Academic Success

The Brandeis School of Law has a wide variety of programs to ensure the success of all students during law school, when taking the Bar and in their professional careers.  In addition, the Office of Academic & Bar Success provides personal academic counseling, study plan assessment, outline review, class and exam preparation, referral to campus resources and more.  More information about the academic success resources available to students is located on the Law School's website.

Academic Success Program

The Academic Success Program is designed to guide students through every stage of their academic journey, from pre-matriculation to post-graduation bar admissions. We provide individualized academic counseling and a range of tailored programming to ensure each student’s success in law school and beyond.

Pre-Matriculation Preparation

Before arriving on campus, incoming students complete an online, asynchronous program that prepares them for the unique demands of law school. This program focuses on essential study skills and civic knowledge, helping students build a strong foundation for their legal education.

Orientation and First-Year

This foundational instruction continues at New Student Orientation and extends into the first year, with particular emphasis on the Skills Lab Program. The Skills Lab, embedded within the first-semester Torts class, is a hands-on approach to developing critical legal skills. Each week, the Director of Academic and Bar Success delivers academic lessons, while second-year Fellows serve as mentors and teaching assistants, facilitating small group sessions to reinforce key lab assignments.

Ongoing Academic Support

The Student Handbook outlines the criteria for academic probation, including notifications and requirements for mandatory participation in academic success programming. The Director works closely with students on academic probation, meeting with them each semester to create personalized academic plans. Progress is carefully monitored to ensure active participation in all relevant academic success initiatives.

Bar Admissions and Bar Exam Preparation

Each year, students participate in a mandatory Bar Admissions Program. These programs feature information and guidance about the bar admissions process, relevant to the students’ current level. The Director and guest speakers from the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions, Kentucky Lawyer’s Assistance Program, and AccessLex present on a variety of topics, including financial responsibility and saving for bar admissions costs, preparing for the bar exam, the character and fitness investigation process, the services provided by Lawyer and Law student Assistance Programs, and the importance of candor and professionalism through the admissions process and in the profession. These sessions provide invaluable resources to help students navigate the complexities of bar admission.

In addition to the annual Bar Admissions Program, the Director meets individually with graduating students to review their bar applications and materials. Bar Admissions Q&A sessions are held from late fall through the spring semester to assist students with their applications.

To further support graduating students, the Director teaches a spring Bar Skills course, providing an early start to bar preparation before graduation.

Post-Graduation Support

After graduation, the Director continues to offer support through newsletters, in-person and online workshops, and individual communication with bar candidates. These resources are designed to keep students on track as they prepare for the bar exam and ensure they receive the guidance they need during this critical time.