Today, Penn Law stands as the most interdisciplinary law school in the nation, fully engaged with our fellow world-leading professional and graduate schools at the University of Pennsylvania.
Why is this important to someone considering law school?
Lawyers today must navigate among fields and approaches, not only as they serve their diverse clients, but also as they
Integrating Knowledge
directly confront our most pressing worldwide challenges— from energy consumption and climate change to bioethics, credit crises, fragile global markets and human rights.
A Penn Law legal education is distinct: you will be called upon to integrate knowledge and to do so within a community of scholars and students who will challenge and support you. The educational and professional significance of this unique confluence cannot be overstated.
Advancing the Profession
Today, Penn Law stands as the most interdisciplinary law school in the nation, fully engaged with our fellow world-leading professional and graduate schools at the University of Pennsylvania. Why important to someone considering law school? Theis this Center on Professionalism
Integrating Knowledge
To prepare you for today’s competitive legal market, we Lawyers today must navigate among fields and approaches, offer a program that complements your excellent legal not only as they serve their diverse clients, but also as they education and prepares you for your professional career. directly confront our most pressing worldwide challenges— from energy consumption and climate change to bioethics, Programming through the Center on Professionalism credit crises, fragile and human rights. develops your skillsglobal in fivemarkets key areas: • Communication A Penn Law legal education is distinct: you will be called • Lawyering Skills upon to integrate knowledge and to do so within a community • Organization and Management Dynamics of scholars and students who will challenge and support • Self-Development you. The educational and professional significance of this • Strategic Planning & Problem Solving unique confluence cannot be overstated.
Networking Opportunities Alumni help our students prepare for their careers in many ways, including conducting mock interviews, attending informal networking lunches, and lecturing about their own career paths to small groups of students as part of the Dean’s Crossroads Lecture Series.
Advancing the Profession
“I particularly like teaching at Penn because of its sense of community, the regard that students have for each other and the cooperation and trust between faculty and students. There’s a genuinely special feeling about the place.” Paul H. Robinson Colin S. Diver Professor of Law
OUR FACULTY Accessible Scho lars and Devo ted Teachers
“Penn Law is fully engaged with our fellow world-leading graduate and professional schools at the University of Pennsylvania. A legal education that integrates other fields is ideal for teaching law students how to understand and help solve the most fundamental legal and social problems in our world.� Michael A. Fitts Dean and Bernard G. Segal Professor of Law
“ Say ‘law and film’ to many people and the first thing they think of is copyright. But lawyers are increasingly producing documentaries to tell their clients’ stories in arbitration and mediation proceedings, and in legislative and executivebranch hearings.” Regina Austin L’73 William A. Schnader Professor of Law Director, Penn Program on Documentaries and the Law
“ Penn is a world-renowned university; one of the best in the academy. It is wonderful to teach at an institution where students are interested, smart and prepared to think broadly about issues across fields. It makes a profound difference to have all of Penn’s graduate and professional programs within a 10-minute walk.” Tom Baker William Maul Measey Professor of Law and Health Sciences
“ The law offers opportunities for involvement in a broad range of activities, from teaching and research to litigation and legislation. Learning the law at Penn offers an opportunity to profit from the insights and techniques of other disciplines while studying with talented and supportive people.” Stephen Burbank David Berger Professor for the Administration of Justice
“ China’s importance to the world economy and to fundamental issues of law and governance cannot be overstated. American law students need to understand the origin and evolution of legal institutions and practices in China and its neighbors.” Jacques deLisle Stephen A. Cozen Professor of Law Director, Center for East Asian Studies
“ Studying American history from the perspective of law as well as religion gives students and scholars new insight into the ways that religious life and the rule of law have interacted – and why conflicts between them have produced so much controversy.” Sarah Barringer Gordon Arlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional Law and Professor of History
“The clinical experience is the perfect venue for students to apply the theoretical law that they’ve learned in other classes. It’s real clients in the real world with real consequences and real impact.” Praveen Kosuri Practice Associate Professor of Law Director, Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic
“ Brains don’t commit crimes; people do. We do not
FACU LTYbrains; we blame and punish people. blame and punish The criteria for responsibility and excuse are behavioral, including mental Neuroscience is learning much Since 2000, we havestates. grown the Penn Law faculty by close to causes behavior, but ofcausation alone 50about percent whileofholding the size the student bodydoes steady, not excuse behavior.” further strengthening our academic rigor and maintaining our commitment to being a close and supportive community. Stephen J. Morse Ferdinand Wakeman Hubbell Professor of Law; Professor of Psychology and Law in Psychiatry Scholarship
Our professors are prolific scholars, publishing broadly acclaimed books and articles that advance knowledge in the law and other fields. “ The most important issues facing our society are now debated through the framework of corporate law.”
Teaching
A Edward low faculty-student ratio and small class size lead to close Rock L’83 Saul A. Fox Distinguished Professor Business Law collaboration among students andofprofessors. Co-Director, Institute for Law and Economics
Faculty share their research at informal brown bag lunches, seeking student feedback on their scholarship. Professors partner with students on field-based teaching activities in the U.S. and abroad on areas such as immigration and international law.
Law School Life “ Internet policy must take into account how much the
Faculty are actively involved in the Penn Law community, from underlying technology and the demands being placed on competing in the Celebrity Law Chef cook-off and donating time the network are changing.” and talent to the highest bidders at the Equal Justice Foundation Christopher S. Yoo auction, to participating in student-organized symposia and Professor of Law and Communication Director, Center for Technology, Innovation and Competition
conferences.
