All Washburn Law students get a jump start on developing the skills necessary to succeed in law school by attending our first-week orientation program that begins before our second- and third-year law students return to campus for the semester. During this week, you will receive training in critical reading, case law briefing and exam strategies.
Beyond academics, you’ll get familiar with the resources at Washburn Law and the main campus, learn to manage your workload and get tech support from our own IT staff. The week includes engaging opportunities to connect with your classmates as well as a visit to the historic Brown v. Board National Historic Site, where you'll learn more about the monumental case and the efforts of three Washburn Law alumni who brought the initial case forward.
At Washburn, our nationally renowned Legal Analysis, Research, and Writing (LARW) program is a cornerstone of your academic support. This program provides comprehensive training in legal analysis, research, and writing, focusing on both objective and persuasive legal reasoning.
In your first year, you'll benefit from small class sizes and detailed feedback on major writing assignments, helping you build proficiency and independence in key skills. You'll also observe oral arguments before state and federal appellate courts, gaining practical insights. As an upper-level student, you'll further refine your skills through courses like transactional drafting and writing for law practice. With access to one of the nation’s top-ranked law libraries and expert staff, you’ll be well-prepared to excel in your legal career.
Our commitment to supporting students throughout their academic journey continues with our unique mentorship program, where first-year law students (1Ls) are paired with experienced upper-class mentors. These mentors meet with 1Ls in small groups during the first weeks of law school, focusing on critical professionalism skills that are essential for success in both law school and future careers. Additionally, students in our LL.M. and M.S.L. programs, as well as visiting and transfer students, receive similar mentorship to ease their transition to Washburn Law.
Our mentors provide invaluable social support, help students create realistic schedules and offer guidance on academic planning and efficiency techniques. They also provide crucial information about the honor code, professional ethics, and the importance of maintaining a strong professional identity. Mentors assist with email etiquette, social media best practices, and effective networking strategies, reinforcing Washburn Law’s core strengths of wellness, competency, communication, leadership, strategy, and ethics. With our mentorship program, students are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of law school and beyond.
We pride ourselves on the exceptional support and guidance our faculty provide to every student. Each first-year student is paired with a dedicated faculty advisor who is there to meet with you outside the classroom, offering valuable feedback on course content and helping you plan your course of study. These advisors, who also teach your first-year courses, become familiar faces you can rely on for guidance. With many professors having open door policies or scheduled office hours, you’ll always have the opportunity to stop by, ask questions, and deepen your understanding of course material.
At Washburn Law, preparation for the bar exam is a process that begins during the first week of classes and continues through passage of the exam. Students begin building a strong foundation in the core, exam-tested subjects included in the first-year curriculum gaining a head start on bar exam preparation. During the first-week orientation, students also learn about the process and timing of applying for the bar, including character and fitness qualifications.
The comprehensive bar exam program extends throughout the next three years providing unparalleled support through BARBRI's extensive library of study aids, practice questions, and instructional videos, helping you excel from your first year through upper-level subjects. Our tailored resources include MPRE prep, multi-state legal analysis, performance writing courses, and a post-grad BARBRI review course, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the bar exam. With dedicated faculty also offering post-grad personalized support and weekly summer workshops, you’ll have everything you need to succeed.
Director of Academic Enrichment and Bar Readiness
Assistant Director of Academic Enrichment and Bar Readiness