The LexisNexis survey on "The Future of the Legal Industry" revealed startling statistics on how law students felt about the institutions they'd attended, and in some cases accumulated large loans to attend, to receive their Juris Doctorates. As many as 65% of participants believe law school teaches legal theory but not the practical business skills needed to practice law, and 51% say they would prefer a low-paying apprenticeship with a law firm or legal department instead of a third year of law school.
There's a school on the west coast that is leading the pack when it comes to change. California's first public law school in 40 years opened its doors in August 2009. The University of California-Irvine School of Law was created to be a true 21st century law school. Founding Dean, Harvard Law graduate and the most-cited full-time law professor in the country, Dr. Erwin Chemerinsky pays close attention to students and the legal landscape. "I wasn't prepared to practice law when I graduated," Dr. Chemerinsky commented. "I wanted to make UC-Irvine's central vision to do the best job possible to prepare students to go into the world and practice law at the highest levels of the profession."
Some recent graduates have said they felt unprepared to enter the job market, both private and public practice. How is UC-Irvine (UCI) addressing this issue?
We had the advantage of a blank slate. At the first faculty meeting, as a group, we agreed all decisions would be focused on preparing students for the business of law. That's why we require our first-year students to take classes in sociology, psychology, and the economics of law. We also moved what is an upper-level class in most curriculums to the first year. Teaching negotiation and interviewing skills is crucial whether you're going into litigation or transactional law.
Lack of practical experience is a major complaint - from students and employers. Is UCI helping students with practical experience upon graduation?
Yes. This year we had 55 out of 60 in the inaugural class doing pro bono work - in the D.A.'s office, with legal aid, law firms and with judges. These students will leave UCI with a real portfolio of work to show a potential employer.
The LexisNexis survey showed more than 50% of law school graduates felt the third-year of law school was unnecessary. Do you agree?
Yes and no. With the traditional law school curriculum, I can understand why students feel this way. That's why we decided to make one semester of clinical experience a requirement during the third year. We are also working on creating a Capstone program. We have a "UCDC" program that helps place second- and third-year students in Washington D.C. externships on Capitol Hill, the Department of Justice and the White House. We are also working on a "UC in Sacramento" program. This clinical experience is required for graduation. Only eight other schools in the country have this requirement.
Will UCI, and in your opinion other institutions, consider eliminating the third-year?
No, UCI is not considering eliminating the third year of law school, and I don't believe other schools will either. Older institutions won't change primarily because of economics, but it's more than lost tuition. You have to address issues of tenured professors and a complete restructuring of the law school curriculum.
The LexisNexis survey showed 21% of students regret attending law school. How is UCI attempting to change this opinion?
First, the inaugural class received free tuition for all three years of law school. Students starting school this fall will receive half-tuition at no cost for all three years. We hope to continue this practice with the help of private and public funding.
Second, law schools can do a better job of preparing lawyers for the practice of law and this is multi-faceted. At UCI, every student will have a clinical experience or the equivalent. It would be unthinkable to have a medical school where medical students never see a patient. But at most law schools, only a relatively small percentage of students ever have hands-on experience working with actual clients, helping them solve real legal problems. At UCI, every student will have these kinds of supervised opportunities to learn by doing.
We also have the mentoring program that matches two mentors to each student (one younger "junior" mentor, one more established "senior" mentor). The junior mentor is a recent member of the California Bar and the senior mentor is an established attorney. The mentor's assist students while they navigate law school. Combined, these mentors can answer many questions - both broad and specific - that are on a student's mind. For example, "What kind of law do I want to practice or what worked for you and what didn't?"
How are UCI graduates job prospects?
The law school has a career development office, which will work aggressively to place students in their desired fields and places of employment. More than 70 national and local private firms; local, state and federal government law offices; and public interest non-profits have committed to interviewing students on campus this year.
It's essential for students to know their strengths and to possess the skills to market, network and interview their way to new and better opportunities. UCI hopes to prepare students in three critical areas: Job search skills, career education/mentoring and recruiting/networking opportunities.