“ China’s importance to the world economy and to fundamental issues of law and governance cannot be overstated. American law students need to understand the origin and evolution of legal institutions and practices in China and its neighbors.” Jacques deLisle Stephen A. Cozen Professor of Law Director, Center for East Asian Studies
“ Studying American history from the perspective of law as well as religion gives students and scholars new insight into the ways that religious life and the rule of law have interacted – and why conflicts between them have produced so much controversy.” Sarah Barringer Gordon Arlin M. Adams Professor of Constitutional Law and Professor of History
“The clinical experience is the perfect venue for students to apply the theoretical law that they’ve learned in other classes. It’s real clients in the real world with real consequences and real impact.” Praveen Kosuri Practice Associate Professor of Law Director, Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic
“ Brains don’t commit crimes; people do. We do not blame and punish brains; we blame and punish people. The criteria for responsibility and excuse are behavioral, including mental states. Neuroscience is learning much about causes of behavior, but causation alone does not excuse behavior.” Stephen J. Morse Ferdinand Wakeman Hubbell Professor of Law; Professor of Psychology and Law in Psychiatry
“ The most important issues facing our society are now debated through the framework of corporate law.” Edward Rock L’83 Saul A. Fox Distinguished Professor of Business Law Co-Director, Institute for Law and Economics
“ Internet policy must take into account how much the underlying technology and the demands being placed on the network are changing.” Christopher S. Yoo Professor of Law and Communication Director, Center for Technology, Innovation and Competition
OUR CURRICULUM Innovative Integ ration of Kno wledge
An Au g u st 2007 evaluatio n by the American Bar Associatio n p raised Penn Law fo r o u r d istinctive emphasis o n integ rating knowledge with o ther discip lines throu g h o u r co llab orations with the professio nal and g raduate schoo ls at Penn. The ABA also ackno wledged o u r lo ng-standing p o licy of including bo th the traditio nal fo undatio n co urses and exp osure to electives in the first-year cu rriculu m.
Academic Program As a 1L, you will learn the foundations of the law in small classes with some of the finest professors in the world as you explore traditional legal topics: Constitutional Law, Contracts, Civil Procedure, Criminal Law, Property, Torts, and Legal Research and Writing. You will also select a course in the important field of Administrative Law and explore a new area through an elective in Perspectives in Law. From your very first classes, you will be exposed to cross-disciplinary teaching from our faculty. Beyond the first year, you must complete 55 credit hours, which can include study abroad, pursuing a certificate or joint degree, or taking up to four classes elsewhere at Penn. Within the Law School, you can participate in seminars with fewer than 20 students each, take classes that are team-taught, and enroll in clinic courses. Your learning will take place beyond the classroom, as you work on journals, symposia, conferences, clinical assignments and pro bono placements, and as you engage with the Center on Professionalism.
“ As part of a Penn Law 1L tradition, a group of us had lunch with one of our professors. We all were a bit surprised when he asked us to assess his class. He took notes on a paper napkin! He made obvious that day the deep commitment to teaching by Penn Law’s brilliant faculty.” Asra Syed L’10 Hometown: Austin, TX BA 2004 University of Texas; MA 2005
OUR UN IVERSITY Wo rld -Leading Graduate and Professio nal Scho o ls at yo ur Doorstep
We have almost 30 degree and certificate programs with other schools at Penn – or you can create your own. Recent Ad Hoc programs have included JD/MA/MS degrees in English, Historic Preservation, and Philosophy; a JD/EdD; a JD/MD; and PhDs in Communication and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
The Wharton School School of Arts & Sciences Graduate School of Education Institute for Environmental Studies Fels Institute of Government The Lauder Institute School of Medicine School of Social Policy & Practice School of Social Policy & Practice
Even if you do not take courses outside the Law School, you will be taught and challenged by interdisciplinary scholars. Nearly three-fourths of our professors hold an advanced degree in another field, in addition to law. Almost 50 percent have a PhD.
JD/MCP, City and Regional Planning JD/MPH, Public Health
School of Design School of Medicine
JD/AM, Islamic Studies JD/MSW, Social Work JD/MBA, Business Administration JD/MA, Global Business Law
School of Arts & Sciences School of Social Policy & Practice The Wharton School The Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne Law School Institut d’Études Politiques School of Arts & Sciences School of Arts & Sciences School of Arts & Sciences School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Nursing, The Wharton School
JD/PhD, American Legal History JD/PhD, Philosophy JD/BA, JD/BS
Three-Year Programs JD/MBA, Business Administration JD/MA or MS, Criminology JD/MSEd, Education Policy or Higher Education JD/MES, Environmental Studies JD/MGA, Government Administration JD/MA, International Studies JD/MBE, Bioethics JD/MS, Social Policy JD/MSW, Social Work
Other Degree Programs
Certificate Programs Business and Public Policy East Asian Studies Environmental Policy Environmental Science Gender and Sexuality Studies International Business and Law (with ESADE Law School in Barcelona, Spain) Middle East and Islamic Studies NGO Leadership
OUR UN IVERSITY World -Leading Graduate and P rofessional Scho ols at yo ur Do orstep
8
7
9
4 6
2
13 Degree and certificate programs with other schools at Penn:
12
10
5
14 1
Penn Law School
2
MGA, Government
3
Certificate, Middle East and Islamic Studies
4
MBA, Business Administration
4
MBA, Business and Public Policy
5
MSEd, Education Policy
5
MSEd, Higher Education Management
6
MS, Social Policy
6
MSW, Social Work
6
Certificate, Non-Profit/NGO Leadership
7
MA/MS, Criminology
8
MA, International Studies
9
MD, Medicine
9
MPH, Public Health Studies
10
PhD, Communication
11
MBE, Bioethics
12
Certificate, Gender and Sexuality Studies
12
PhD, Philosophy
13
AM, Islamic Studies
14
PhD, American Legal History
15
MCP, City & Regional Planning
16
MES, Environmental Studies
16
Certificate, Environmental Policy
16
Certificate, Environmental Science
15
16
3
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In t he re al wo r ld, t he l aw i nt ersects wi th e very fie ld. O ne C a mp u s: At Pen n, we measu re d i stanc e not i n mi les bu t in ne gl igi bl e c i t y bl o c ks, a s w e s i t sho u lde r to shou l der with so me of t he wo rld ’s g re ate s t profe s s io na l a nd g ra dua te s choo ls.
