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School of Law

Academic Support

St. Thomas is committed to helping you succeed during your law school experience. Our Director of Academic Achievement and Bar Success leads our support services that begin at orientation and continue beyond graduation.

These services include:

  • An Academic Success Program during orientation;
  • One-on-one individual support;
  • Exam preparation, feedback and support; and
  • A seminar course for students who have concerns about their academic performance, particularly as it relates to taking and passing a bar exam.
students studying

Academic Success Program

During orientation, students participate in St. Thomas Law’s Academic Success Program. The Director of Academic Achievement and Bar Success teaches skills and provides strategies aimed at helping law students succeed. The program includes instruction on case reading, case briefing, “thinking like a lawyer” and class preparation.

Individual Academic Support

The Academic Achievement and Bar Success office provides tailored, individual academic support for all students. The director is available to meet with students in person or via Zoom to discuss any concerns they may have about classes or exams, identify available resources and create a plan that will help them meet their goals.

Exam Preparation, Feedback and Support

  • Mid-term Exam Preparation
  • Mid-term Exam Review
  • Finals Preparation

    • Mid-term Exam Preparation

    All first-year, first-semester substantive classes have mid-term examinations. Many 1L students request assistance as they prepare for the mid-term exams. The Academic Achievement and Bar Success office can help you learn organizational skills, review practice exams and prepare outlines for mid-term exams.

    Mid-term Exam Review

    Additionally, many students benefit from additional feedback—beyond simply the grade—on their mid-term exams. The Director of Academic Achievement and Bar Success can review mid-term exams with students to help them understand what they have done well and suggest areas for improvement.

    Finals Preparation

    The Director of Academic Achievement and Bar Success meets with individuals and small groups to help prepare for final exams. The assistance includes helping students practice specific skills and develop outline strategies.

    Mid-term Exam Preparation

    All first-year, first-semester substantive classes have mid-term examinations. Many 1L students request assistance as they prepare for the mid-term exams. The Academic Achievement and Bar Success office can help you learn organizational skills, review practice exams and prepare outlines for mid-term exams.

    Mid-term Exam Review

    Additionally, many students benefit from additional feedback—beyond simply the grade—on their mid-term exams. The Director of Academic Achievement and Bar Success can review mid-term exams with students to help them understand what they have done well and suggest areas for improvement.

    Finals Preparation

    The Director of Academic Achievement and Bar Success meets with individuals and small groups to help prepare for final exams. The assistance includes helping students practice specific skills and develop outline strategies.

    Bar Exam Preparation

    The Director of Academic Achievement and Bar Success offers a seminar-sized class for 3Ls who have concerns about their academic performance, particularly as it relates to taking and passing a bar exam.

    After graduation, our Office of Career and Professional Development assists students through the one-year J.D. Compass program, which will pair you with a strategist who will support you as you prepare to take the bar exam and work with you one-on-one to help you secure full-time, long-term employment.

    Additional Support Services

    Additional support for students comes from faculty and staff in various law school offices, such as the Mentor Externship Program, Office of Career and Professional Development, law school registrar and Alumni Relations. The university also offers Counseling and Psychological Services with a designated psychologist to help law students succeed.

    Health and Well-Being

    St. Thomas understands the importance of wellness and its impact on academic performance. Throughout the year, the law school provides resources and hosts events aimed at helping students develop healthy skills and habits that will serve them throughout their careers.
    See Wellness Resources

    Mental Health Resources

    St. Thomas Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is dedicated to supporting law students with their mental health, interpersonal relationships and well-being. Students have access to a psychologist through the CAPS office right on the Minneapolis campus.
    See CAPS Services

    Disability Accommodations

    Law students with documented disabilities receive classroom and testing accommodations through the University of St. Thomas Disability Resources Office on the St. Paul campus. The law school's registrar is also available to answer questions and assist students.
    See Disability Resources