Important Information for First-Year Law Students
Important Links for Academic Information
Small Sections
The first-year class is divided into 12 "small sections" lettered A through L. Students in a given section will have the same class schedule for the first semester. One of your fall courses will be a "small section course" in which only the students of that section will be enrolled. The remaining courses will include one to four other sections. Section assignments will be posted at approximately 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, in the glass cases adjacent to the Student Records Office in Slaughter Hall.
First-Year Curriculum
The first-year fall curriculum consists of five required courses — Civil Procedure (4 hours), Contracts (4 hours), Criminal Law (3 hours), Torts (4 hours), and Legal Research and Writing (1 hour).
In the spring, each student must take three required courses — Property (4 hours), Constitutional Law (4 hours), and the continuation of Legal Research and Writing (1 hour). Students may also continue with possible sequels to fall semester required courses (e.g., Contracts II) or take electives.
Class Attendance
Regular class attendance is required. Refer to the Academic Policies for more details.
Class Preparation
Students are expected to have read and studied assignments before class, including the first class of the semester. Initial assignments will be posted in the glass case adjacent to the Student Records Office. Professors rely heavily on the traditional law school Socratic method in first-year classes.
Course Load and Schedule
First-year students must enroll in the required fall curriculum of five courses totaling 16 credits. Fall classes meet for 50, 60, 75 or 80 minutes several days per week during a 14-week semester, usually between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. In the spring semester, first-year students must enroll in required and elective courses totaling at least 14, but not more than 16, credits. Spring classes meet for 60, 75 or 80 minutes during a 13-week semester. Typically, there is a 10-12 day exam period at the end of each semester.
First-Year Final Examinations
Tentative First-Year Final Exam Schedule
Dates are provided so that plans for travel can be made based on the conclusion of the examination period. First-year students will take final examinations for required courses on notebook computers. If you are apprehensive or ill at ease using a notebook computer, we recommend taking the time to become comfortable using your notebook computer. In addition, please make sure that the notebook computer you plan to use complies with the Law School’s computer recommendations as described in the email you should have received from Derek Leach of LawITC. They may be reached directly by e-mail at lawitc@virginia.edu.
Information Resources
For an official statement of Law School policies and regulations, please refer to the University Graduate Record and the Academic Policies. Please read carefully the Academic Policies describing Law School academic policies and procedures. Students are responsible for developing a working knowledge of this information.
About Charlottesville
Living in Charlottesville provides specific information about housing, locating roommates, utilities and vehicle registration.