IN STIT U T ES, CEN T ERS AND PROG RAMS Coll ab o rat e Acro s s t he Academy
Law Scho o l prof es s or s l ead cro s s - s choo l cent er s at t he Univer sit y t hat at t ract s cho l ar s, ex pert s, pract it io ner s and graduat e and p rofes s ional st udent s from al l fields and fro m arou nd t he g lo be t o t heir lect u res, s ym p o s ia and event s.
Institutes, Centers & Programs Institute for Law and Economics Institute for Law and Philosophy Center for East Asian Studies Center for Tax Law and Policy Center for Technology, Innovation and Competition Criminal Law Research Group Legal History Consortium Penn Program on Documentaries and the Law Penn Program on Regulation Program on Law, Environment and Economy National Constitution Center Partnership
“ I am impressed with the dynamic events hosted by the
In recent years, students have worked with Penn Law professors to:
Institute for Law and Economics and the Penn Program on Regulation. The institutes and programs at Penn are
Draft a new penal code for the Republic of the Maldives.
of the highest caliber and representative of the faculty and administration’s embrace of intellectual breadth.”
Analyze policy issues facing the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Anthony Heckman L’10 Assist Kansas in creating a new comprehensive code and criminal law doctrine.
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA BA 2005 University of Southern California
JOURNALS AND MOOT COURT Advance Kno wledge and App ly New Learning
Journal editorial boards interact with professors around the world while editing scholarship. Editors also plan and hold major symposia on diverse topics. Recent conferences include:
MOOT COURT
Penn Law provides many journal opportunities:
“ Expanding Frontiers for Asian Pacific American Lawyers”
University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law
“ Foundations of Intellectual Property Reform”
University of Pennsylvania Journal of International Law
“ Responses GlobalCourt Warming: The Law, Economics, In our activetoMoot program, students are and Science of Climate Change” challenged to apply their legal knowledge and their
University of Pennsylvania Journal of Business Law
advocacy skills to current court cases. “ Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Litigating under the Eighth Amendment” In the Keedy Cup, students compete by writing a brief a case pending before the U.S. Supreme “ TradeforSanctions in a 21st Century Economy: Are They an Court and arguing their Means positionofbefore Appropriate or Effective Alteringthree Statefederal Behavior?” judges and a large audience from the Penn Law “ Hedge Funds: Regulating the Untamed Market” community. Our 2009 National Moot Court team reached the finals and won the prize for best oralist. Another team won the 2009 national moot court and best oralist titles in a competition sponsored by the national Black Law Students’ Association. Students also compete in a dozen other moot court competitions, including two abroad in international law and U.S. contests on topics such as LGBT issues, animal rights, intellectual property The University of Pennsylvania Law and Review,
the nation’s oldest, is ranked among the leaders in the number of most-cited articles, U.S. Supreme Court citations, judicial citations and total citations overall.
constitutional issues.
University of Pennsylvania Law Review
University of Pennsylvania Journal of Law and Social Change
Student-published journals: East Asia Law Review and Journal of Animal Law and Ethics
JOURN ALS AN D MOOT COURT Advance Kno wledge and Ap p ly New Learning
Journal editorial boards interact with professors around the world while editing scholarship. Editors also plan and hold major symposia on diverse topics. Recent conferences include:
Penn Law provides many journal opportunities:
“ Expanding Frontiers for Asian Pacific American Lawyers”
University of Pennsylvania Journal of Constitutional Law
“ Foundations of Intellectual Property Reform”
University of Pennsylvania Journal of International Law
“ Responses to Global Warming: The Law, Economics, and Science of Climate Change”
University of Pennsylvania Journal of Business Law
“ Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Litigating under the Eighth Amendment” “ Trade Sanctions in a 21st Century Economy: Are They an Appropriate or Effective Means of Altering State Behavior?”
University of Pennsylvania Law Review
University of Pennsylvania Journal of Law and Social Change
Student-published journals: East Asia Law Review and Journal of Animal Law and Ethics
“ Hedge Funds: Regulating the Untamed Market”
The University of Pennsylvania Law Review, the nation’s oldest, is ranked among the leaders in the number of most-cited articles, U.S. Supreme Court citations, judicial citations and total citations overall.
