LAWSCHOOL

OF

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

2MISSION

4CURRICULUM

10EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING

12STUDENT SUPPORT

14ALUMNI

16CAMPUS & COMMUNITY

18ADMISSIONS

20SCHEDULE A VISIT

Southern Illinois University School of Law is fully accredited by the American Bar Association and is a member of the Association of American Law Schools.

“The shareholders

have told me that I

have been taught the

practical aspects of

the law better than

any other associate

that the Orlando

office has seen, and

that my knowledge

and experience is

equivalent to most

6-7 year associates

at the firm….please

pass on my gratitude

to everyone at SIU

for really helping me

to develop my own

way of lawyering,

while remaining

ethical, conscientious

and always open to

learning more.”

Courtney M. Witte, ‘06

Greenberg Traurig,

LLC

Orlando, FL

www.law.siu.edu 1

MESSAGE FROM THE DEAN

Southern Illinois University School of Law is an outstanding, small public law school

that will provide you with an optimal mix of theoretical and experiential educational

opportunities in a student-centered environment. At SIU, we will prepare you for a

changing legal profession in a global environment.

First, SIU Law emphasizes excellence in academics. You will learn from faculty

members who are nationally recognized in their fields and who have earned prestigious

honors for their teaching and scholarship.

Second, SIU Law emphasizes practical skills development as well as the theoretical

intricacies of the law. You will have opportunities to study abroad, to engage in

interdisciplinary studies, to gain practical legal skills by working in our clinic or as

an extern, and to participate in a wide variety of co-curricular and extra-curricular

organizations, clubs, teams, and journals.

Third, SIU Law provides a rigorous legal education in a supportive environment. You

can get individual attention from professors and administrators who genuinely care about

your success. We have an exceptional student support system that includes our Academic

Success Program, free bar exam preparation, and a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.

Finally, SIU Law’s motto is “Established in the public interest. Serving the public good.” We fulfill this mission through programs

such as our exceptional Legal Clinic and Externship programs, our nationally-recognized Lawyering Skills program, and our

award-winning Professional Development program. We hope you will become involved in these programs as a way to give

back to your community while continuing to develop critical professional skills and gaining valuable practical experience. Our

commitment to keeping tuition low allows our graduates the freedom to pursue public interest work after graduation as well.

At SIU Law, you will receive an intellectually rigorous legal education that will enable you to leave law school with a thorough

grounding in theory and practice. You will have the skills and confidence to hit the ground running in today’s legal profession, and

you will be prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s legal profession. I invite you to visit our law school, sit in on a class,

meet our students and faculty, and explore for yourself the outstanding education and vibrant traditions that await you at Southern

Illinois University School of Law.

With best regards,

Cynthia L. Fountaine

Dean and Professor of Law

MISSION

A legal education at Southern Illinois University School of Law is

shaped by what we value: students, teaching, scholarship, service,

and community. We provide a rigorous, high-value legal education that

prepares our students for the challenges of a twenty-first century legal

career. Our curriculum equips students for a career in any environment—

from a legal aid office to a large urban law firm, from a corporate board

room to a government agency—and our low tuition rates free them to go

wherever their dreams might take them.

2 www.law.siu.edu

The SIU School of Law offers: • Faculty members with distinguished academic and practice backgrounds who are

engaged with the legal community on local, state, national and international levels

• An intellectually challenging academic program within a supportive learning

environment

• One of the lowest student/faculty ratios in the nation (12:1)

• Hands-on learning through legal clinics, externships, and Semester in Practice programs

• Seven joint-degree programs

• Nationally recognized Center for Health Law and Policy

• All the academic, cultural, and social benefits of being part of a top research university

www.law.siu.edu 3

CURRICULUM

4 www.law.siu.edu

Today’s law student needs both the skills and

knowledge necessary for lifelong learning and

professional development. You will get both at SIU.

