Widener Law Commonwealth Viewbook 2019-2021

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

Take the INSIDE TRACK at Widener Law Commonwealth “ My favorite part of Widener Law Commonwealth is the sense of community. I immediately felt welcomed by fellow classmates, professors, and staff. Everyone was so kind and helpful from the very beginning. I quickly learned everyone at Widener Law Commonwealth is here to assist and guide me in any way possible through my legal education.”

~ Gabriella Romeo DuBois, Pennsylvania

Here, from day one, you will be an insider. From the close mentorship and support you’ll receive from our faculty, to the professional experiences that will accelerate your career, a Widener Law Commonwealth degree will prepare you for a fast start and long-term success.

Widener Law Commonwealth offers a low-cost location and an exceptional learning experience that is personal, practical, and professional. You’ll experience a legal education with flexible scheduling choices, including full- and part-time options, and programs unmatched in career-building initiatives. Small class sizes will enable you to develop a mentorship relationship with internationally recognized faculty members.

We invite you to learn more about Widener Law Commonwealth’s approach to legal education. Visit our campus to see firsthand the many opportunities that will put you on the inside track to a career as a leader in the legal profession.

Join our Community.

INSIDE TRACK

Study law in the Pennsylvania state capital LEARNING IN HARRISBURG As the only law school in the capital of the nation’s fifth most populous state, Widener Law Commonwealth offers you a world of possibilities. The Harrisburg region is home to courts of every level, local and national law firms, and state government, and is close to the immigration court and detention center. Because of our location, you’ll enjoy many opportunities: to witness the law in action, to secure externships, and to build a professional network.

An added advantage lies in the broad representation of Widener Law Commonwealth alumni across the region. Our graduates work in every branch of state government, practice with firms and corporations of every description, work in federal government positions, and look for opportunities to open doors for fellow—and future—Widener Law Commonwealth alumni.

LIVING IN HARRISBURG Life in Harrisburg offers the best of two worlds—the energy and opportunities of an urban hub with all the advantages of a small town.

With approximately 600,000 people, Central Pennsylvania features the attractions of a major population center—cultural institutions, plentiful shopping, and fabulous restaurants—without the excessive expense of living in New York City, Philadelphia, or Washington D.C. When you are ready to escape the urban environment, nature is minutes away. Take your choice of outdoor recreational activities on the Susquehanna River and the nearby Appalachian Trail, or explore Harrisburg’s Riverfront Park, one of the most scenic inland waterfronts in the nation.

INSIDE TRACK Powerhouse signature programs THE LAW AND GOVERNMENT INSTITUTE The Law and Government Institute is dedicated to the study of government law and focuses on the complex intersection of legislation, regulation, policy, and the law.

The institute will equip you to explore how government works and the roles that lawyers play in making and implementing law, such as writing legislation, representing clients before state agencies, and providing legal advice to elected officials.

You may earn a Certificate in Law and Government that provides hands-on experience and is a signal to employers that you focused your legal studies on government law.

The Administrative/Constitutional Law Certificate concentrates on the balance of power between government branches and the laws that govern administrative agencies.

The Legislation Certificate offers immersion in the process of making laws, including drafting and interpretation. commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/lawandgovernment Twitter: @WidenerLG

“I chose to attend Widener Law Commonwealth because of the Law and Government Institute, and my experience has been great. Because Widener Law Commonwealth is so close to the capital, the types of internships and events that the Law and Government Institute has access to is unparalleled for those interested in government law.� ~Kimberly Creech Waldorf, Maryland

THE ENVIRONMENTAL LAW AND SUSTAINABILITY CENTER Our Motto: Law for Sustainability The Environmental Law and Sustainability Center takes on some of the most complex issues our society faces today—including environmental protection, sustainability, and climate change—that lawyers are likely to see regardless of what type of work they do.

The center explores ways that the law can be used to address challenges, including climate change, environmental rights, public health, biodiversity, and the protection of the land, air, and water for future generations. The center also emphasizes powerful, practical skills, including statutory analysis, writing, legislative drafting, and oral presentation.

