Savannah Law School Viewbook 2015-2016

where life meets law

live and learn

In the heart of historic Savannah, GA, Savannah Law School welcomes its students with nothing less than the best in Southern hospitality. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, and the famous River Street make Savannah a world-renowned city.

Live the charmed life in Savannah. Enjoy the warmth of a small-town community, while taking advantage of big city benefits like the arts, international festivals, outstanding cuisine, and pristine beaches.

Savannah and Savannah Law School – two great places to launch a promising career.

dean’s message

Salutem et ave! Greetings and welcome. It is my pleasure to introduce you to Savannah Law School!

This includes utilizing their offices as satellite classrooms where professors provide one-on-one instruction designed to address a student’s educational needs.

Your interest in Savannah Law School (SLS) marks the beginning of one of the most exciting adventures of your life-- a journey that culminates with you adding the title “Attorney at Law” to your name. If that is your goal, we have the road for you. Our central mission is your success. We focus on teaching students the law and training them to practice it. At SLS, preparing you to become a lawyer is our top priority.

Our students are a diverse group of individuals from throughout the country and different walks of life. Those differences bring richness to the classroom that allows students to gain a new perspective on the law and how it impacts others. It is a place where all can thrive and learn from one another.

The following pages will give you a sense of our school, our students, our faculty, and how SLS serves as the pathway into the profession for successful lawyers.

Savannah Law School is an “enterprise of opportunity.” Our doors are open to those who want to become lawyers, even if they thought that was beyond their grasp. We can help you achieve that goal. I encourage you to consider what the school can offer you and how that will advance your professional aspirations. You are welcome to contact us with any questions you have.

Our faculty is a group of highly-regarded and accomplished professors.

They are a coterie of impressive scholar-practitioners, each of whom has a commitment to our students and sharing both their knowledge and lawyer “know-how” in a way that enables you to be practice-ready upon graduation.

If you are ready for the challenge of entering the legal profession, we will lead you to that goal. When you reach it, I proudly will shake your hand as you walk across the stage to receive your Savannah Law School diploma.

Their teaching philosophy is simple- do what is necessary for you to succeed.

Sincerely, Malcolm L. Morris Dean

campus

Originally built in 1819 and located across from Forsyth Park in downtown Savannah, Savannah Law School occupies one of the most historic and beautiful properties in the United States. Our 110,000 square foot campus, not only includes our award winning renovated buildings, but also Georgia’s oldest live oak tree, the Candler Oak. With a focus on individualized attention, Savannah Law School’s largest classroom seats only 70 students and a majority of the classrooms seat 40 students. Ample group and personal study space is available throughout campus.

Students enjoy a campus community which is academically challenging yet socially serene. Classmates are described as family and professors as mentors. The abundant cultural, intellectual, and experiential riches of one of the world’s most unique cities makes Savannah Law School the ideal place for students ready to advance their careers.

keystones of achievement

Savannah Law School

Juris Doctor Programs: Full-Time and Part-Time

The Faculty

Savannah Law School opened its doors with the goal of being the ideal law school for the 21st century.

Challenging students beyond the classroom, SLS upholds the highest standards of intellectual rigor, practical skills, and professional behavior to prepare graduates for lives of leadership and service.

The study of law is exciting, dynamic, and rewarding.

SLS’s renaissance in legal education provides the skills necessary to enter the profession well-equipped and ready to practice law. Disciplined thinking, refined judgment, insightful synthesis, and a collaborative dynamic are hallmarks of a Savannah Law School education.

SLS carefully selected an outstanding faculty qualified to challenge students to succeed in law practice and in life. As mentors and role models, they balance high expectations with care and compassion.

Students come from around the country with a myriad of backgrounds. No two students are quite alike and that diversity provides a rich climate for the exchange of ideas and aids in the development of highly skilled, ethical, and professional lawyers.

From the first-year curriculum with its set of core courses, through the third year with classes that emphasize practical skills development, SLS is designed to awaken a student’s abiding curiosity about the law’s nature and purpose while fostering and cultivating the intellectual, analytical, and problem-solving skills necessary to responsibly apply and practice law in today’s society.