Lawyering Skills Lawyering Skills classes, small in size, use active learning and student-centered teaching

techniques. These classes are designed especially for the first-year student. Classes engage

students in a critical understanding of the different models of lawyering and legal practice,

as well as professionalism and the ethical practice of law through reading and writing. The

feature that sets our approach to lawyering skills apart is its understanding of the complex

relationships between legal doctrine, legal theory, and legal skills.

www.law.siu.edu 5

6 www.law.siu.edu

The School of Law’s student-to-faculty ratio (12:1) is one of the lowest in the country. The total student body is less than 400 students.

This small community promotes a highly personalized learning environment and ensures that every student voice is heard.

First YearThe first year of law school sets the foundation of the lawyer in training. The faculty at the School of Law are strongly committed

to ensuring that 1L students receive a solid foundation in the basic principles of the law, the basic skills of legal analysis, research

and writing, and an introduction to the core values of the legal profession.

Upper DivisionThe second- and third-year curriculum includes courses, seminars, and experiential learning opportunities that allow students to

focus on their individual interests, or explore a variety of topics.

Joint DegreeRecognizing the increasing complexity of the law, the SIU School of Law has partnered with the SIU Graduate School and SIU

School of Medicine to offer seven concurrent degree programs that allow students to receive M.D. or Masters degrees while

pursuing a law degree.

• Doctor of Medicine

• Masters of Accountancy

• Masters of Business Administration

• Masters of Science in Education

• Masters of Public Administration

• Masters of Social Work

• Masters of Electrical & Computer

Engineering

www.law.siu.edu 7

Health LawThe Health Law Program at SIU School of Law was developed

in the early 1980s to advance education and research regarding

critical issues in health law and public policy and medical ethics. The

program was recently ranked #19 in the country in the U.S. News

and World Report’s Best Law Schools Specialty Rankings.

SIU law students have the opportunity to participate in a range of

health law and policy programs.

• The Health Law & Policy Semester in Practice

• J.D./M.D Concurrent Degree Program

• The Journal of Legal Medicine

• Law and Medicine Society

• National Health Law Moot Court Competition

• Dr. Arthur Grayson Distinguished Lecture

• Ryan Bioethicist in Residence

• SIH/SIU Health Policy Institute

www.law.siu.edu 7

8 www.law.siu.edu

International LawSIU School of Law provides many opportunities for

students to prepare to practice law in a global environment.

Students have the opportunity to participate in a study

abroad program in Ireland and Wales, designed to

provide students with an understanding of the legal

structure, institutions, and social history of Irish political

entities as well as commercial law relating to doing

business with Ireland and other countries on the European

continent.

In addition, our legal globalization course gives

students an opportunity to travel abroad for in-depth study

of the impact of globalization on culture and legal and

political structures in a particular country or region of the

world.

Students have many opportunities to work with faculty

who are engaged in international activities and

scholarship with a global focus in their areas of expertise.

Several of our faculty members have taught at universities

abroad, several as Fulbright Scholars, and faculty members

have presented at conferences in Argentina, Jordan,

Botswana, Columbia, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Lithuania,

Netherlands, and Wales. SIU School of Law has relationships

with law schools in many of these countries.

An active International Law Society provides many

opportunities for students to learn about and become

involved in international activities within the law school and

university and beyond.

www.law.siu.edu 9

First YearCivil Procedure I

Contracts I, II

Criminal Law

Lawyering Skills I, II

Legislative & Administrative Process

Professionalism & the Law

Property I, II

Torts

Upper DivisionAdministrative Law

Advanced Appellate Advocacy

Advanced Appellate Moot Court

Advanced Electronic Legal Research

Advanced Environmental Litigation

Advanced Mock Trial

Advanced Real Estate Transactions

Advanced Torts

Advanced Trial Advocacy

Agency and Partnership

Agricultural Law

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Antitrust

Bankruptcy

Basic Estate Planning

Bioethics and the Law

Business Planning

Charities & Charitable Giving

Children and the Law

Civil Practice Clinic

Civil Procedure I

Civil Procedure II

Civil Rights

Client Interviewing & Counseling

Conflict of Laws

Constitutional Law

Constitutional Law: Advanced Topics (14th Amendment)

