Greetings Admitted Students, Entering Class of 2014 YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE. In just a few short months, you will begin the training that is the necessary first step in fulfilling your dreams of becoming a lawyer. You are likely excited and a bit anxious for the start of class. We want you to know that we are here for you and will do all we can to help ease your transition to ONU Law. This booklet has been designed to provide further information about ONU Law, the next steps you will need to take to secure your seat, and information about orientation, your first year, student life, and much more.
In addition to this booklet, we have an admitted students webpage devoted to the 2014 entering class, which can be found on the Admissions page at law.onu.edu. As new information becomes available, we will use this site to post updates and necessary reminders, so bookmark it now for your convenience later. We also strongly encourage you to join our ONU Law Class of 2017 Facebook Group for instant updates, reminders, and highlights. We want to welcome you to Ohio Northern University’s College of Law. As always, if you have any questions or concerns we can address, please contact us. — Faculty, Staff, and Students
TAKE NOTE
90%
WELCOME
Ohio bar passage rate for first-time takers, July 2013.
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“Ultimately, we pride ourselves on a high standard created by small classes, individualized attention and professors who know you by name.”
DAVID C. CRAGO, ONU PROVOST AND VICE PRESIDENT FOR ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
WELCOME
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Table of contents
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Who we are and what we do well
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ONU Law at a glance
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Admitted students checklist
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Important deadlines
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Getting started at ONU Law
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Admissions timeline
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Your first year
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First-year curriculum
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First-year courses
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Graduation requirements
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Faculty
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Student life
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Taggart Law Library
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Schedule a visit
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome to ONU Law
TO THE ONU LAW FAMILY
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Who We Are and What We Do Well THE ONU LAW MISSION
A PERSONAL APPROACH TO LEGAL EDUCATION Nationally recognized as one of the most innovative law schools in 2012, ONU Law prepares students for 21st-century practice. As one of the smallest law schools in the country, we provide the ultimate small law school experience.
used their training in courtrooms throughout the United States. They are eager to convey their knowledge and experience to our students. Faculty members know their students by name and care about their success, both in and out of the classroom. At ONU Law, you are not just a number.
Our 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio allows for some of the most engaging student-faculty interaction in the country. ONU Law has faculty who were trained at the top law schools in the country and who have
Here, our mission is not only to educate, but also to ensure the development of practical skills, morals, and leadership needed to be successful in the practice of law.
DISCOVER ONU LAW
PROGRAMS – Full time only
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JD (Juris Doctor) Concurrent JD and LL.M. (Master of Laws) • Focus in international law Concurrent JD and MPPA (Master of Professional Practice in Accounting) • Focus in taxation • Baccalaureate degree in accounting mandatory Certificate programs listed on page 14.
ONU Law at a Glance WHAT WE DO EXCEPTIONALLY WELL PPrepare our students to pass the bar exam P Place students in JD-required or JD-professional positions P Provide a one-of-a-kind personal approach to legal education P Support our students from day one through the bar exam P Meld theory and practice through our innovative and skill-focused curriculum P Provide an exceptional legal education at a marginal cost ACADEMIC SUPPORT
MELDING THEORY WITH PRACTICE
Our curriculum has been developed to teach students the skills needed to become proficient practitioners. We expect our students to obtain 10 credit hours of skills training during their time in law school. A vital component of skills training is hands-on practice experience. ONU Law’s eleven guaranteed clinical placement programs give students the opportunity to delve into the field and get the experience that will help set them apart after graduation. It provides them with the knowledge and expertise for which our graduates are known. ONU Law has provided clinical education opportunities to students for more than 40 years, and we continue to be on the forefront of experiential education.
