Preparing for Law School

Please explore these resources and supports from the Academic Excellence Program on how to prepare for law school.

JDEdge coming in June! Look for instructions on how to take advantage of this prelaw program in the next two weeks! 

Roger Williams Law has partnered with AccessLex to provide webinars, video lectures, and interactive online lessons to all of our incoming law students. While working through modules created for prelaw students, you will begin to acquire critical skills such as:

  • Reading and briefing cases,
  • Engaging in class,
  • Note-taking,
  • Effective post-class strategies,
  • Strategic studying,
  • And so much more.


With opportunities to practice what you’ve learned along the way, RWU Law’s Academic Excellence Program, in collaboration with AccessLex gives new law students the foundation — and the confidence — to enter ready.

The Academic Excellence Program will continue this skill development through your law school career. We look forward to meeting and working with you all! 

If you wish to find out more about JDEdge, click here: JDEdge by AccessLex | AccessLex

Professor Thompson will hold open door sessions on Thursday evenings 7:45 to 8:45pm starting on June 27, 2024 and running through July 25, 2024 (with exception of July 4th). These sessions are open to any incoming 1L and there is no need to make an appointment. Simply click on this zoom link: https://rwu-law-edu.zoom.us/j/4636360694

If you cannot attend any of these sessions, but would like to speak with Professor Thompson, please contact her at kthompson@rwu.edu or at 401-254-4568. 

Students interested in reading materials beyond JDEdge may visit the RWU Law library website here. There are several excellent resources for incoming 1Ls. A few are listed below. If you have questions about any prelaw resources, contact Professor Thompson at kthompson@rwu.edu or 401-254-4568 or attend one of her drop-in sessions on Thursdays from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. EDT (see tab above)

One L of a Ride, by Andrew J. McClurg available online here:
https://subscription-westacademic-com.rwulaw.idm.oclc.org/Book/Detail?id=25293

The Guide to Belonging in Law School, by Russ McClain available online here:
https://subscription-westacademic-com.rwulaw.idm.oclc.org/Book/Detail?id=26948

Strategies & Tactics for the First Year Law Student available online here:
https://ebooks-aspenlaw-com.rwulaw.idm.oclc.org/product/strategies-tactics-for-first-year-law-student
 

 

LEAD@RWULaw

The mission of the LEAD@RWULaw Pre-Orientation Program is to empower students, especially First Generation and LGBTQ+ students, to achieve their full potential through mentoring, learning, and leadership experiences. LEAD's goal is to foster a thriving community of students who are supported and connected through meaningful relationships and opportunities for learning and growth.

For more information and to apply, please visit the L.E.A.D. webpage here.

 

Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.