Constitutional Law

Consumer Protection

Contracts I

Contracts II

Copyright Law

Corporate Taxation

Corporations

Criminal Law

Criminal Procedure: Post Investigations

Criminal Procedure: Pre-Trial

Current Developments in American Law: Animal Law

Current Developments in International Law: Human

Rights

Current Developments in International Law: International

Intellectual Property and Economic Development

Disability Law

Domestic Violence Clinic

Education Law

Elder Law

Employment Discrimination

Employment Law

Environmental Law I: Laws and Policies

Environmental Law: Business Transactions

European Union Law

Evidence

Family Law

Federal Business Taxation

Federal Courts

Federal Business Taxation

Federal Income Taxation

First Amendment Rights

Food, Drug, and Medical Device Law

Health Care Legislation

Health Policy Law

Immigration Law

Immigration Law Practice Experience

Independent Research and Writing

Insurance Law

Intellectual Property

International Business Transactions

International Criminal Law

International Law

Introduction to American Law and Legal System

Introduction to Commercial Law

Introduction to Transactional Skills

Journal of Legal Medicine

Judicial Externship

Jurisprudence

Juvenile Justice Clinic

Labor Law

Land Use Planning

Law and Economics

Law Journal

Law Practice Management

Lawyering Skills I

Lawyering Skills II

Legal Profession

Legislative and Administrative Process

Medical Malpractice Law

Medical Malpractice Clinical Rotation

Mental Health Law

Natural Resources Law

Negotiation

Partnership Taxation

Pre-Trial Advocacy

Products Liability

Professionalism and the Law

Property I

Property II

Public Health Law

Public Interest Externship

Regulation of Health Care Professionals

Remedies

Securities Regulation

Semester Away Externship: Criminal Practice

Semester Away Externship: Health Law and Policy

Semester Away Externship: State and Local Government

Senior Writing Seminar (Advanced Criminal Procedure

Topics)

Senior Writing Seminar (Financial Regulation)

Senior Writing Seminar (Gambling Law)

Senior Writing Seminar (Global Climate Change)

Senior Writing Seminar (International White Collar

Crime)

Senior Writing Seminar (Judicial Selection)

Senior Writing Seminar (Military Law)

Senior Writing Seminar (Not-for-Profit Corporations)

Senior Writing Seminar (Race and the Law)

Senior Writing Seminar (Redistricting and

Reapportionment)

Senior Writing Seminar (Supreme Court Decisions)

Sentencing Law

Sports Law

State and Local Government

Torts

Trademarks and Unfair Competition

Trial Advocacy

Trusts and Estates

Water Law

White Collar Crime

Women in Leadership Workshop

Women in Leadership Practicum

Workers’ Compensation

Courses

The listing reflects approved courses as of August 2011. Course selection is subject to change. Some elective courses are not offered every semester/

year. Full course descriptions are available online at www.law.siu.edu.

10 www.law.siu.edu

HANDS-ON LEARNING

Whether it is a judicial externship, clinic experience,

or pro bono work, SIU School of Law students have

many opportunities to receive hands-on legal experience.

10 www.law.siu.edu

www.law.siu.edu 11

Clinical Experience & ExternshipsOur award-winning clinics, serving a 13-county area in

southern Illinois, offer students the opportunity to work

with staff or local attorneys to gain experience in a variety of

programs.

Semester in PracticeOur Semester in Practice program combines a substantial

externship with courses related to a particular field of study.

Students are able to earn a full semester’s credit while gaining

hands-on experience in locations such as Chicago, Springfield,

and southeastern Missouri.

Pro Bono OpportunitiesStudents have opportunities, such as the Immigration

Detention Project and the Downstate Innocence Project, to

obtain practical work experience while providing service to

underrepresented populations.

Moot CourtStudents have an opportunity to participate in Moot Court

(appellate and trial) in each of their three years of law school.

Southern Illinois University School of Law is also the host of

the annual National Health Law Moot Court Competition.

Law JournalTwo law journals, The Southern Illinois University Law Journal

and the Journal of Legal Medicine, offer students the opportunity

to achieve distinction in writing and editing during their law

school career.