GITTIS CEN TER FOR CLIN ICAL LEGAL STUDIES Develo p P ractical Skills
Apply your education as you engage in legal advocacy and partner with lawyers and professionals from other disciplines. We offer nine clinics and diverse externships that provide you with opportunities to apply your education at the intersection of law
Recently, clinic students: Litigated in court to reverse a wrongful eviction.
and various subject areas:
Coordinated business transactions involving real estate acquisition and multi-staged financing.
Child Advocacy (with the schools of Medicine and Social Policy & Practice, and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia)
Mediated conflicts ranging from employment discrimination claims to child custody disputes.
Civil Practice
Helped win a grant of asylum for a client.
Criminal Defense Entrepreneurship
Served vulnerable children at risk as court-appointed child advocates.
Legislative Mediation
Drafted position papers and legislation on emerging public policy issues.
Lawyering in the Public Interest Supreme Court Litigation Transnational Externships (such as Appellate Advocacy, Community Legal Services, Death Penalty Litigation, Delaware Riverkeeper, US Attorney’s Office and Women’s Law Project)
“ Our clinics help students build strong relationships
Inwith recent years,clients, students have worked with Penn Law professors to: diverse develop essential lawyering skills, and apply their talents and creativity in a real world
Draft a new penal code for the Republic of the Maldives. professional setting.” Analyze policy issues facing the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Louis Rulli Director of Clinical Programs and Practice Professor of Law
Assist Kansas in creating a new comprehensive code and criminal law doctrine.
TOLL P UBLIC INTEREST CENTER Integrate Service into Yo u r Professio nal Life
Experience service through a diverse and dynamic public interest community. Whether you are launching a career dedicated to public service or a life-long commitment to pro bono work, you will:
• Gain valuable hands-on experience. • Develop core professional skills. • Explore cross-disciplinary solutions to complex societal needs. • Experience the satisfaction of making a difference in the lives of others.
Penn’s ABA Award-Winning Pro Bono Program Students challenge themselves in new areas of practice and research while providing at least 70 hours of public service support to the community. Recently, students: Assisted on a Supreme Court brief arguing the reversal of a death sentence. Staffed the CNN war room on election night, working with voter protection groups to document voter irregularities throughout the country. Advocated in court for low-income individuals who lost their jobs or homes. Offered critical assistance to a non-profit organization in establishing children’s health clinics throughout the world. Promoted community development by teaching urban youth about entrepreneurship.
“ This is an extremely exciting time to be in public interest
In recent years, students have worked with Penn Law professors to: Draft a new penal code for the Republic of the Maldives.
at Penn Law. The Toll Public Interest Center has been expanding the breadth and depth of its programming and Philadelphia provides a first-rate public interest community beyond the walls of the school.”
Analyze policy issues facing the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Rebecca Maltzman L’10 Assist Kansas in creating a new comprehensive code and criminal law doctrine.
Hometown: Bethesda, MD BS 2005 Northwestern University
IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST Public Interest Week Public Interest Week features an Honorary Fellow in residence and collaborative programming from the TPIC and Career Planning offices, culminating in the annual Sparer Symposium organized by the Toll Public Interest Scholars.
Our Financial Commitment TOLL PUBLIC INTEREST CENTER Our loan repayment assistance program, known as TollRAP, is one of the most generous in the country, providing graduates with the flexibility to pursue the widest range of public interest careers.
Integrate Service into Yo u r P rofessio nal Life
Toll Public Interest Scholars, competitively selected, receive substantial tuition remission and support during their time here. We encourage students to seek public interest internships, and we make a substantial commitment of resources to fund their summer employment. We provide guidance to students applying for postgraduate
Experience service through a diverse and dynamic public interest community. Whether you are launching a career dedicated to public service or a life-long commitment to pro bono work, you will:
fellowships and offer two postgraduate public interest fellowships. • Gain valuable hands-on experience.
Possibilities at Penn • PI Develop core professional skills. A strong curriculum in the Law School is complemented by the • Explore cross-disciplinary solutions to complex ability to needs. take courses at the School of Social Policy & Practice, societal the Fels Institute of Government and the Graduate School of • Experience the satisfaction of making a difference Education. in the lives of others.
Penn’s ABA Award-Winning Pro Bono Program Students challenge themselves in new areas of practice and research while providing at least 70 hours of public service support to the community. Recently, students: Assisted on a Supreme Court brief arguing the reversal of a death sentence. Staffed the CNN war room on election night, working with voter protection groups to document voter irregularities throughout the country. Advocated in court for low-income individuals who lost their jobs or homes. Offered critical assistance to a non-profit organization in establishing children’s health clinics throughout the world. Promoted community development by teaching urban youth about entrepreneurship.
“ This is an extremely exciting time to be in public interest
In recent years, students have worked with Penn Law professors to:
at Penn Law. The Toll Public Interest Center has been expanding the breadth and depth of its programming
Draft a new penal code for the Republic of the Maldives.
and Philadelphia provides a first-rate public interest community beyond the walls of the school.”
Analyze policy issues facing the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency
Rebecca Maltzman L’10 Assist Kansas in creating a new comprehensive code and criminal law doctrine.
Hometown: Bethesda, MD BS 2005 Northwestern University
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS Explore Glob al Challenges and Op p o rtu nities
Study at Penn Law Choose from dozens of courses focusing on topics in international and comparative law. In three years, earn a master’s degree in International Studies from Wharton’s Lauder Institute and your JD. Complete a certificate in Middle East and Islamic Studies or East Asian Studies.
