Academic Success in Law School

Preparing to Practice (Law 679B)

Law school coursework that is part of the overarching Academic and Bar Success curriculum starts with "P2P" -- Preparing to Practice -- in the first year of law school. This required course sets you off on the right start to your ultimate practice in the profession of law with a variety of skills-based, practical experiences that help with managing time and the rigors of law school. The course will help you learn to think critically and problem solve for legal studies, while having fun in the process. 

Resources to support your study

Your first-year curriculum is highly structured at Arizona Law, just as at any ABA accredited law school. But one thing that all your courses will have in common is a heavy reliance on legal writing. Legal writing is unlike the kind of writing you may have encountered as an undergrad, regardless of what field you studied. Arizona Law has an exceptional writing faculty to assist you in developing this essential skill. 

A great resource for students is the Legal Writing Center which has writing support services for students in all our law degree programs. Please also view the Writing Center Workshops at this link - for a variety of sessions on everything from notetaking and blue book citations to communication advice and exam tips. 

Don't forget that the Law Library can be your best friend while in law school. Not only does the library provide quiet places to study and resources to support your law coursework, it also makes available extensive study aids for students. Please check out the library's website at Lawlibrary.arizona.edu. Use the left nav bar to find "West Academic" and click to locate 1L and 2L/3L subject outlines, audio lectures, case briefs and more.

The Law Library also provides students with access to CALI -- the Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction -- with a range of study aids and supplemental supports for your use.

Intensive Academic Support Program 

The first year of law school is highly challenging. For many students, it takes time to adjust to this type of thinking and to the rigors of the coursework. We are here for you with the Intensive Academic Support Program if your first year GPA is below a 2.667, B- average at the end of the Spring term of your 1L year.

The program is detailed in the Student Handbook, so please review it there. Our intension is to support all students and make sure everyone is set up for success. Through this program we will offer individualized advice, with one-on-one coaching, academic encouragement, assistance with legal writing, and suggestions for helpful coursework. Please reach out to our team with questions.

Program completion

As you progress toward a JD, use this graduation checklist to help you plan your program of study and make sure you are on track for meeting all your requirements. Best to schedule an appointment with the Registrar's Office for a grad check as you get closer to the culmination of your degree.

Courses for academic and bar skills beyond the first year

After your first year, there are several other courses available to you to supplement your academic skills and prepare you for success on the bar exam. Please explore these options below. These courses provide you with tools you need to be successful, while giving you credit for the time spent on developing skills that you may not otherwise prioritize.