12 www.law.siu.edu

STUDENT SUPPORT

The environment of SIU

Law is what I enjoy

the most. The professors are

easily accessible, whether

it be through email or simply

stopping by their office. The

professors really take an

interest in their students and

show that they really care

about our success.

Joe Venditti, III, J.D., 2012

“

”

12 www.law.siu.edu

www.law.siu.edu 13

Academic SuccessDuring that critical first year, all first-year students participate

in a study group, led by an upper-class Taylor Mattis Fellow

Student, where they practice the analytical tools necessary to

“think like a lawyer.” The Fellow helps the student learn about

law school classes, grading, exam protocol, and more. The

Fellow also offers the first year student the chance to receive

one-on-one feedback on briefing, outlining and other skills

necessary for success.

Bar PreparationSIU School of Law was among the first law schools in the

nation to create and offer additional bar exam preparation,

including workshops and simulated essay exams, through

the Academic Success Program. The specialized eight-week,

no-cost program provides academic support for all SIU

School of Law graduates preparing to take the bar exam. This

program runs concurrently with the commercially (for profit)

bar review course. You must pass the bar examination to be

admitted to the bar. Taking and passing the bar exam is only

one part of the bar admission process, as each state has its own

licensing requirements.

Bar Pass RateIn five of the past six years, the first-time pass rate (July) for

SIU graduates exceeded the Illinois state pass rate. In the

most recent exam administration (Feb. 2011), 89% of SIU

graduates taking the bar for the first time passed. The state

pass rate was 84%.

Faculty Mentorship Each first-year student is paired with a mentor from the

School of Law faculty. Mentors help first-year law students

understand the processes and demands of law school, make

informed academic choices, and work through professional

questions. Mentors can be valuable resources for first-year

law students regarding the opportunities a legal education can

provide.

Career ServicesThe Office of Law Student Development and Career Services

serves as a liaison between employers and students by

providing workshops on topics such as interview preparation,

job search tools, on- and off-campus interviews, and resume

collections. In addition, the office provides individualized

career counseling for students and graduates as well as

resume and cover letter assistance. Career Services works

with employers in the surrounding states including Illinois,

Missouri, Kentucky, and Indiana. Students are eligible to

obtain reciprocity to other ABA-approved law school job

databases. This will provide access to job listings throughout

the United States, which is especially helpful to those who

wish to relocate to another region.

ALUMNI

Since the first class graduated in 1976, the SIU School of Law alumni network

has grown to more than 3,500 individuals. The alumni are a supportive

community willing to assist current students and recent graduates in a variety of

ways, including externships, networking, and employment opportunities.

14 www.law.siu.edu

SIU Law Alumni are EverywhereSIU School of Law alumni enjoy successful careers in a variety of legal positions in both the private and public sectors. They

practice in 48 of the 50 United States and internationally including Belgium, Bermuda, Canada, China, Germany, Japan,

Malaysia, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, Ukraine, and United Kingdom. More than 70 alumni have or are currently filling

state and federal judgeships. Our alumni are a true testament to the success of the SIU School of Law.

www.law.siu.edu 15

“SIU’s biggest asset is its small size and personal attention. I highly doubt I would have stayed with a program at a larger school. I really felt like the faculty at SIU cared about my success.”

Kristen Johnson ’08

Attorney-Advisor

Division of Land and Water

Resources

Office of the Solicitor

U.S. Department of the Interior

Washington, DC

“In addition to receiving an outstanding legal education, I developed a statewide network of friends at SIU Law that enriched my law practice and judicial career.”

Honorable Ron Spears ’77

Resident Circuit Judge

Christian County

4th Judicial Circuit in Illinois

Taylorville, IL

Past President

Illinois Judges Association

“As a student, I found SIU LAW to be a great place to learn and grow. The small student body enabled me to become very involved in law school and community activities and it allowed me to closely interact with my colleagues. I found the curriculum challenging and the faculty excited to teach and pass along their knowledge. Overall, my SIU LAW experiences were life changing and I am proud to have graduated from the institution.”