The most exciting moments of discovery emerge from one-on-one, personal exchanges. SLS’s small class sizes and direct access to professors provides the best environment for learning. The purpose of our outcomeoriented program is to prepare students to pass the bar and excel in their careers. At Savannah Law School our students come first because their success is our success.

The Juris Doctor degree may be earned in the full-time or part-time program. The full-time program requires study in residence for six semesters over three academic years. The part-time program requires study in residence for eight semesters over four academic years, plus summer sessions.

As prominent scholars representing a broad range of expertise, our faculty brings real-world experience to the classroom to ensure that students not only learn legal theory but also the skills necessary to be practice-ready upon graduation. Every professor provides students the opportunity to develop and grow as they master the legal theory and professional skills required to serve a diverse array of clients, industries, and subjects.

Small classes allow for singular interaction with professors and promote strong bonds with fellow students. At SLS, you will find an ambitious and supportive learning environment where professors are available to lend their expertise to mentor and educate the next generation of lawyers.

required courses

FIRST YEAR FALL Contracts I LRWA** I Torts I P.A.S.S.

FIRST YEAR

FULL-TIME STUDENTS

Total Credits

3 3 3 3 3

SPRING Civil Procedure II Contracts II Real Property LRWA** II Torts II

15 Total Credits

3 3 4 3 3

16

SECOND YEAR FALL Constitutional Law I Evidence Electives Advanced Analytical Methods

Total Credits

SPRING 3 Criminal Procedure 3 4 Constitutional Law II 3 5-8 Business Organizations 3 2 Sales & Secured Transactions 3 Electives 0-3

14-17 Total Credits

12-15

THIRD YEAR FALL Professional Responsibility Electives

SPRING Remedies 2 Electives 10-13

Total Credits

12-15 Total Credits

TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION

Total Credits SECOND YEAR

3 9-12

12-15 88

PART-TIME STUDENTS

FALL Civil Procedure I Contracts I Criminal Law LRWA** I Torts I

FALL Criminal Law Civil Procedure I Real Property

Total Credits THIRD YEAR

SPRING Contracts II LRWA** II Torts II

3 3 3

9

Total Credits

9

3 3 4

SPRING Criminal Procedure Civil Procedure II Electives

3 3 2-3

SUMMER Electives 3-6 Advanced Analytical Methods 2

10

Total Credits

8-9

Total Credits

5-8

3 3 3 0

SUMMER Electives

5-6

Total Credits

5-6

FALL Constitutional Law I 3 Evidence I 2 Sales & Secured Transactions*** 3 Business Organizations**** 3 Electives 0-3

SPRING Constitutional Law II 3 Evidence II 2 Professional Responsibility 2 Electives 3-5

SUMMER Electives

3-4

Total Credits FOURTH YEAR

Total Credits

Total Credits

3-4

FALL Remedies Sales & Secured Transactions*** Business Organizatons**** Electives

Total Credits

8-11 3

10-12

SPRING Electives

9-11

Total Credits

9-11

***Offered on odd calendar years ****Offered on even calendar years

3 3 3-5

9-11

TOTAL REQUIRED FOR GRADUATION 88

*After the first year of study, students take a minimum of 24 credits in elective courses. Also, after completing LRWA I & II, students must take a minimum of two writing and skills courses totaling at least five credits. The upper division writing courses: Advanced Appellate Advocacy (3); Transactional Drafting (3); Pretrial Practice and Procedure (3). Students may take additional writing courses to fulfill other elective requirements. ** Legal Research, Writing and Analysis. In compliance with ABA Standard 304, each student entering in 2016 and thereafter will be required to complete 6 units of experiential learning.

student success programs

Our goal is for every student to be fully equipped to practice law. To that end, we created a program designed to give every student the tools to excel.

Student success is our priority. The following programs prepare our students from their first day of orientation, through graduation, and into the practice of law. From study skills, career development, bar exam preparation, externships, and job interviews; SLS teaches, mentors, guides, and challenges students along their path to success.