The Environmental Law Certificate, offered in conjunction with the Law and Government Institute, enables you to explore the impact of the legislative process on environmental law. commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/elsc Twitter: @EnviroLawCenter

THE BUSINESS ADVISING PROGRAM Roughly one-half of U.S. workers work for business enterprises with fewer than 500 employees. About one-fifth of U.S. workers work for companies with fewer than 20 employees.

The Business Advising Certificate equips you to advise these small and midsize businesses that drive the U.S. economy, as well as entrepreneurs starting business enterprises.

The Business Advising Certificate provides a real world approach to learning inside and outside the classroom. To earn the certificate, you must successfully complete at least one transactional skills course that provides an intensive, hands-on drafting experience.

As a Business Advising Certificate student, you will also have numerous opportunities to put your practical skills to work outside the classroom. Partnering with the local bar association’s Lawyers for the Arts program, you’ll get to work with artists and arts organizations that need legal assistance. You will also have the opportunity to compete in the Transactional LawMeet®, an educational competition designed to develop and hone transactional lawyering skills. commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/businessadvising Twitter: @WidenerCWBizLaw The Advocacy Certificate prepares you for the courtroom with course work and hands-on learning opportunities in civil, criminal, and administrative litigation and dispute resolution. The program enhances placement opportunities in the region’s district attorney and public defender offices, public agencies that conduct administrative hearings, and private law firms. Opportunities include participation in our Intensive Trial Advocacy Program (ITAP), a week-long, intensive course in which local practitioners will coach you through trial simulations from opening to closing statements. commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/advocacy

INSIDE TRACK Learn from accessible faculty who are also renowned experts “My overall experience with the faculty has been constructive and motivating. The relationships I have developed with my professors has been my most helpful resource in law school. I am confident my relationship with my professors will continue well past law school.” ~Jonathan Diamond Gladstone from New Jersey

Widener Law Commonwealth faculty members will take a personal interest in your law school experience, including guidance of course selection, bar exam preparation, career counseling, and professional achievement.

Some of our distinguished faculty: • Dean and Professor of Law Christian Johnson is an internationally recognized expert on global capital markets and over-thecounter derivatives. He has testified before Congress and has spoken about the financial crisis worldwide.

• Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Development and Professor of Business Law Juliet Moringiello is director of the Business Advising Certificate Program. She is a versatile scholar who writes extensively in the areas of bankruptcy, secured credit, and electronic commerce.

• Professor of Law and Sustainability John Dernbach is director of the Environmental Law and Sustainability Center. He served two years as policy director of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and is known nationally and internationally for his work on sustainable development, climate change, and environmental law.

• Professor of Law and Government Jill Family is director of the Law and Government Institute. She is internationally known for her scholarly work in immigration law and administrative law. She has testified on Capitol Hill before a U.S. Senate subcommittee.

• Professor Anna Hemingway is director of the Legal Methods Program. She is a leader in the national legal writing community and a frequent presenter at national and international legal writing conferences.

Our well-connected faculty make you feel like an insider from day one.

INSIDE TRACK Where practice ready is more than a motto “I believe that the impact of our clinic is twofold: We provide much needed legal help to members of the local community who would otherwise not be able to afford it, and we prepare students with practical experience representing real clients with real legal issues. One of my goals has been to prepare students to become more inclined to take pro bono cases and become more involved with public service as practicing attorneys because of their work participating in the clinic while at Widener Law Commonwealth.” ~Mary Catherine Scott, Esq. Interim Director, Central Pennsylvania Law Clinics

CLINICS As a participant in the Central Pennsylvania Civil Law Clinics, you will gain valuable hands-on experience working on real cases with our clinic supervisors. Our clinics include the Administrative Law Clinic, Consumer Law Clinic, Elder Law Clinic, and the Family Justice Clinic.

EXTERNSHIPS Proximity to the Capitol Complex will give you direct access to a multitude of externship opportunities, including the chance to work as a judicial or legal extern. You’ll gain hands-on experience and make valuable connections with lawmakers and leaders.

PRACTICAL LEARNING COURSES Putting the skills you learn in the classroom into practice is a large part of the curriculum at Widener Law Commonwealth.

The curriculum boasts more than 20 practical learning courses you can choose from, including business planning, alternative dispute resolution, negotiation, pre-trial methods, trial methods, sustainability law practicum, and Intensive Trial Advocacy (ITAP).

