Academic Skills Program

Every student admitted to Berkeley Law has the ability to succeed in law school and we are committed to fostering an academic environment in which all students can achieve their full potential. Through a variety of programs and services, the Academic Skills Program (ASP) helps students build the skills essential to success in law school and in practice. This includes self-care, which is a critical academic and lawyering skill.

Online Resources

ASP Fellows (JDs) and Tutors (LL.M.s)

For first-year JD students, we offer small-group workshops (“labs”) throughout the fall semester of the first year. Student fellows lead the labs, which are designed to introduce core academic skills such as case briefing, rule analysis and synthesis, outlining, and exam-writing. Each first-year JD module is assigned to a specific lab and fellow. The labs are optional, but students in past years gained the most through regular attendance, as each session builds on prior material. We also offer labs during the spring semester, as students continue to practice and refine these important skills. In addition to labs, fellows hold office hours and offer opportunities for individual feedback on practice hypos. Fellows are available to answer questions about law school and study strategies.

For LL.M. students, tutors for the required Fundamentals of U.S. Law course offer office hours and opportunities for individual feedback on writing assignments. Tutors are available to answer questions about law school classes and study strategies. We also offer various workshops and presentations designed specifically for LL.M. students throughout the year.

Individual Advising & Workshops

We are available to meet with students one-on-one to answer specific questions, review concepts and skills, discuss study strategies and exam preparation, assist with time management, etc. JD students can schedule a meeting using our online appointment system. LL.M. students should contact their Advanced Degree Program advisor. We also offer workshops on topics such as time management and taking law school exams. Please check the Berkeley Law events calendar for workshop dates and times.

Courses

Berkeley Law offers a number of courses through the lens of academic skills. This means that in addition to teaching the relevant substantive law, we also focus on honing the skills essential to academic and professional success. These courses typically include Advanced Legal Writing, Constitutional Law, Lawyering As Problem-Solving, and Trusts and Estates. Some classes require a short application.

Pre-Orientation for JD Students

During the full week (Monday through Friday) preceding the week of 1L Orientation, we offer a small group of JD students an introduction to law school teaching methods and skills. Incoming first-year JD students will receive a letter in late May or early June with information about how to apply. This is a unique opportunity to better understand and practice the skills needed to succeed in law school, as well as meet other students. You can learn more about the program here.

In order to give students ample time to plan their summer and arrival in Berkeley, the application process involves a tight turn-around. In mid-May, all incoming first-year students will receive an email from Admissions with information about how to apply. The application typically is due in early June, and we will let you know whether you have been accepted by late June.

Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out.

Professor Diana DiGennaro, Director

Email: ddigennaro@law.berkeley.edu

Professor Erika Hernandez, Associate Director

Email: erika.hernandez@berkeley.edu

Schedule a meeting: https://BerkeleyLawASP.as.me/