Orientation Schedule

Mandatory orientation for the J.D. Class of 2029 will be held Aug. 14, 17 and 18.

Mandatory orientation for the LL.M. Class of 2027 will be held Aug. 10-13, and LL.M. students are then expected to join the orientation events on Aug. 14 and 17.

Summer Programming

The Law School hosts Zoom sessions to orient students.

Community Fellows Program

Monday, Aug. 10-Wednesday, Aug. 12 (half day)

The UVA Law Community Fellows Program fosters the values of collegiality, cooperation and belonging each year by selecting first-year students to serve as ambassadors to their peers throughout their time in Law School and later in the professional world. Participating students gain insight and develop skills that benefit them personally, from leadership to negotiation. If you are interested in applying, please complete the application by June 26, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Orientation Schedule

Friday, Aug. 14 (Required Unless Otherwise Noted)

Check-in and Continental Breakfast

8:30-9:30 a.m.

Check-in at WB126, WB128, WB152
Breakfast, Caplin Auditorium Lobby

Welcome

9:30-10:30 a.m., Caplin Auditorium

Dean Leslie Kendrick ’06
Assistant Dean for Admissions Natalie Blazer ’08
Student Bar Association President George Nalbandian
Judge Jasmine Yoon ’06, United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia

Overview of the American Legal System

10:45-11:15 a.m., Caplin Auditorium

Professor Alice Abrokwa

Preparing for Class: Reading and Briefing

11:15 a.m.-Noon, Caplin Auditorium

Professor Sarah Stewart Ware

Photo of Entering Class

12:05, Steps of Clay Hall Entrance

Lunch With Sections

12:15-1:30 p.m., pick up lunch in Caplin Pavilion, eat in various classrooms

Section A - SL278
Section B - SL294
Section C - SL298
Section D - WB101
Section E - WB102
Section F - WB103
Section G - WB104
Section H - WB105
Section LL.M./Exchange - WB126

Mock Contracts Class (And Why Cold Calls Are Important)

1:30-2:15 p.m., Caplin Auditorium

Professor George Geis

The Flow of First Year — What To Expect When

2:15-2:45 p.m., Caplin Auditorium

Dean of Students Sarah Davies ’91
Director of Student Affairs Dawn Davison

Work Smarter and Better: A Guide to Time Management

2:45-3:15 p.m., Caplin Auditorium

Dean of Students Sarah Davies ’91
Senior Assistant Dean Mark Jefferson

Break

3:15-3:30 p.m.

Optional Sessions

3:30-4:30 p.m., Various Locations

Time with Title IX, 3:30-4 p.m., WB126
Meet and Greet, 3:30-4 p.m. and 4-4:30 p.m., Spies Garden
IT Help Desk, with LawIT, 3:30-4 p.m. and 4-4:30 p.m., WB Lounge
Safety at the Law School and in Charlottesville, with Sergeant Beckett Thelen, 4-4:30, WB128

Sweet Treats Reception With Faculty and Student Services Offices

4:30-5:30 p.m., Spies Garden

Sunday, Aug. 16 (Optional)

PILA Day of Service

The Public Interest Law Association (PILA) is excited to be hosting its annual Fall Day of Service on August 16th. This is a great way to be involved in and give back to the Charlottesville community. We have a variety of partner organizations with which students can volunteer. Students will need to physically be in Charlottesville for all options.

An optional (but highly encouraged!) breakfast will be served at 8:30 a.m., but all volunteers must check in by 8:45 a.m. Groups will depart from the law school at 9 a.m. or 9:15 a.m., depending on site location.

To sign up, fill out this form: https://forms.gle/vwzQUcL4a2Lc5yJT9

This is open to all law students.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Ella Cobbs at @email. Thank you!

Monday, Aug. 17 (Required Unless Otherwise Noted)

Check-in and (Optional) Continental Breakfast

8:30-9:30 a.m., Caplin Auditorium Lobby

Professional Expectations in Law School

9:30-10:15 a.m., Caplin Auditorium

Vice Dean Ashley Deeks
Dean of Students Sarah Davies ’91
Senior Assistant Dean Jason Dugas '01

Free Expression at the Law School

10:15-11 a.m., Caplin Auditorium

Professor Scott Ballenger ’96

Professionalism — Empathy, Civility and Preparation for Practice

11-11:45 a.m., Caplin Auditorium

Dean of Students Sarah Davies ’91
Senior Assistant Dean Mark Jefferson
Assistant Dean Chelsea Leitch, '14
Senior Assistant Dean David C. Lowance ’98

Lunch (With Section or On Your Own)

11:45 a.m.-2:15 p.m., pick up lunch in Caplin Pavilion. You are welcome to eat with your designated section (room assignments below) or take a break and use the time however you prefer.

Section A - SL278
Section B - SL294
Section C - SL298
Section D - WB101
Section E - WB102
Section F - WB103
Section G - WB104
Section H - WB105
Section LL.M./Exchange - WB126

Honor and Judiciary Orientation

2:15-2:45 p.m., Caplin Auditorium

Honor Representatives: Gabe Armstrong and Brie Bauer
Judiciary Representatives: Haley Huamani

Career Session: Private Practice, Judicial Clerkships, and Public Service

2:45-3:30 p.m., Caplin Auditorium

Assistant Dean Lauren Parker ’08
Assistant Dean Ruth Payne ’02
Assistant Dean Ryan Faulconer ’08

Break

3:30-3:45 p.m.

Pick Your Session

3:45-4:30 p.m.

Introduction to the Library, WB152
Techniques for Managing Stress, with Dr. Kate Gibson and Karen Painter, LPC, WB128
Law School Myths, with Senior Assistant Dean Sarah Davies ’91 and Assistant Dean Mark Jefferson, WB154

Optional Activities

4:30-5 p.m.

Tour of the Law School, meet at the Library Lobby
IT Help Desk, WB Lounge
Student ID Pick-up, Student Affairs Suite, SL107

Welcome BBQ

5-6:30 p.m., Caplin Pavilion and Spies Garden

All students, faculty, staff and families are invited.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 (Required)

Introductions Lunch with Faculty

Noon-1 p.m., pick up lunch in Caplin Pavilion, eat in various classrooms

Section A - SL278
Section B - SL294
Section C - SL298
Section D - WB101
Section E - WB102
Section F - WB103
Section G - WB104
Section H - WB105
Section LL.M./Exchange - WB126