Gain International Experience Become an International Human Rights Fellow and spend a summer doing human rights work in Africa, Asia, Europe or Latin America. Research critical international law issues in a faculty-led immersion program. Advise real-world clients on petitions for refugee status and other humanitarian cross-border legal issues with the Transnational Legal Clinic.
Learn from Foreign Scholars and Students Take a short course with Bok Visiting International Professors – we host several every year – who teach on topics such as globalization and global governance, reforms in Japan’s justice system, and dispute settlement in the World Trade Organization. Study alongside 90 graduate degree students representing more than 40 countries. LLM students come directly from careers overseas as sitting judges, government officials, NGO leaders, bankers, academics and attorneys with the world’s leading law firms.
“ Having grown up in a Tibetan-Buddhist family, living in China forced me to revisit deep-rooted political and cultural views. I hope to utilize this experience to contribute to the ongoing development of rule of law in China.” Dorje Glassman L’11 JD/MA in International Studies with Wharton’s Lauder Institute Hometown: Chestnut Ridge, NY BA 2006 Oberlin
INTERNATIONAL P ROGRAMS Exp lo re Glo bal Challenges and Opp ortunities
Study at Penn Law Choose from dozens of courses focusing on topics in international and comparative law. In three years, earn a master’s degree in International Studies from Wharton’s Lauder Institute and your JD. Complete a certificate in Middle East and Islamic Studies or East Asian Studies.
International Programs
North America Canada Mexico
•••• ••••
Central America Costa Rica • Cuba •• Dominican Republic • El Salvador • Guatemala • South America Argentina Brazil Ecuador Venezuela Europe Austria Belgium Denmark Finland France Germany Greece Hungary Ireland Italy Netherlands Norway Serbia Slovenia Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom
•• ••• • • • • • • •••••• ••••• • • •• ••••• ••••• • • • ••••• • •• •••••
Middle East/North Africa Egypt •• Iran ••• Israel ••• United Arab Emirates •
Africa Ghana Namibia Rwanda Senegal Sierra Leone South Africa Tanzania Uganda
••• • • •• • • • ••
Eurasia Belarus Russia Tajikistan Ukraine
• ••• • •
East Asia Cambodia China Hong Kong Japan Singapore South Korea Taiwan Vietnam
••• ••••• ••• •••••• •• •• •• •
South Asia India Nepal Maldives
• • ••
Oceania Australia East Timor New Zealand
•••• • •••
Study Abroad Sites
Study Abroad Programs:
Public Interest Work
Barcelona (ESADE Law School)
Student/Faculty Projects
Beijing (Tsinghua Law School)
Faculty Teaching Abroad Other Faculty Activities Abroad Student Organizations
Hamburg (Bucerius Law School) Paris (Paris 1/Sciences Po)
Alumni Clubs
Tel Aviv (Tel Aviv Law School)
Wharton Lauder Institute
Tokyo (Waseda Law School)
Visiting Faculty and Researchers
In 2010 we launch the Penn Law Global Initiative, a multifacted program that will give students the opportunity to experience law in action overseas.
OUR STUDENTS A Lifetime Netwo rk of Co lleag u es
Each year, we enro ll a select class of ab ou t 2 50 academically g ifted, p rofessio nally accomplished, intellectually cu riou s – and by every measu re d iverse – students who are committed to eng aging in a co llab orative community.
“I have taken several intellectual property classes in patent, trademark and copyright law, participated in an IP moot court, and organized patent seminars and events with the Penn Biotech Group. During my first year of law school, I was selected to attend an international IP conference at Waseda University in Japan.” Anita Choi L’10 JD/MBA with The Wharton School Hometown: Toronto, Canada B.Sc. 2004 California Institute of Technology
STUDENT International Studies through Wharton’s Lauder Institute. EXPERIENCES Brenden chose Penn Law “because of its interdisciplinary international programs.” He is pursuing a joint JD/MA in
Brenden Carbonell L’10 Hometown: Miami, FL BA 2007 Yale
Students taking a Public International Law seminar presented the Ugandan government with recommendations to restore justice and rule of law following 60 interviews in Africa with U.N. and government officials, civil society and victims of Aviolence. published novelist and poet, Paul suggests that poetry and law are both interested in “the moral questions A student group focused on environmental law and to one surrounding humans’ relationship to the world submitted a report to the EPA arguing that regulating another.” greenhouse gas emissions from residential and
Paul Fattaruso buildings, L’11 commercial not just industrial sources, is Hometown: Cortland, NY cost-effective. BA 1999 University of Mass.; MFA 2003; PhD 2007 University of Denver
Published a paper on women lawyers using non-legal methods to advocate for their rights in the workplace. Help lead the Law School through an active Council of Student Representatives and serve on most Afaculty formercommittees. Teach for America teacher who is “particularly interested in issues related to social justice,” Diana spent Organize an annual to support students the summer of 2009auction working on human rights in Senegal. working in the public interest in their 1L and 2L
Dianna Myles L’11 summers. Hometown: St. Louis, MO BA 2006 Emory
Initiated 14 pro-bono service groups working in areas such as human rights, environmental law, homelessness, and reproductive rights.