DISCOVER ONU LAW
ONU Law is proud of the strength of its academic support program. From the first day of orientation to graduation, a team of faculty, staff, and current students has your back. Every new law student is assigned a faculty mentor and an upperclass peer advisor. In addition, both the director and assistant director of academic support are available to assist you in your course of study. This team is built to provide you with the resources you need to succeed in law school. All major first-year courses or upper-level courses that cover subjects typically tested on the bar are complemented with teaching assistants (TAs) – second- or third-year students who did exceptionally well in that same class. They hold weekly review sessions and are available for one-on-one academic counseling.
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Congratulations on Your Acceptance I’VE BEEN ADMITTED; WHAT’S MY NEXT MOVE?
We are excited that you will be joining us for the 2014-15 school year. The following information will help guide and instruct you on the steps you will need to take to secure your seat and scholarship (if awarded to you).
CHECKLIST Read through the entire acceptance packet thoroughly. If you haven’t already, submit your FAFSA to ONU as soon as possible so that the Office of Financial Aid can evaluate your need and determine the awards for which you are eligible (School code: 003089) www.fafsa.ed.gov
YOUR NEXT MOVES
Join us for one of our two Accepted Student Days (see page 7).
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Submit your deposit by going online to our Admitted Students page or by mailing it to: Office of Law Admissions, 525 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810 If you have been awarded a scholarship, please sign, date, and return the appropriate acceptance form provided to you in the admittance packet by May 15, 2014. If you are interested in on-campus law housing, please contact the Office of Residence Life at 419-772-2430.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS: Dial 419-772 and one of the following extensions: Bookstore – 2410 Controller’s Office – 2014 or 2012 Counseling Center – 2190 Dining Services – 2400 Financial Aid – 2272 Health Center – 2086 IT Services – 3100 Law Admissions – 2211 Parking and Security – 2222 Registrar’s Office – 2024 Residence Life – 2430
VISIT ONU LAW
When visiting campus, each admitted student is welcome to stay at The Inn at Ohio Northern University, compliments of the College of Law. Breakfast is complimentary for guests over the age of 13. Phone: 419-772-2211
For continuous updates, visit our Admitted Students page and join us on the Class of 2017 Facebook group.
Your Next Moves IMPORTANT DEADLINES APRIL 15, 2014
Your first deposit of $400 is due on April 15, 2014. You can submit your deposit online on our Admitted Students page or by mailing it to: Office of Law Admissions, 525 S. Main St, Ada, OH 45810
MAY 15, 2014
If you have been awarded a scholarship, you must sign, date, and return the appropriate acceptance form in the mail by May 15, 2014, to hold your scholarship until you arrive.
JUNE 15, 2014
Your second deposit of $200 is due on June 15, 2014. You can submit your deposit online on our Admitted Students page or by mailing it to: Office of Law Admissions, 525 S. Main St, Ada, OH 45810
For students admitted after the deadlines: Please pay close attention to the deadlines listed on the deposit form in your acceptance packet. These dates will be your timeline.
2014 ACCEPTED STUDENT DAYS
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2014, AND SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014
At these events, you will have the opportunity to attend the following sessions: • Introduction to Student Life • Introduction to Career Services • Introduction to Academic Support • Introduction to Clinical Placement Programs • Introduction to Financial Aid – Financing Your Legal Education
• Tour of the law building and Taggart Law Library • Private Q&A with current students (no faculty, staff, or parents) • Luncheon with a guest alumni speaker • Sit in on a first-year class (mock class on April 5, 2014) • Optional on-campus housing tour
YOUR NEXT MOVES
In spring 2014, ONU Law will host two on-campus Accepted Student Days. These events are the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse into the life of an ONU Law student. RSVP to an event online at law.onu.edu/admissions/acceptedstudentsdays
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Getting Started
GETTING STARTED
ATTENDING ONU LAW
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Final and Official Transcripts for ONU Although you have submitted transcripts to the Credential Assembly Service (CAS), the University is required by its accrediting organization to have two official transcripts from your degree-granting institution showing both the date of graduation and degree awarded. These certified copies must be sent directly to the Office of Law Admissions from your undergraduate college or university. Students are not permitted to physically handle the transcripts at any point in the transfer process.
