Academic Success Program

Strategies to Enhance Legal Learning and Achieve Results (S.T.E.L.L.A.R.)

PROVIDING THE TOOLS THAT CAN HELP YOU SUCCEED — IN LAW SCHOOL AND IN LAW PRACTICE.

The Strategies to Enhance Legal Learning and Achieve Results (S.T.E.L.L.A.R.) provides you with instruction, assistance and encouragement to help you develop the skills and strategies you need to successfully complete law school, to prepare to sit for the bar exam and practice in the profession. Our full-time faculty will guide you as you develop the critical reading, briefing, and analytical skills necessary for academic success, as well as the practical lawyering skills that can sustain you through the bar exam and beyond.

THE 1L EXPERIENCE — A PLACE TO HONE YOUR SKILLS

Our innovative first year curriculum includes Introduction to Legal Methods, an introductory academic and practical skills course, designed to provide 1L students the opportunity to acquire skills needed to succeed in law school and beyond.

Our small class sizes; team-based collaborative learning model; and supportive full-time faculty set our program apart and give you a unique opportunity to develop as a professional from your very first day of class. You’ll have the chance to practice and hone your skills, based on individualized feedback, and to grow as a professional in an encouraging and supportive environment.

You can develop and master the skills you need to succeed in law school and the legal profession, including:

• Strategies to use your learning style to your advantage
• Case reading and briefing skills
• Classroom preparation and participation skills
• Legal analysis skills
• Exam techniques
• Writing and organizational skills
• Development of professional values

DEAN’S FELLOWS — SUPPORT FROM DEDICATED STUDENT LEADERS

Our Dean’s Fellows — eligible second and third year students — are available to provide you with individual guidance and assistance. Each Dean’s Fellow has been selected because of their demonstrated academic success and commitment to the law school community.

They are available for walk-in assistance and advice. They come recommended by faculty and their peers — which means you know you are getting advice from students with a proven record of success and who want to help you learn and succeed.

A CENTER FOR STUDENT LEARNING

The Student Learning Center is a key component of the Strategies to Enhance Legal Learning and Achieve Results (S.T.E.L.L.A.R.). The Center is stocked with study aids, practice materials and other resources — all at your disposal, open and accessible without an appointment. You can practice your writing skills and get instant feedback from one of our Dean’s Fellows; try out our study aids and find out which materials work best for you; or get advice from one of our Dean’s Fellows.

PREPARING YOU FOR THE BAR EXAM

Courses like Basic Bar Studies and Solving Legal Problems help students start early to acquire the skills and substantive knowledge required for success on the bar exam and in the first year of practice. Our goal is to help you succeed through practice, simulation and feedback. You’ll have the chance to review substantive topics; practice and receive feedback on essay and performance exam questions; and attend special workshops geared toward improving bar exam skills. And of course the hallmarks of our S.T.E.L.L.A.R. program — individualized encouragement and support — are also a key part of the bar preparation programs. The S.T.E.L.L.A.R. program prepares you to pursue success — in law school, on the bar exam, and as a respected professional.

Western State College of Law does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to Western State College of Law.