An INSIDE TRACK to long-term career success

A Personal Approach Our foundational Legal Methods courses are designed to teach legal methods in an accessible manner. Because we incorporate technology, visuals, and small group work in almost every class, you can immerse yourself in learning lawyering skills from the first day of law school.

Teaching Practical Skills

“The Career Development Office at Widener Law Commonwealth offers excellent service to students. The staff is very helpful when it comes to résumé and cover letter writing, as well as helping with interviews. It is because of the Career Development Office that I was able to get the internships I wanted.” ~Aaron D. Rosengarten Easton, Pennsylvania

Preparing you for practice is one of our primary goals. We are nationally known for the innovative tools and technology we use to teach these courses and assess your performance.

Because feedback in legal practice rarely involves letter grades and written comments, we go beyond traditional forms of grading by incorporating live critiques. Doing this gives you more than a grade—it gives you a meaningful opportunity to continue to learn through assessment. commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/legalmethods Twitter: @lwritingproud

CAREER DEVELOPMENT OFFICE The Career Development Office plays an essential role in your professional success. Made up of a team of experienced and dedicated staff that can help educate and connect you to career opportunities, it offers networking events and hosts educational lectures.

The office also provides support by assisting with résumé writing, conducting mock interviews, and providing opportunities to gain experience in the legal profession. In addition, the Career Development Office brings in a variety of speakers to share their expertise and experience.

LEGAL WRITING Termed “Legal Methods” at Widener Law Commonwealth, our legal writing program recognizes that becoming a good lawyer requires more than learning fundamental legal principles.

Legal Methods courses focus on teaching the traditional hard skills you need to succeed as a lawyer, as well as the soft skills you need to succeed in the workplace. We pride ourselves in teaching not only writing and analysis, but also teamwork and professionalism.

You’ll focus on legal writing to ensure you have the best possible foundation to build on your legal education.

BAR PREPARATION Successful bar preparation is key as you prepare to graduate and pass the exam. Widener Law Commonwealth offers a fundamentals course that includes basic techniques for answering bar exam questions, as well as repeated exposure to bar examination materials. In addition, faculty members are always available and happy to offer insights on and assistance with bar exam preparation.

Bar preparation begins on the first day of law school.

Develop leadership skills through an engaging student life At Widener Law Commonwealth, you’ll enjoy a rich student life designed to enhance your legal education both on and off campus. Numerous clubs and organizations provide opportunities for you to network and apply your legal studies in enriching and rewarding activities. We also promote a work-life balance through various wellness initiatives.

HONOR SOCIETIES You can participate in three honors organizations: • Widener Commonwealth Law Review • Moot Court Honor Society • Trial Advocacy Honor Society

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS The Student Bar Association is the flagship organization that oversees student organizations at Widener Law Commonwealth.

The groups on campus include social and academic clubs.

Participating in student organizations helps you extend your learning outside the classroom, provides networking opportunities, and adds experience to your résumé.

Examples of clubs include: The National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA): A national organization created to promote the professional needs and goals of black and minority law students. The Black Law Students Association focuses on the relationship of black and minority attorneys to the American legal system and holds networking and educational events throughout the year.

Public Interest Law Society (PILS): A student group that aims to bridge the gap between law students and those seeking legal advice or advocacy in the community. The commitment to public interest fosters professional responsibility and personal connections through service to persons unable to pay for legal services or unsure of where to obtain such services.

Veterans Association: The mission of the Veterans Association is to support, mentor, and honor the men and women who are America’s veterans through fostering community connections, leadership, diversity, service, and excellence.

You are welcome to start a new group to match an interest among fellow classmates.

INSIDE TRACK

RECENT JOB TITLES AND EMPLOYERS OF ALUMNI

An alumni community that pays it forward to the next generation of lawyers

Under Secretary of the Army U.S. Army

Executive Director MidPenn Legal Services

Auditor General Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Deputy District Attorney Dauphin County, Pennsylvania

Federal Chief Magistrate U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania

District Attorney York County, Pennsylvania

Since 1989, Widener University Commonwealth Law School has brought together remarkable people—diverse in backgrounds and united as part of a close and supportive community. Alumni collaboration and connections have been key components at Widener Law Commonwealth since the beginning.