Academic Achievement Program

Externship Program

Being a successful attorney begins with being a successful law student. To achieve the high standards we set, SLS’s student-centered learning environment includes its Office of Academic Achievement, where specialized instruction helps students master the skills necessary to excel in school and prepare for the bar exam.

The Externship Program bridges the gap between law school and legal practice. Externships provide the opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom with the practical, realworld experience of on-the-job training while earning academic credit for an enhanced education.

Having a strong foundation is critical for every student, which is why 1L’s participate in our Professional and Academic Success Seminar. The program eases the transition between life before law school and life in law school by identifying weaknesses and strengthening areas such as issue-spotting, analytical reasoning, and writing. Advanced Analytical Methods builds upon and strengthens the 1L foundation, while comprehensive bar preparation classes build the skills necessary to pass the bar exam.

Whether clerking for a federal or state judge, addressing complex criminal issues with a Public Defender or State Attorney, or resolving a dispute at the Mediation Center, students can further their individual educational goals by selecting externships that develop the skills and experience they need to enhance their professional development.

Putting academics into action, these programs equip you with the tools necessary to be prepared for the opportunities, challenges, and successes of practice in the real world.

This training provides you with the best hands-on experience available very early in your career to ensure that you are practice-ready upon graduation. Students consistently praise externships as one of their most valuable experiences in law school.

Legal Skills and Professionalism Program

Career Development Program

SLS’s pioneer Legal Skills and Professionalism Program is designed to prepare students for the successful practice of law.

The program fosters better lawyers through a comprehensive approach to legal problem solving by cohesively integrating doctrinal theory and legal skills, thus allowing you to develop a holistic approach to the practice of law.

Personalization is the cornerstone of our Career Development Office. Individual counseling is provided to each student to create a career path and determine appropriate job-search strategies to meet their personal and professional goals.

During their law school careers, students are required to complete eleven credit hours of study in the areas of writing and legal skills. These practice-oriented courses challenge students to develop and master legal reasoning, research, oral advocacy, drafting, and counseling skills through simulated real-life situations.

All courses in the Legal Skills and Professionalism Program are taught in small sections to ensure that faculty can work with students individually to exceed their goals.

Putting academics into action.

To address the ever-changing legal market, early career assessment and skills training are necessary to ensure a successful job search and career satisfaction. An extensive range of resources and opportunities are provided to identify and secure desired positions.

Seminars, workshops, and on- and off-campus interviews are offered to allow you to interact with attorneys and other professionals, while also providing invaluable advice and networking opportunities. Regular programs teach and refresh practical career skills such as polishing a rĂŠsumĂŠ, networking, dressing for success, dining etiquette, and interview preparation.

The resources provided place the tools of success within your reach.

student life

Savannah Law School is a boutique law school where small classes and expert faculty foster great lawyers. The collaborative community created by our faculty, staff, and students is one of the unique qualities that set us apart. avannah Law School students are pioneers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. Every individual has the unique opportunity to make a direct impact on the future of our community by establishing or participating in student organizations that broaden the educational experience, engage the community, and foster lasting relationships.

S

Students gain valuable professional experience in our traditional student programs, such as the Student Bar Association, Law Review, Moot Court Honor Board, and Mock Trial. These organizations allow students to serve

in leadership positions, gain practical written and oral advocacy skills, and network with working professionals.

A hallmark of a great law school is to have an involved, active student body that reflects the intellectual, social, and personal interests of its students. This statement could not be more fitting to describe Savannah Law School.

Whether it is a group based on a legal interest, cultural identification, political ideology, or extracurricular activity, student life becomes more active and engaging every day.

Through organizations like the Black Law Students Association, Environmental Law Society, Federalist Society, Fitness Club, OUTLaws & Allies, Phi Alpha Delta, and more, students broaden their educational experience, give back to the community, and foster strong relationships.