OUR ALUMNI
We have active alumni clubs throughout the United States and abroad, including France, China, Japan, Brazil, Greece, South Korea and Italy. Penn Law graduates serve as attorneys, policy makers, deal makers, corporate executives and entrepreneurs in specialties from academia through securities law to voting rights and more. They lead multinational companies and health care institutions, run nonprofit organizations, advise government officials and forge market-changing mergers. Alumni also volunteer as mentors and guest speakers at the Law School and provide ongoing and important leadership and support to Penn Law.
“I have taken several intellectual property classes in patent, trademark and copyright law, participated in an IP moot court, and organized patent seminars and events with the Penn Biotech Group. During my first year of law school, I was selected to attend an international IP conference at Waseda University in Japan.” Anita Choi L’10 JD/MBA with The Wharton School Hometown: Toronto, Canada B.Sc. 2004 California Institute of Technology
Brenden chose Penn Law “because of its interdisciplinary international programs.” He is pursuing a joint JD/MA in International Studies through Wharton’s Lauder Institute. Brenden Carbonell L’10 Hometown: Miami, FL BA 2007 Yale
A published novelist and poet, Paul suggests that poetry and law are both interested in “the moral questions surrounding humans’ relationship to the world and to one another.” Paul Fattaruso L’11 Hometown: Cortland, NY BA 1999 University of Mass.; MFA 2003; PhD 2007 University of Denver
A former Teach for America teacher who is “particularly interested in issues related to social justice,” Diana spent the summer of 2009 working on human rights in Senegal. Dianna Myles L’11 Hometown: St. Louis, MO BA 2006 Emory
STUDENT LIFE Engage with a Small and Su p po rtive Co mmu nity
Our supportive community encourages students to take intellectual risks. It is our belief – confirmed by feedback we receive from leaders in the profession – that students who learn the law in an environment that encourages and supports this exploration make exceptional lawyers and leaders.
DYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT Student Groups Join an established student group (we have more than 60) or find like-minded colleagues to start your own. We are home to groups that consider substantive legal issues, run symposia, welcome speakers on
STUDENT LIFE
career exploration, perform musicals and bowl competitively.
Campus within a Campus Our four interconnected buildings around a lovely
central courtyard support interaction Engage with a Small and Sup p o rtive Co mmu nity and engagement among faculty, students and staff.
Affordable Housing Choose from an array of housing options, on campus and off. Graduate student housing is only one block from the Law School and the neighborhoods of University City and elsewhere in Philadelphia offer options that are a short walk, bike or bus ride away.
Our supportive community encourages students to take intellectual risks. It is our belief – confirmed by feedback we receive from leaders in the profession – that students who learn the law in an environment that encourages and supports this exploration make exceptional lawyers and leaders.
UN IV ERSITY OF P ENNSYLVANIA We are an Ivy League University proud of o ur emphasis o n integ rating kno wledge across our schools and colleges, o ur sp irit of innovatio n, and o ur p ictu resq ue urb an campu s.
CAMPUS
Penn is distinct in offering the rare blend of an inviting University campus in the heart of a great city. Admire award-winning architecture while strolling through our historic Ivy League campus. Partake of world-class cultural performances at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. Tour inspiring exhibits at the Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, the Institute of Contemporary Art and the Fischer Fine Arts Library. Attend conferences and guest lectures at our sister schools. Work out in our state-of-the-art fitness facility, the Pottruck Center, with its four floors of fitness equipment, an Olympic-size pool and climbing wall. Visit University City’s popular stores, restaurants and cafes, cinema complex and lovely parks. Admire the fine Victorian houses, many of which have been divided into affordable apartments. Head to the east UNIVERSITY OF P ENNSY LVANIA across the Schuylkill River and partake of everything that downtown Center City has to offer.
We are an Ivy Leag ue University pro ud of ou r emphasis on integrating It is all – ALL – within walking distance of the Law kno wledge acro ss o ur scho ols and co lleges, o u rSchool! sp irit of innovation, and o u r p ictu resq ue urb an campu s.
P HILADELP HIA
THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA “ The city is on a roll,” The New York Times says about Philadelphia. Think dynamic, sophisticated and affordable. That’s Philly. Hip and vibrant Philadelphia enjoys National Geographic’s designation as the “Next Great City.” You can meander through a “city of neighborhoods” . . . enjoy fantastic restaurants and sidewalk cafes . . . attend shows and concerts . . . shop interesting stores and boutiques . . . watch collegiate and professional sports . . . wander past skyscrapers and quaint brownstones . . . visit the museums along the Parkway . . . or run or bike through Fairmount Park, the largest landscaped city park in the United States. Students find Philadelphia affordable and exciting. And you can leave your car at home!
PHILADELPHIA
CAREER P LAN N IN G & P ROFESSION ALISM Advance You r Skills for Professio nal Success
Your Career Now more than ever, prospective employers want to know that you are engaged, energetic, enthusiastic and efficient – and have the professional skills necessary to hit the ground running. Career Planning & Professionalism will make sure that you are thoroughly prepared to achieve your short- and long-term career goals.
Center on Professionalism Beginning at Orientation, you will join a cohort of no more than 15 students with whom you will attend first-year classes, learn the skills of legal research and writing, and participate in programs to strengthen your communications, management, problem solving, self-development and strategic planning skills.
