These workshops provide an overview of the skills necessary for law school success: reading, case-briefing, note-taking, forming study groups, using study aids, creating course outlines, managing time, and preparing for and taking law school exams. The workshops are designed to provide a foundation so that students may develop methods that best suit their individual needs. Each topical workshop has two sessions, both will be held live. So students may attend the session that best fits with their schedule. Alternatively, a condensed version of each workshop will be posted to D2L.
LAY A FOUNDATION: READING, BRIEFING, & NOTE-TAKING
How you read & process cases before, during, & after class is the key to understanding & retaining all of the material being thrown at you! This workshop provides tips and strategies for maximizing your potential in class.
Wednesday, September 3, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM in Room 474
Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 3:10 PM to 4:10 PM in Room 474
GROUP OR SOLO: STUDY GROUPS AND STUDY AIDS
You are probably wondering if you need to join a law school study group or not. If you do decide to join one, this workshop will provide you with information on how to create an effective study group. If you opt to go solo, there are a number of resources you can use to test your understanding and application of the doctrinal information.
See ASP 1L D2L Page
CONNECT THE DOTS: RULE SYNTHESIS & OUTLINING
This workshop focuses on case synthesis and condensing information to create an effective outline for exam preparation, as well as an introduction to flowcharting and other methods of organizing class content.
See ASP 1L D2L Page
NO TIME TO MANAGE TIME: TIME MANAGEMENT
This workshop will help you reflect on how you prioritize, learn motivation strategies, and understand the importance of self-care and allowing yourself breaks.
See ASP 1L D2L Page
ORGANIZE THE KNOWLEDGE: LEGAL ANALYSIS & ESSAYS
This workshop will be presented in two parts (a pre-workshop assignment and a workshop). It is highly recommended that students complete the pre-workshop assignment to follow along. In the pre-workshop Session, students are given a practice question to complete prior to the workshop. At the workshop, there will be a brief discussion about strategies to ensure organized and thorough analysis on essay questions. We will also break down the answer to the practice question, showing detailed examples of strong, as well as weak, essay answers.
Pre-Workshop: See ASP 1L D2L Page
Workshop: See ASP 1L D2L Page
EXAMS ARE COMING: EXAM STRATEGIES & TECHNIQUES
We will discuss exam preparation and performance. This workshop will cover possible exam formats and tips for approaching both objective and essay questions.
See ASP 1L D2L Page
Dean Pritchard is available by appointment for one-on-one/individual consultation with 1L students throughout the year. Students can discuss any issues related to their law school experience. ASP is well-equipped to counsel and guide students through the, oftentimes, tumultuous first year of law school.
Peer Mentors (PMs) provide critical support for students in their first year of study, for transfer students, and for students who desire or need additional support. They are leaders, peer advisors, advocates, tutors, and mentors. PMs are not appointed to be experts in the relevant subject matter, but are selected because they are experts at facilitating positive, meaningful and significant learning experiences for student populations they work with. As such, while PMs are certainly competent in substantive areas, they are not expected to provide lectures on substantive law. Rather, they facilitate directed/structured study groups that provide a space for students to acquire context for their learning, doctrinal understanding, and a sense of community with resources provided by the Academic Success Program. Above all, however, PMs lead and facilitate study groups so students develop the critical skills to excel in law school such as acquiring background knowledge, reading and briefing cases, articulating relevant law, outlining, and engaging in effective legal analysis. PMs provide support by using effective learning tools provided by the ASP program that challenge and engage students.
Study Groups and Peer Mentor information will be posted to ASP 1L D2L Page soon
Workshop provides an overview of the skills necessary for law school success: evaluating exam performance and implementing new approaches. The workshop is designed to provide a foundation so that students may develop methods that best suit their individual needs. Workshop will be held online (synchronous). Alternatively, a condensed version of the workshop will be posted to D2L.
Participants in the Critical Skills Program meet once a week, for one hour and thirty minutes, in directed study groups lead by Dean Pritchard. The study groups will focus on a variety of academic skills students should have mastered Fall semester taught within the context of the material being covered in the Property course. Students will complete practice questions, discuss analysis and sample answers, and revisit study and test taking skills. Should you desire to participate, you are required to participate in the entirety of the program. For those unable to commit to the requirements of the program, we will make certain materials available via the ASP 1L D2L Page.
Application Available Spring Semester!