Berkeley Law is 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.

• Three Easy Exercises to Reduce Stress
• Study Strategies & Law School Exams
• Hypos and Practice Exams
• Online Study Aids
• Legal Research and Writing Support
• Technology for Lawyers Workshop
• Accessible Education and Disability Accommodations
• Bar Exam Preparation & Support

Lunchtime Workshops

In a series of workshops throughout the fall semester, the ASP team covers the core skills required for success in law school, including: reading cases; preparing for and taking notes in class; reviewing and outlining effectively; and preparing for and taking law school exams. In the spring semester, workshops also address strategies for learning from fall exams and adjusting study strategies accordingly. The workshops are optional and open to all students. Check the Berkeley Law Events calendar for details.

Individual Meetings

The ASP team is available to meet with students one-on-one to answer specific questions, review concepts and skills, discuss study strategies and exam preparation, and assist with time management questions. Students can schedule a meeting using our online appointment system. This resource is available to all J.D. and LL.M. students.

J.D. Pre-Orientation

Pre-Orientation is an optional, by-application program for admitted and confirmed incoming Berkeley Law J.D. students. The program brings 40-45 incoming J.D. students to campus a week early to learn about law school, meet other first-year students, and get to know some of our faculty and upper-division students. This is a unique opportunity to better understand and practice the skills needed to succeed in law school, as well as meet other students. In order to give students ample time to plan their summer and arrival in Berkeley, the application process involves a tight turn-around. The application typically is due in early June, and we will let you know whether you have been accepted by late June.

Courses

Berkeley Law offers several small, application-based courses that include a skill-building component. These courses provide students with the opportunity to develop and refine their written legal analysis through practice questions, written feedback, one-on-one conferences, and structured self-assessment. Course offerings vary, but typically include Advanced Legal Writing, Constitutional Law, and Property. 

Questions? 

Don’t hesitate to reach out!

Diana DiGennaro, Director (ddigennaro@berkeley.edu)

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