“We think very hard about what our students are going to be doing five, 10 years down the line. We support them as they become more self-aware about both the specific skills they are building in and out of the classroom and how they can use those skills to develop and achieve their short- and long-term career goals.” Heather Frattone L’98 Associate Dean, Career Planning & Professionalism
“Throughout the clerkship application process I was constantly surprised by and appreciative of the resources that CP&P had to offer.” Charlotte Haldeman L’08 Hometown: Haverford, PA BA 2003 Dartmouth Clerk to Judge Anita Brody, Eastern District of Pennsylvania (2008) and to Judge Marjorie Rendell, Third Circuit (2009)
Our Resources
Our Counselors
On-Campus interviewing and job fairs.
Career counselors all have JDs and come with a wide variety of practice experiences.
Regional interview programs in places such as Palo Alto, San Diego, Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Chicago, and Denver. Career transition services for alumni. Extensive resources, in both large and smaller legal markets, to help you identify opportunities. Programming on various practice areas. Mock interviews with practicing lawyers. Individual assistance in seeking judicial clerkships. A full-time counselor specializing in public interest opportunities who helps students find post-graduate fellowships and jobs in government, with non-profits and in other public service roles. Ongoing career advice and assistance after you graduate.
We provide comprehensive, individual counseling and are available daily to answer quick – and not so quick – questions. Counselors hold proactive programming and identify resources to address the changing legal market. Penn Law reserves one hour each week in the First-Year Curriculum for Professional Development Programming.
How to Apply Admissions and Financial Aid
Application Requirements
The student body is the foundation of the law school experience. At Penn Law, your classmates will challenge you, teach you, and sustain you in what is one of the most diverse and collaborative learning environments of any top law school.
Applicants for admission to Penn Law must hold a bachelor’s degree, take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), and register with the Credential Assembly Sevice (LSDAS). Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation, preferably from academic instructors; however, if you have been out of school for a number of years you may submit letters from employers or other individuals who can evaluate your potential for success in a rigorous law program. Applicants must submit a current resume or CV, write a personal statement on a topic of their choice, and select one of four supplemental essays. The personal statement is your interview on paper. You may wish to describe aspects of your background and interests – intellectual, personal or professional – and how you will uniquely contribute to the Penn Law community and/or the legal profession.
Each year, Penn Law enrolls a select class of 240-250 students who are academically gifted, professionally accomplished, intellectually curious, and culturally and geographically diverse, expecting them to make great contributions to our profession and the world. Our students come from all over the country, from several foreign countries, and from more than 200 undergraduate institutions. They come from a broad spectrum of academic, professional, ideological, and economic backgrounds. Over 70 percent of our students have had at least one year of work experience prior to attending law school, more than a third identify as students of color, and typically 12 percent or more hold an advanced degree. This breathtaking diversity inspires a cross-fertilization of ideas and initiatives which make the Penn Law education intellectually rewarding and professionally transformative. We welcome your interest in becoming part of this extraordinary community.
The application fee is $75.00; applicants for whom the fee will pose a financial burden may apply for a fee waiver as part of the application process. Detailed information and instructions regarding each of the application requirements and the LSAC/Credential Assembly Service may be found on the website at www.law.upenn.edu Standards for Admission
Renée C. Post Associate Dean Admissions and Financial Aid
Admission to Penn Law is highly selective. Each year we receive approximately 6,200 applications for the 250 seats in the entering class. Our selection process is designed to ensure that each candidate is evaluated in terms of his or her academic promise and potential contribution to the intellectual life of the Law School and to the legal profession.
How to Apply LSAC online application which may be found at www.lsac.org Deadlines Early Decision (Binding) November 15 – application must be received* December 1 – application must be complete December 31 – decisions will be sent *Note, we accept the October LSAT for Early Decision Regular Notification:** February 15 – Application must be received **Note, decisions are made on a rolling basis.
The Admissions Committee considers numerous factors – both academic and nonacademic – to achieve our goal of enrolling a class that is highly accomplished and diverse. There is no pre-law educational requirement or even a specific recommended course of study for admission to Penn Law. Strength of character, breadth of knowledge, and intellectual maturity constitute the base upon which our legal education builds. As such, Penn Law seeks to enroll individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic success, who are intellectually curious, and who possess superior writing, oral communication, and analytical skills. We also seek individuals who will positively contribute to the Penn Law community, and ultimately, to the legal profession, based on their diverse backgrounds, their personal and professional experiences, service and leadership, and any challenges or obstacles that they may have overcome. Importantly, the Admissions Committee bases its decisions on all material submitted with each application. While undergraduate grade point average and LSAT score are significant factors, they are not decisive factors. There is no minimum LSAT or GPA below which a candidate will not be considered.
Transfer & Visiting Admission
Merit Scholarships
We welcome applications from current full-time law students who wish to transfer to Penn Law or who wish to visit for up to one year at Penn Law. Applicants for transfer or visiting student admission must be in good standing at a law school that is accredited by the American Bar Association and a member of the Association of American Law Schools. Detailed information and instructions regarding transfer and visiting student admission may be found on our website at www.law.upenn.edu
Penn Law awards merit scholarships to a select number of students based primarily on their academic achievements and intellectual ambition, but also based on nonacademic factors such as leadership, service, and professional or life experiences. All applicants who are admitted to the Law School are considered for our merit scholarships. Although there is not a separate application for merit scholarships, applicants who are nominated by the Admissions Committee may be asked to complete an interview or to submit an essay for particular scholarships. Scholarship nominees and recipients are notified on a rolling basis between January and late April.
