The Paul M. Hebert Law Center hosted its biannual open house session Monday afternoon, offering prospective students advice on applications and insight into the daily life of a law student.
The three-hour session, which was held from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Law Center’s McKernan Auditorium, featured speakers ranging from Law Center Chancellor Jack Weiss to a panel of current law students.
Speakers aimed to inform and reassure students unsure of their ability to handle the increased responsibility of law school while touting the reputation of the Law Center.
In his greeting, Weiss highlighted recent changes to Law Center requirements and policy. He said the elimination of the mandatory summer program, the recalibration of the grade point average system and the increased flexibility of upperclassmen’s curriculum make the Law Center a more attractive option for students seeking a law degree and future employment.
John Church, law professor and senior member of the Committee of Admissions, urged students completing their personal statement and compiling letters of recommendation to focus on themselves rather than hollow achievements and associations.
Students also participated in a mock class conducted by law professor Gregory Smith. Students were provided with multiple cases involving injuries at summer camps, and they engaged in discourse with Smith as they would in a class setting.
“Law classes can be scary for students,” Smith said. “It helps them to have an experience. We want to have better informed consumers of a legal students.”
The open house program is offered once each semester and is open to all students, said Jenifer Finney, associate director of admissions.
According to Henry, 97 students responded to invitations to the event.
“The program is geared toward anyone interested in law school,” Finney said. “It is open to students of any age. We certainly won’t turn anyone