The unique viewpoints of our students enrich their educational experience and provide a broader understanding of how the law affects all people. While their backgrounds and passions are varied, students share a deep commitment to achieving their dream of entering the legal profession and pursuing the cause of justice around the world.

community

Savannah

Resources

Known for its rich history, natural beauty, eclectic architecture, and romantic ambiance, Savannah also is a chic and sophisticated city with stylish boutiques, grand art galleries, and famous restaurants. With over 12 million visitors annually, Savannah’s enigmatic and playful personality creates a melting pot of people, culture, and ideas.

As a lawyer, you will be expected to research efficiently and precisely. The world of information can be overwhelming; however, at SLS, the resources and training you need to perform your best are at your fingertips.

Savannah may be a small community but it is a major business center. Savannah’s port is the second busiest container exporter in the United States rivaled only by New York City. The city is also home to both Federal and State courthouses where SLS students hone and master their passion on a daily basis.

Savannah is a city of personal discovery. Its endearing quirks and idiosyncrasies will broaden your mind and challenge your expectations, making possibilities not only endless, but attainable.

Students have access to a multitude of traditional and nontraditional resources. The library catalogue features a host of federal and state reporters, hornbooks, legal treatises, monographs, and study guides. Students are also provided access to Westlaw, Lexis Nexis, Bloomberg Law, HeinOnline, JSTOR, Galileo, and much more.

The library staff offers introductory and advanced training in the use of all resources and will schedule individual sessions upon request.

Every room is networked for students to use laptops, and classrooms are equipped with projectors, smartboards, microphones, or speakers to create a dynamic learning environment. A computer lab is available on campus for students who prefer to use a desktop computer or need to print material.

admissions

Savannah Law School’s mission is to provide the opportunity for legal education to both traditional and non-traditional students who show promise of making positive contributions to the profession, legal system, and society. We are dedicated to preparing highly skilled, ethical, and professional lawyers who possess a strong social conscience.

To fulfill our mission, applications are evaluated holistically. In addition to the candidate’s academic record, the Admissions Committee carefully examines factors that indicate a high probability for success, such as, life experiences; personal and professional achievements; ability to overcome life’s obstacles; the capability for rigorous intellectual study; the self-discipline demanded by the profession; and a commitment to serve the profession and society.

The goal of the admissions process is to achieve a rich ethnic, racial, cultural, gender, and experiential diversity in order to enhance the educational experience of our students.* *Savannah Law School does not discriminate on the basis of sex, handicap, disability, race, color, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, marital status, gender identity, gender expressions, or sexual or affectional preference in its educational programs, admissions policies, employment policies, or other school-administered programs.

Requirements

Application Process

Admission requires a bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university. Students in senior year undergraduate standing may be considered for admission, provided their degree will be conferred prior to law school matriculation.

Prospective students can apply to Savannah Law School directly though LSAC using school code 5344 or Savannah Law School’s website. Applications are accepted year-round with no application deadlines, however, applicants should apply early to ensure consideration prior to the class becoming full, to be eligible for scholarship opportunities, and to take advantage of events for accepted students. The Admissions Committee will not review any application until all required documents are received.

In addition to the application, applicants must submit, at the minimum, the following materials: 1. LSAC Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report with valid Law School Admission Test score a. LSAT score must be less than five years old at the time an application is considered b. Applicants may register for the LSAT and CAS report online at www.lsac.org 2. A two to three page personal statement 3. A one-page résumé 4. Two letters of recommendation 5. Any necessary addenda 6. Upon acceptance and prior to matriculation, official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, or professional study must be forwarded directly from the institution to SLS’s Admissions Office.

Connect

facebook.com/savannahlawschool

@savannahlawsch

@savannahlawschool

pinterest.com/savannahlawsch For detailed information about applying to Savannah Law School, contact: Admissions Office Savannah Law School 516 Drayton St. Savannah, GA, 31401 912-525-3929 admissions@savannahlawschool.org

Savannah Law School is accredited by the American Bar Association as a branch of the fully accredited Atlanta’s John Marshall Law School.

The Section of Legal Education may be contacted at: 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60610; phone: (312) 988-6738.

The purpose of this viewbook is to provide prospective students with an overview of the curriculum, faculty, location, programs, and services at Savannah Law School.

The information provided does not constitute a contract and is subject to change without notice.