Financing Your Legal Education Student Budget* (2009 – 2010) Tuition and Fees Room and Board Books Health Insurance Miscellaneous Total
$ 46,514 12,654 1,225 2,642 2,575 $ 65,610
* Students who earn a joint degree or certificate will also incur a nominal administrative fee. At Penn Law we are committed to guiding our applicants through the financial aid process and to helping our students develop a sound financial plan for their legal education. We provide generous financial assistance to deserving students through a variety of grants, scholarships, and loans. Importantly, admission decisions at Penn Law are made without regard to an applicant’s financial need. Therefore, financial aid applications are reviewed only after a student has been admitted. Following is an overview of the types of aid that are available to our students. Detailed information regarding financial aid and scholarships, as well as instructions for applying, may be found on our website at www.law.upenn.edu
Levy Scholars Program Silverman-Rodin Scholarship James Wilson Scholarship Dean’s Scholarship
Full tuition 1L, two-thirds 2L and 3L Full tuition 1L, half tuition 2L $60,000 – $75,000 over three years $15,000 – $60,000 over three years
Toll Public Interest Scholarships and Loan Repayment Assistance Penn Law, committed to promoting the pursuit of public interest careers, has developed the Toll Public Interest Scholars Program for select incoming students and the Toll Repayment Assistance Program (TollRAP) for graduates. The Toll Public Interest Scholars Program combines financial support (full tuition for the first year and two-thirds tuition for the second and third years) and a challenging academic program for highly accomplished students seeking academic training and practical experience in public interest law. Scholars are selected on the basis of their demonstrated commitment to public service, their academic record, and their potential for leadership in the legal community. TollRAP offers generous repayment assistance, on an annual basis, to Penn Law graduates working in public service careers. The amount of assistance is based on a formula that considers the applicant’s annual income and law school debt. Loans
Applying for Financial Aid Eligibility for need-based aid or grants is determined from financial information provided by the applicant, the applicant’s parent(s), and if applicable, the applicant’s spouse. Applicants for financial aid are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Need Access Application. You may submit the FAFSA electronically at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The Need Access application is available at www.NeedAccess.org If you are interested in applying for need-based aid, complete the aforementioned financial aid forms as early as possible so that your financial aid analysis can be completed soon after you have been admitted. We strongly recommend that all applicants submit these forms by March 1 even if they have not yet received an offer of admission.
In addition to the aforementioned grants and scholarships, there are a variety of federal and private loans for which students may be eligible. Students admitted to Penn Law will receive information on the various loans for which they may apply and will work directly with the Law School financial aid staff in completing this process.
Student Profile – Class of 2012* Applicants Enrolled Women Students of Color Average Age Directly from College Advanced Degrees
75th Percentile 25th Percentile
6,234 254 49% 36% 24 28% 10% LSAT 171 166
GPA 3.9 3.56
Distribution This year’s class includes students from 37 states, the District of Columbia, 6 foreign countries (Canada, India, Mauritius, Poland, Portugal, South Korea), and 101 colleges and universities. Faculty 2008-2009 72 full-time teaching 86 adjunct or lecturer 71% with advanced degrees 47% with Ph.D. or equivalent Over 40% hold secondary appointments at Penn Faculty-Student Ratio: 12 to 1 * As of August 20, 2009
Career Planning & Professionalism Penn Law students are recruited nationally and internationally by a wide array of employers. Our graduates are working in the following fields and geographic regions: Business & Industry Public Interest and Government Judicial Clerkship Private Practice Academia
2-4% 4-8% 17-22% 65-82% 1-2%
Location New England New York City Philadelphia California & West Coast Washington, DC Southeast Chicago & Midwest Texas & Southwest Mountain International
3-6% 35-45% 15-20% 9-12% 8-10% 3-6% 2-4% 1-2% 1-2% 1-3%
Private Sector Salaries – Recent Graduates Range: $50,000-$175,000 Median: $160,000 Public Sector Salaries – Recent Graduates Range: $34,000-$78,000 Median: $49,000
PEN N LAW P ROFILE Students at Penn Law thrive socially, academically and professionally, thanks to a small, su ppo rtive community; the preeminence of o ur School and University; and a fo cu s on redefining what it means to be a lawyer.
University of Pennsylvania Law School 3400 Chestnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104-6204 Office of Admissions & Financial Aid Admissions: 215.898.7400 Financial Aid: 215.898.7743 Fax: 215.898.9606 Admissions Email: contactadmissions@law.upenn.edu Financial Aid Email: finaid@law.upenn.edu
Office of Graduate Programs Telephone: 215.898.0407 Fax: 215.898.6979 Email: gradadmissions@law.upenn.edu University of Pennsylvania Non-Discrimination Policy Statement The University of Pennsylvania values diversity and seeks talented students, faculty and staff from diverse backgrounds. The University of Pennsylvania does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected class status in the administration of its admissions, financial aid, educational or athletic programs, or other University-administered programs or in its employment practices. Questions or complaints regarding this policy should be directed to the Executive Director of the Office of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Programs, Sansom Place East, 3600 Chestnut Street, Suite 228, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6106; or (215) 898-6993 (Voice) or (215) 898-7803 (TDD). The University of Pennsylvania must reserve the right to make changes affecting policies, fees, curricula, or any other matters announced in this publication or on its website.
http://www.law.upenn.edu
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