Perspectives on the Legal Profession

See also: PLP Program Components and Requirement

How do I find out when PLP programs are scheduled to take place?

Programs will be scheduled to take place at various times throughout the year. Each program announcement will indicate which of the PLP components the program fulfills. PLP programs will be announced in the law school's campus newsletter, The Docket, and on the college's Web site. Additionally, the schedule of PLP programs will be posted on the first year students' PLP bulletin board, located on the third floor, and on the bulletin board outside Rm. 115.

How much time do I have to complete the PLP requirements?

Students entering in the fall semester must complete the PLP requirements by the end of their third semester of law school. Because many of the programs are designed for first year students, it is most prudent to complete most, if not all, of the requirements during your first year.

What happens if I do not complete the PLP Program requirements within the first three semesters?

Students who do not complete the PLP program requirements by the end of their third semester will not be permitted to register for the fourth semester of law school until all requirements have been fulfilled. In extenuating circumstances, a student may petition the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs for permission to fulfill a PLP program requirement by writing a research paper, approximately 15 pages in length, on a topic related to the component that has not been completed. The topic must be pre-approved by the Vice Dean.

How do I report completion of the PLP program requirements?

A copy of the certification form can be obtained from the Student Services Office, Rm. 119, or from the Academic Programs Coordinator in Rm. 115. This form should be completed and submitted to the Academic Programs Coordinator before you begin your third semester of law school.

Do I get any credit for completion of the PLP program requirements?

Once you have completed the PLP program requirements, the Registrar will enter a notation on your transcript indicating that you have successfully completed the Perspectives in the Legal Profession requirements.

I entered as a transfer student. Must I complete the PLP program requirements?

Students who enter the law school as a student with advanced standing (transfer student) are typically not required to attend orientation but may attend programs which they think may be valuable to them. Students who have completed comparable courses at another law school may be permitted to waive Civil Procedure or WRAP, as approved by the Dean of Students. In these circumstances, certain PLP components (Ethics and Professionalism, A Lawyer's Role in Society, and Civil Procedure) are waived. However, a transfer student must comply with all other PLP program requirements before he or she will be certified as eligible for graduation.