Starting Funds Start putting together funds for the start of classes. We recommend $700 to $1,500 to hold you over prior to your loan disbursement. Please note that book expenses will likely range from $500 to $1,000.
Final Transcript for LSAC In addition to the two final transcripts required by ONU Law, you are also required to send one final transcript, which includes your final cumulative GPA, to the Law School Admission Council (LSAC) at Law School Admission Council, 662 Penn Street, Newtown, PA, 18940.
Housing ONU Law was noted for its exceptional on-campus housing in August 2012 by The National Jurist. Students looking to live on or off campus have several options. For more information, please visit our housing page: law.onu.edu>>Admissions>>Housing
Health Insurance All students are automatically registered for ONU health insurance. To opt out of the insurance, you’ll need your ONU BANNER ID number, which you can find on your deposit form or in your orientation packet. To waive your ONU health insurance, go to studentcenter.uhcsr.com. Waivers must be received by the Controller’s Office by Aug. 15, 2014.
Change of Address If your address or primary email changes between now and the start of classes, please immediately notify the Office of Law Admissions at 419-772-2211 or lawadmissions@onu.edu
Orientation Packets (mailed late July) Orientation packets will contain: • Computer account username and password • ONU student identification number • Fall 2014 course schedule and section number • Orientation schedule • Directions for purchasing textbooks • Instructions for required immunization and medical insurance forms
law.onu.edu>>Admissions>>Admitted Students
D ecember-July: Acceptance offers are made on a rolling basis D ecember-July: Scholarship offers are made on a rolling basis according to your date of admission; applicants will be notified via telephone and mail Jan. 1: FASFA application opens. ONU Law’s school code is 003089 March 14: Accepted Student Day April 5: Accepted Student Day April 15: First deposit deadline ($400) for students admitted prior to April 7, 2014. Applicants admitted after April 7 can find their deposit deadline on their deposit form in their acceptance packet. A confirmation of receipt of your deposit will be sent via email May 15: Scholarship acceptance form must be signed and returned to the Office of Law Admissions (for students awarded a scholarship) May 27: Summer Starter Program classes begin June 9: June LSAT administered – June 2014 LSAT score accepted for fall 2014 entry June 15: Second deposit deadline ($200) July 16: Tuition bills sent electronically from the Office of the Controller to ONU email account July 23: Fall orientation packets mailed to current address on file (includes orientation information, section assignment, computer account username/password, and other related information) Aug. 1: Fall tuition, fees, and housing bills due*. (If you are admitted within two weeks of this deadline, due dates will be flexible.) Aug. 15: Deadline to apply for JD admission into the fall 2014 entering class Aug. 15: Deadline to opt out of student health insurance (need Banner ID number) Aug. 19: Law on-campus move-in day Aug. 20-22: Fall orientation – mandatory for ALL incoming students, including Summer Starter students Aug. 22: Deadline for submitting two final, official transcripts from your undergraduate degree-granting institution Aug. 25: Fall classes begin
*For students who will fund their legal education with scholarships or loans disbursed through ONU, your payment due date will be postponed until your funds become available.
ADMISSIONS TIMELINE
Admissions Timeline
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Your First Year GETTING STARTED SECTIONING
All first-year students are assigned to one of two sections consisting of approximately 40 people. During their first year, students will share nearly every course with the members of this section and will be encouraged to form study groups within their section for outside class debates, discussion, and study. Every student will have two first-year courses, Legal Research and Writing and Legal Problem Solving and Analysis, which will meet in smaller sections consisting of approximately 15-20 students. Small sections allow students the opportunity to get to know their professors and provide the opportunity to easily interact and engage with fellow classmates.
PEER AND FACULTY ADVISORS
Every new ONU Law student is assigned both a student peer advisor and a faculty advisor upon entering the law school. Students are encouraged to use their advisors when in need of advice or guidance during their first year or for assistance in the transition to law school. Your faculty advisor will follow you through all three years of law school to assist in course planning for your law school career and beyond.