The Alumni Association continues that tradition as it works to play an active role in shaping the law school’s future and mentoring students like you. Our alumni have a strong sense of identity, loyalty, and pride. They are eager to network with recent Widener Law Commonwealth alumni and connect them to new opportunities.

Partner K & L Gates Judge Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court

Partner Jones Day

First Deputy General Commonwealth of Pennsylvania White House Counsel Executive Office of the President of the United States Senator Pennsylvania State Senate

Senior Counsel Office of General Counsel, Department of Health, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Vice President of Human Resources Sheetz Partner Weil, Gotshal and Manges Judge Advocate General U.S. Army

40 STATES

where alumni are

practicing

3,500+

alumni in the Widener Law Commonwealth community, creating a robust network that helps to support the school and current law students.

YOU WILL BE READY FOR YOUR FUTURE.

Take the

INSIDE TRACK with flexible enrollment options designed to fit your busy schedule.

You’re a working professional who wants to earn a law degree.

The question is: How do you juggle classes, commitments to work and family, and get your degree in a reasonable time frame?

Widener Law Commonwealth’s Extended Division part-time JD program is the answer. With evening and day programs offered, most students complete their required coursework in four years.

by knowing how to afford your law school education.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS • Widener Law Commonwealth offers generous scholarship awards to incoming students like you in both the full- and parttime programs.

• Your application to the law school is your application for scholarship consideration.

• All incoming scholarship awards are renewable each year provided you maintain good academic standing.

Contact the Admissions Office E-mail: admitcwlaw@widener.edu Phone: 717-541-3903 Website: commonwealthlaw.widener.edu

FINANCIAL AID INFORMATION Widener Law Commonwealth’s tuition and fees are competitive, and we offer a number of scholarships that reward academic achievement. We encourage you to complete the FAFSA to apply for the Federal Student Loan Program.

We will assist you with financial need so you can make the most of your many financial aid opportunities. If you have any questions as you go through the process, the financial aid staff is happy to help. To learn more about financial aid, visit commonwealthlaw.widener.edu.

Contact the Financial Aid Office E-mail: finaidcwlaw@widener.edu Phone: 717-541-3961

VETERAN FRIENDLY

START YOUR

JOURNEY

TODAY. APPLY TO WIDENER LAW COMMONWEALTH • Apply through the Law School Admissions Council at www.lsac.org.

• Admissions decisions take into consideration many factors.

The two most important factors are your cumulative undergraduate GPA and your high LSAT score. Other factors taken into consideration include your work and life experiences, extracurricular activities, community involvement, military service, and graduate study.

All applicants are required to submit: • A completed application.

• A CAS Report which includes transcripts from all colleges or universities attended; transcripts should be sent directly from the school to LSAC. • A personal statement.

• Two letters of recommendation—for students currently enrolled in college, at least one letter should be from a faculty member.

• A current résumé.

Optional items may include a diversity statement and an addendum explaining any “issues” with your application (typically a low LSAT or a low GPA).

• Transfer and visiting students are accepted in any semester after completion of one full year of law school.

• Previous law school attendees must submit an official transcript and letter of standing from their prior law school.

• International applicants must submit a completed application before April 1.

Complete application instructions for all applicants can be found at commonwealthlaw.widener.edu.

Contact the Admissions Office Email: admitcwlaw@widener.edu Phone: 717-541-3903 Website: commonwealthlaw.widener.edu/apply

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY Widener University adheres to all federal and state civil rights laws prohibiting discrimination in private institutions of higher education. Widener University will not discriminate against any employee, applicant for employment, student, or applicant for admission on the basis of sex, gender, pregnancy status, age, race, national origin or ethnicity, religion, disability, status as a veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or genetic information, or any other protected category under applicable local, state, or federal law, including protections for those opposing discrimination or participating in any resolution process on campus or within the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or other human rights agencies.

For the complete policy, visit: widener.edu/nondiscrimination

3800 Vartan Way, Harrisburg, PA 17110 717-541-3903 • admitcwlaw@widener.edu commonwealthlaw.widener.edu