Academic Success

Academic Success Program

The Academic Success Program is designed to guide students through every stage of their academic journey, from pre-matriculation to post-graduation bar admissions. We provide individualized academic counseling and a range of tailored programming to ensure each student’s success in law school and beyond.

Pre-Matriculation Preparation

Before arriving on campus, incoming students complete an online, asynchronous program that prepares them for the unique demands of law school. This program focuses on essential study skills and civic knowledge, helping students build a strong foundation for their legal education.

Orientation and First Year

This foundational instruction continues at New Student Orientation and extends into the first year, with particular emphasis on the Skills Lab Program. The Skills Lab, embedded within the first-semester Torts class, is a hands-on approach to developing critical legal skills. Each week, the Director of Academic and Bar Success delivers academic lessons, while second-year Fellows serve as mentors and teaching assistants, facilitating small group sessions to reinforce key lab assignments.

Ongoing Academic Support

The Student Handbook outlines the criteria for academic actions, including requirements for probation, academic notice, and mandatory participation in academic success programming. The Director works closely with students on academic probation or notice, meeting with them each semester to create personalized academic plans. Progress is carefully monitored to ensure active participation in all relevant academic success initiatives.

Bar Admissions and Bar Exam Preparation

Each year, students participate in a mandatory Bar Admissions Program which features information and guidance about the bar admissions process, relevant to the students’ current level. The Director and guest speakers from the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions, Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program, and AccessLex present on a variety of topics, including financial responsibility and saving for bar admissions costs, preparing for the bar exam, the character and fitness investigation process, the services provided by Lawyer and Law Student Assistance Programs, and the importance candor and professionalism throughout the admissions process and within the legal profession. These sessions provide invaluable resources to help students navigate the application process and find the information they need to apply for bar admission.

In addition to the annual Bar Admissions Program, the Director helps graduating students complete their bar applications and reviews materials on request. Bar Admissions Q&A sessions are held in late fall through the spring semester to assist students with their applications.

To further support graduating students, the Director teaches a spring Bar Skills course, providing an early start to bar preparation before graduation.

Post-Graduation Support

After graduation, the Director continues to offer support through newsletters, in-person & online workshops, and individual communication with bar candidates. These resources are designed to keep students on track as they prepare for the bar exam and ensure they receive the guidance needed during this critical time.