JD FIRST YEAR
FALL ORIENTATION
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New ONU Law students are acclimated to the College of Law through a mandatory three-day orientation held the Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday prior to the start of classes. Orientation includes information sessions on academic procedures, student life, and information technology as well as introductions to peer and faculty advisors and alumni class mentors. Orientation is designed to provide students with all they need for an easy transition to law school (mandatory for Fall and Summer Starters).
SUMMER ORIENTATION (for Summer Starter Students only)
For students admitted to the Summer Starter Program, orientation is held the Tuesday of the first week of classes.
“When deciding on a place to attend law school, I wanted three things: to feel comfortable, somewhere that would best prepare me to pass the bar exam, and a tailored experience. I found all three of these things at ONU Law.”
MICHAEL HAMPER, BS ’11, 3L Jefferson, Ohio Ohio Northern University
CURRICULUM FIRST SEMESTER, First Year
First-year students are enrolled in a required comprehensive core curriculum designed to provide a well-rounded understanding of American law. This includes Property, Civil Procedure, Contracts, Torts, and Legal Research and Writing. You are pre-registered for all courses your first semester only.
JANUARY TERM, First Year (Required)
The January term allows students the opportunity for indepth study of a concentrated area of law. January term courses provide our students with a more interactive and practical look at law. You will be pre-registered for the January term course required in the first year, Legal Problem Solving and Analysis.
SECOND SEMESTER, First Year
In the spring semester of your first year, you will register for Public Law and the Legal Process, Property 2, Civil Procedure 2, Contracts 2, Legal Research and Writing 2, and Criminal Law. If you matriculated in the summer, register for Criminal Procedure in lieu of the courses you took in the summer. Make certain to register for the correct section of each of your classes. You must continue each course in the section in which you started.
JD FIRST YEAR
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Your First Year FIRST-YEAR COURSE DESCRIPTIONS CIVIL PROCEDURE 1 AND 2
The operation of the courts. The organization of the state and federal courts and the relation between them; the methods by which these courts attempt to resolve civil disputes in accordance with controlling law and the extent to which a judicial decision is conclusive of subsequent disputes. Jurisdiction of courts over persons, property, and subject matter; the scope of litigation as to claims, defenses, and parties; preparation for trial through pleading, discovery, and pretrial; trials and the related functions of judge and jury; appeals and the role of the appellate courts; the means of controlling frivolous litigation; the finality of judgements and decrees, consideration of the process by which judicial decision-makers are selected; questions of professional responsibility and attorney decorum in civil litigation; and brief mention of alternative dispute resolution systems. Preparation of pleadings used in civil litigation.
CRIMINAL LAW
The theories of crime and punishment, the manner in which crimes are defined and graded, the principles of criminal culpability, including the mental element of crime and the requirement of an act; the exculpatory devices including defenses, excuses and justifications; and the parties to crime including aiders, abettors, and conspirators.
JD FIRST YEAR
CONTRACTS 1 AND 2
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The nature and history of contract law, the concepts of “freedom of contract,� the intention to be legally bound, reaching an agreement, interpreting assent, written manifestations of assent, the doctrine of consideration, the doctrine of promissory estoppel, performance and breach, conditions, defenses to contractual obligation, remedies, and the relation between basic contracts concepts and Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code.
All information related to course offerings and descriptions can be found on our website under the Academics section. www.law.onu.edu
FIRST-YEAR COURSE DESCRIPTIONS, CONTINUED LEGAL PROBLEM SOLVING AND ANALYSIS
Allows student to reflect on what they have learned through careful review of the methods of legal analysis and work on complex problems beyond the bounds of any single doctrinal subject, explored through simulation and teamwork. The course will focus on problem solving and will give students an opportunity to interact with practicing lawyers and judges.
