Silverman Hall was buzzing as 40 incoming first-year law students (1Ls) streamed into Penn Carey Law several weeks before classes began.
Launching into Law School
A new gift helps first-year students at Penn Carey Law build confidence and connections before classes begin
Published: September 16, 2024
The students came from across the country and world to take part in the inaugural Eric J. Friedman & Skadden 1L Accelerate Program, known as 1LAP. “Law school is challenging and rigorous for all students,” says Felicia Lin, Vice Dean for Student Services and Dean of Students at Penn Carey Law. “There’s been an increasing number of students who are the first in their families to graduate college or go to law school, and we want to make sure they are well-supported.”
Open to all incoming students, this summer pre-orientation program provides enhanced support to 1Ls who may not have personal or professional legal networks, are the first in their family to attend graduate or professional school, or who have limited financial resources or experiences not commonly found in the legal profession. The program is also closely aligned with Dean Sophia Z. Lee’s vision to provide a legal education that is accessible, innovative, and interdisciplinary.
The immersive program became a reality through a gift from Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP in honor of Eric J. Friedman, L’89, who served as Skadden’s Executive Partner for 15 years and has been a longtime advocate for making the legal profession more accessible. Friedman is a member of the Penn Carey Law Board of Advisors.
“I didn’t grow up around many people with experience in the legal field,” says Elizabeth Rouse, L’27, who attended 1LAP. “When it came to the LSAT and law school applications, I was largely figuring things out independently.” For students like Elizabeth, 1LAP offered academic support, class preparation, and a chance to build their future professional identity through mentorship, social outings, and community building.
The meet and greet with alumni was particularly enjoyable. So many graduates spoke highly of their time at Penn, and it gave me comfort to know that this is the ideal place to further my education.”Elizabeth Rouse, L’27
“I had the dubious honor of being the first student cold-called by Professor Polk Wagner in our 1LAP mock class on intellectual property law,” says Fred Ames, L’27, another 1LAP attendee. “I had heard about the Socratic method and frankly, it was one of my biggest fears going into law school. However, Professor Wagner’s constructive questioning made the experience feel more like a collaboration, and his follow-up questions led me to the finish line.”
For Fred, building connections made the whole experience worthwhile. “From sitting in sessions and eating meals together to chatting with classmates on the bus during our field trip to Skadden, there were plenty of opportunities to get to know each other.”
“By the end of the program, the 1LAP students I spoke with felt less nervous, more prepared, and increasingly confident,” says Lin. “I hope we can sustain and grow this program for years to come.”
