Reunification
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Penn State undergraduates spend week immersed in law
June 22, 2011
After wrapping up his last final exam of sophomore year at Penn State, Jake Plevelich headed to the Lewis Katz Building to practice being a law student.
“This program has divided my life into two periods — pre-Explore Law and post-Explore Law,” said Plevelich. “I believe this program is imperative for anyone who wants to attend law school. The vast amount of information I have learned, has left me feeling that I have a distinct advantage over someone who has not attended the program.”
Forty Penn State students from University Park and four Penn State branch campuses spent their first week of summer vacation immersed in the Socratic method, law books, and professional possibilities at Penn State Law. Directed by Penn State Law Professor Michele Vollmer, the program is designed to foster relationships with members of groups traditionally underrepresented in the legal profession and provides Penn State undergrads with a realistic picture of law school.
“Explore Law introduces students to the study of law, the legal profession, and helps them develop key foundational skills, enabling them to make a more informed choice about a legal career,” said Vollmer. “Additionally, students learn about the admissions process so they have a better chance of being accepted into law school.”
From learning how to brief a case and analyze a statute to conducting direct and cross-examinations for trial and presenting oral arguments before a court to taking a practice LSAT essay exam, students were fully immersed in the study of law for the entire week.
Hear what other participants had to say
"I really enjoyed participating in Explore Law 2011. Through this program I learned that I really do want to be a lawyer. Participation was rigorous but also very rewarding. Professor Vollmer and everyone else involved in this program were all very helpful and passionate about law, which showed in every lecture from Intro to U.S. Law to the mock trial cases we did in an actual courtroom. I would definitely recommend this program to anyone interested in law." — Carshena P. Culmer
“The Explore Law program has truly facilitated my pursuit of the law as a career .... The instructors are extremely helpful in providing a real world glimpse at the rigors and actual opportunities available in the profession.” — Devante Jones
“This invaluable experience has increased my confidence in writing and speaking both in the classroom and outside the classroom.” — Nick Loukides
“The Explore Law program is a great opportunity for undergraduate students interested in law to have the chance to meet current law students, learn about admissions and get hands on experiences with cases and mock trials. It really helped me to decide if law school is for me.” — Alysha Preston
“Attending the Explore Law program helped me to understand and experience what law school will be like and opened my eyes to the many careers that are available with a law degree.” — Gabby Rosenblum
“I had thought that I wanted to be a lawyer; now I know I want to be a lawyer. Thanks to the Explore Law Program, I finally feel comfortable choosing law as a career path. I now plan to tailor my undergraduate experience, without second guessing my decisions, to prep for law school.” — John Satira
“Explore Law was five days of anything and everything you could possibly want to know about law school. I’ve spent my undergraduate career toggling between law school and graduate school as options for post graduate education. I now know that the law is something that I can be passionate about ... and I am excited about researching law schools now.” — Jessica Skocik
“The environment was very intellectually stimulating. All students admitted to the program are goal-oriented, which made discussions with professors extremely interesting. I have made many friends during the program and have gained a new knowledge and appreciation for the law.” — Devin Weakland
”It was great talking to professors, students, and deans. We heard their stories, experiences and got to ask them all of our questions.” — Pattie Weir
Professor Sam Thompson explains mergers and acquisitions to Explore Law participants.
Professor Sam Thompson answers a student’s question about mergers and acquisitions.
Professor Green discusses joint degree programs with Explore Law participants.
Professor Michael Foreman explains the meaning of discrimination and his work with Penn State Law students on civil rights litigation in the Civil Rights Appellate Clinic.
Penn State Law students discuss future career plans and the Civil Rights Appellate Clinic.
Penn State Law students discuss their experiences in law school and Penn State Law’s minority student organizations.
Explore Law students participate in a mock Criminal Procedure class with Professor Kit Kinports.
Professor Michele Vollmer discusses how to conduct a direct examination at trial.
“Attorney” Brook Dirlam conducts a direct examination of his plaintiff-witness, Devin Weakland, as “judges” Attorney Tom Lonich, Professor Kathy Conner, and Professor Michele Vollmer preside.
“Attorney” John Satira conducts a direct examination of his defendant representative-witness, Mark Kosicki, as “judges” Attorney Tom Lonich, Professor Kathy Conner, and Professor Michele Vollmer preside.
“Attorney” Brook Dirlam conducts a cross-examination of opposing counsel’s defense witness, Mark Kosicki, as “judges” Attorney Tom Lonich, Professor Kathy Conner, and Professor Michele Vollmer preside.
Witness Devin Weakland and “Attorney” John Satira watch “Attorney” Brook Dirlam’s cross-examination.
Explore Law students watch their peers present oral arguments in the courtroom.
Hon. Tom Kistler of the Pennsylvania Court of Common Pleas and Hon. Renee Cohn Jubelirer of the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court discuss the importance of a lawyer’s legal writing and oral speaking skills and their integrity and reputation in the community.
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