LEGAL RESEARCH AND WRITING 1 AND 2
The basic tools and methods of legal research as well as development of writing skills necessary in the practice of law. Completion of legal research exercises and preparation of a memoranda. In the second semester, you will be challenged to draft court documents, write an appellate brief, and participate in oral arguments.
PROPERTY 1 AND 2
Law of finders, rule of capture, gifts, adverse possession, and landlord-tenant. Methods of title assurance, estates, future interests, easements, and covenants and taking issues. Property 2 will consist of title assurance, estates (other than leaseholds), future interests, easements and covenants, and public control of land use.
An introduction to public law and the modern administrative state. The course will cover the creation of public law both internationally and nationally, the fundamentals of treaty and statutory interpretation, the administrative process including rulemaking, and the range of regulatory tools.
TORTS
The basis and extent of legal liability for international or negligent invasions of protected interest in 1) physical security and opportunity and autonomy; 2) emotional security and other tangible interests; and 3) economic security and opportunity. Proving breach of duty, cause in fact and proximate cause and compensatory and punitive damages.
JD FIRST YEAR
PUBLIC LAW AND THE LEGAL PROCESS
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JD Upper Level Requirements UPPER-DIVISION REQUIREMENTS*
In addition to the courses required in the first year, the College of Law requires upper-division students to complete a sequence of courses during the second and third year of legal studies that will ensure a well-rounded legal education. Each student is required to complete a seminar that entails a major paper, and earn at least 10 hours in courses designated as skills courses.
UPPER LEVEL REQUIREMENTS
REQUIRED COURSES
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Analytical Methods for Lawyers Business Organizations 1 Constitutional Law 1 Evidence Legal Profession
SKILLS REQUIREMENT
CREDIT HOURS 2 3 3 3 2
AVAILABLE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS Certificate in Bankruptcy and Commercial Law Certificate in Civil Litigation Certificate in Corporate Law Certificate in Criminal Law Certificate in International Law Certificate in Public Law and Policy Certificate in Real Property Law Certificate in Small Firm General Practice Certificate in Taxation
Each student, after completing their first year, must successfully complete at least 10 hours of instruction in designated skills courses. These courses are designed to train students in professional skills needed to practice law. All clinic courses are skills courses. Courses other than clinical offerings meet the skills requirement only if they involve multiple opportunities for assessment in drafting or simulation exercises involving problems of a type encountered in the practice of law. Skills course examples include Advanced Legal Research and Writing, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Business Planning, Civil Practice: An Introduction, and Corporate Finance, among others.
SEMINAR REQUIREMENT
Each student, during his or her second or third year, must complete, with a grade of “C� or higher, a seminar designated as complying with the Upper-Division Writing Requirement. Seminar course examples include Capital Punishment, Constitutional Interpretation, Environmental Law, and Intellectual Property, among others. *Subject to change
JD Graduation Requirements UPPER-DIVISION REQUIREMENTS*, CONTINUED GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Degrees are conferred at the end of the semester during which requirements were completed. Commencement exercises are held at the close of spring semester. Students who complete their work prior to the spring semester are invited to participate. Students who graduate with an average of 3.60 or higher graduate ”With High Distinction.” Those who graduate with an average of 3.30 or above graduate “With Distinction.”
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
The degree of Juris Doctor is conferred upon application to all students with six full-time semesters of residence who have successfully completed a total of 90 hours, including the courses graded with an “S” or “U,” and with an accumulative average of 2.00 for all courses in which a letter grade is given.
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Faculty KNOWLEDGEABLE AND ACCESSIBLE
Accessibility is the hallmark of ONU Law. Our faculty is deeply committed to developing students’ legal and analytical skills and do so by opening their doors and engaging our students one-on-one. ONU’s diverse and global curriculum challenges our students’ way of thinking and opens their eyes to new world views. Our faculty have graduated from some of the top law schools in the nation (Columbia, Duke, Harvard, Michigan, and Yale) and are experts in their fields. In law school, it is critical to have access to top legal scholars to assist in understanding and dissecting the law. Our professors will know every student by name and provide them with the necessary skills to succeed in today’s challenging legal profession.
