Dean's Message June 2024

Summer is a period of celebration, reflection, and preparation. For our 103 graduates, they will continue to celebrate and reflect upon their accomplishments. At the same time, the graduates are pivoting to preparation for their next steps. Over 90 graduates are studying for the July bar exam. Others have begun work in a J.D. advantage position or are planning for the continuation of their studies as LL.M. students.

Rising 2Ls and 3Ls are gathering learning experiences with summer school, summer externships, and summer associate positions. At the Law School, summer school began on May 20. Summer abroad programs have returned with 10 students participating in programs in the Netherlands, Spain, and England. Summer externships and summer associate positions help students to transfer learning from the classroom to the office, conference room, and courtroom.

Planning is underway for the 2024-25 academic year. Faculty and staff are assessing courses, programs, and events. The orientation schedule is being developed, on-campus interviews are being scheduled, and fall courses are being refined. Each summer, faculty expand and refine their expertise with research and writing. The results of their work will be featured in speaking engagements across the country and in published works. Their work will also inform their teaching.

The Law School is also developing pathways to law school. This June, the Law School will host a summer camp for current high school students. Partnering with Dougherty County School System, the Mercer Law has invited 30 high school students to attend a special one-week residential program. The students will live in the Mercer dorms, eat in the on-campus dining facilities, and participate in advocacy-related academic programming at the Law School.

Our next newsletter will be shared in September. So, from all of us at Mercer Law, I hope you have time this summer to celebrate, reflect, and prepare for what comes next.