Andre G. Pineda ’90

Cary Street Partners LLC

Fredericksburg,VA

16 www.law.siu.edu

CAMPUS & COMMUNITY

Southern Illinois University is located in Carbondale, Illinois, a town of approximately 27,000. A

classic university town, the population grows each year with the addition of approximately

20,000 university students of diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. Students at the School of

Law enjoy the advantages that come with a major research institution. Students can take part in a

variety of cultural, athletic, educational, and recreational events.

16 www.law.siu.edu

www.law.siu.edu 17

Registered Student Organizations (RSO)The School of Law has more than 20 active student

organizations, representing the variety of interests and

diversity of the student body. The Student Bar Association

(SBA) serves as the umbrella organization for all student

groups within the law school. Almost every student is involved

in at least one organization or substantial activity outside of

the classroom.

Student Health CenterThe Student Health Center, a newly built facility, offers

quality programs and services that help improve the health

and quality of life for all students. Services include medical

and mental health clinics, dental, optical, pharmacy, nutrition

and fitness, insurance benefits, substance abuse education, and

more.

Student Recreation CenterThe Student Rec Center offers a wide variety of services

including personal trainers, therapeutic massage, intramural

sports, sport clubs, aquatics and instructional programs such

as yoga and pilates, dance, boxing, and martial arts. Outdoor

adventures, such as scuba diving, are available as well as

camping and boat packages.

Saluki AthleticsAs a member of the highly competitive Missouri Valley

Conference, Southern Illinois University sponsors 18

intercollegiate sports. Since 2001, Southern Illinois University

has won 18 conference championships and appeared in 24

NCAA tournaments or regionals.

www.law.siu.edu 17

18 www.law.siu.edu

ADMISSIONS

At the SIU School of

Law, we believe that

a diverse student body,

faculty, and staff are not only

important to a legal education,

but to the future of the legal

profession. In fall 2011,

first-year students came to

SIU from 45 undergraduate

institutions, 14 states and one

foreign country.

Application Timeline

SEPTEMBER 1: Fall 2012 applications available through the Law School Admission Council

NOVEMBER - APRIL: Application files are reviewed on a rolling basis; applicants are

notified of decisions

APRIL 1: Suggested application deadline for first-year J.D. applicants;

Application review continues until class is full; First seat deposit due

JUNE 1: Second seat deposit due

Cost (2011-2012)SIU School of Law boasts one of the lowest annual tuition rates.

Illinois resident tuition ......................................$12,750

Non-resident tuition .........................................$32,910

Average graduating debt .....................................$63,500

In-State ResidencySouthern Illinois University is a state-supported institution. Our resident and non-resident tuition rates are much lower than that

of most law schools. Our non-resident students may be eligible to change their residency classification after six months of Illinois

residency. Therefore, after six months, non-resident students will be eligible for resident tuition which will significantly reduce

the total graduating debt.

Application Process• Online Application

• Personal Statement

• Two Letters of Recommendation

• Current Resume

• Character and Fitness Documentation, if applicable

Fall 2011 Class ProfileEnrolled ............................................................. 120

LSAT 25th percentile ............................................. 151

LSAT Median ....................................................... 153

LSAT 75th percentile ............................................. 156

UGPA 25th percentile ........................................... 2.96

UGPA Median ..................................................... 3.30

UGPA 75th percentile ........................................... 3.62

www.law.siu.edu 19

20 www.law.siu.edu

SCHEDULE A VISIT

Visiting campus is the

best way for you to

learn about SIU School of

Law. We invite you to join

us for a class, talk with

our students, and discuss

the advantages of a legal

education at one of the best

small, public law schools in

the country.

To schedule an appointment,

visit the SIU School of Law

website at www.law.siu.edu

or call us at 800.739.9187.

20 www.law.siu.edu

www.law.siu.edu 21 www.law.siu.edu 21

S C H O O L O F L AWO F F I C E O F A D M I S S I O N S - M A I L C O D E 6 8 1 1

S O U T H E R N I L L I N O I S U N I V E R S I T Y C A R B O N D A L E

1 2 0 9 W. C H A U TA U Q U A

C A R B O N D A L E , I L L I N O I S 6 2 9 0 1

www.law.siu.edu