To learn more about ONU Law Faculty or to view faculty profiles, visit WWW.LAW.ONU.EDU/FACULTY
FACULTY
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ONU is unique because everything is personalized. I never expected law school to be a “personal” experience. The faculty and staff know their students and want them to succeed. I don’t think there is a better environment in which to study law.
MEGAN ROBY, JD ’10 Associate, Jones Day, Pittsburgh, Pa.
Student Life A COMMUNITY COMMITTED TO YOUR SUCCESS
Law school is difficult – there is no question about it. This is why being in an environment conducive to learning and success is critical. At ONU Law, you are provided with everything you need to start your legal education on the right foot. Get involved outside of class... • More than 20 student organizations • Moot Court v. Law Review softball tournament • Flag football tournament • University intramurals • Habitat for Humanity • Debates on current legal issues • Barristers Ball • Courtroom movie nights • Cedar Point trips
ADA, OHIO The village of Ada, Ohio, provides a quaint, small-town atmosphere that complements the friendly environment found on campus. Ada offers few distractions – perfect for the rigorous study of law. When law students take a break from the rigors of their legal studies, the village offers affordable entertainment. The Ada Theatre shows first-run movies in a classic setting with $4 admission. Students satisfy their hunger at a variety of local restaurants offering menu options from Chinese to Mexican and several local pizza shops. The Inn at Ohio Northern University offers affordable deluxe accommodations for visiting family and friends, and a pub. For a change of atmosphere, students can travel to nearby cities like Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo.
THE ONU LAW EXPERIENCE
Our dynamic and vibrant student community will prove to be one of your greatest assets at ONU Law. With more than 20 student organizations in which to become actively engaged, a diverse speaker series program, and a strong support system and community atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else, your experience at ONU Law will more than meet your expectations.
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Taggart Law Library STATE-OF-THE-ART FACILITIES
TAGGARTS LAW LIBRARY
Ranked first among Ohio private law school libraries by The National Jurist, ONU Law’s state-of-the-art Taggart Law Library is equipped to meet all your legal information needs. Whether you need to locate a case, connect to the Internet or study quietly, the library is available to you seven days a week.
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The Law Library features an outstanding collection of federal, state and international legal materials. With more than 436,000 volumes in print and microforms, Taggart Law Library is the second-largest private law school library in Ohio. Most material is available in open stacks accessible during library hours. The Law Library also provides a wide variety of electronic research tools. In all, 282 open seats at tables and work stations are available throughout the library to accommodate group and individual study. Almost all seating is wired for electricity and network connectivity, and the University’s wireless network can be accessed anywhere in the building. In addition, the library computer lab is available for research, training and printing. Reference librarians or staff assistants are always available to assist you with your library needs.
Taggart Law Library’s Hanson Reading Room was recognized as an Outstanding Library Design by the American School & University’s 2009 Educational Interiors Showcase.
Information Guide Address Changes 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
Financial Aid 419-772-2272 financial-aid@onu.edu
Application Status 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
Housing 419-772-2430 reslife@onu.edu
Career Services 419-772-2249 lawcareer@onu.edu
International Legal Studies 419-772-3580 LLM@onu.edu
Character and Fitness Updates 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
Scheduling a Visit 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
Deferring Admission 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
Scholarships 419-772-2211 lawadmissions@onu.edu
FAFSA 419-772-2272 financial-aid@onu.edu
INFORMATION GUIDE
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON‌
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SEE YOU ON CAMPUS THIS FALL
Ohio Northern University College of Law 525 South Main Street Ada, OH 45810 Phone: 419-772-2211 Toll Free: 877-452-9668 Fax: 419-772-3042 lawadmissions@onu.edu www.law.onu.edu
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