Concordia University School of Law View Book

preLaw Magazine & National Jurist

coBe a leader who 2 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

ommunityethically serves your Built on a foundation of service-based thinking and dialogue. Mentorships, internships and leadership, Concordia University School of Law develops externships put legal theory into practice. Scholarships and lawyers, leaders, advocates, advisors and entrepreneurs service grants put all the benefits of a private law school through an experiential legal education. Here, in the heart within reach. When you graduate from Concordia Law, of Idaho’s capital city and legal community, our innovative you graduate with a degree that empowers you to make a curriculum integrates civic engagement and ethical decision difference as a legal professional and community leader. making. Class sizes are intentionally small to foster critical law.cu-portland.edu 3

successThe FOUNDATION FOR 4 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

Concordia University School of Law’s academic philosophy is rooted in a curriculum designed to give you the established foundational education to pass the bar exam, practical skills to pass real-life tests, and electives that reflect today’s legal environment. Developing Thought Leaders 11:1 At Concordia Law, your first year track will Student to Faculty Ratio follow a tried-and-true set of foundational classes, steeped in the basic concepts that better preparing you for life outside of law make up our laws. Intensive legal research and school. You can expect a high level of feedback writing courses are integrated throughout your on classwork and assignments, especially course of study. A success skills class provides during your first year. Instead of just being instruction on how to brief cases, outline lectured to, you will interact with your professor courses, and prepare for exams. and other students during class. In addition, your research, writing, and doctrine Whether it’s learning the nuts and bolts of of law classes will be augmented with a course centuries-old law or exploring the latest that examines the fundamentals of justice. In Supreme Court rulings, you’ll embark on a this class, you and your fellow students will rigorous academic journey that teaches you to work together to consider the philosophical, think like a lawyer and prepares you to pass religious, and intellectual roots of law. The the bar. readings challenge you to think deeply about what your role as a professional will be, and to remember that the hard work of law school will allow you to make a difference, to serve as an advocate, and to solve complex legal problems. According to the most recent Law School Survey of Student Engagement (LSSSE), Concordia Law gets positive marks in a variety of areas that set us apart. You will receive significantly more written work than at other schools, for example, “Concordia Law taught me exactly what I needed to succeed—how to think like a lawyer.” –Kraig Smikel, JD ’17 law.cu-portland.edu 5

The minute you commit to Concordia University School of Law, we commit to you, putting all of our resources toward helping you succeed. Legacy Mentor Program This unique program pairs every student with an attorney or judge who provides an introduction to the legal community, offering insight, knowledge, and advice. These mentors take an active role in helping you learn firsthand what it means to be a lawyer. Whether it’s to observe a deposition, review legal research, or watch your mentor litigate a case, you will discover how the foundational legal education taught in the classroom applies to real experience. Pro Bono Service “Service leadership” is one of the key Lutheran principles on which Concordia University School of Law was founded. As a student, you will be required to complete 50 hours of law-related public service prior to graduation. Yet because public service is so ingrained in everything we do, most students go well beyond that minimum number of hours. Through pro bono service, you can hone your skills by giving back to people in need, working with organization such as the Ada County Domestic Violence Court, Idaho Legal Aid, and the Idaho Military Legal Alliance. Internships and Externships Our internship and externship programs give you the opportunity to work side-by-side with some of the region’s most powerful and important legal organizations, including the Idaho Supreme Court, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Idaho Attorney General’s Office, and the Federal Defender of Idaho. These programs provide an easy way to enhance professional networks and gain invaluable experience. You can also participate in internships or externships out of state. Prepared and Practice-Ready Concordia University School of Law provides a variety of professional development opportunities and services designed to help you build a path to a meaningful career. You’ll have access to individual career counseling, workshops, practice panels, mock interviews, and career fairs, as well as ongoing support and transitional training programs to help you achieve your professional goals. 6 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

Concordia Law students hone their skills—and make an appreciable difference—throughout the Boise community, including here at Life’s Kitchen. Through our pro bono partnership, law students volunteer to teach legal-themed life-skills classes to at-risk young people as they move into adulthood. This is just one of many opportunities you’ll have to put classroom theory into community- service action. beyondlearning the classroom law.cu-portland.edu 7

communitya vital part of the Imagine a place where underserved populations can get critical, pro bono legal help. Where low-income families can get legal advice on landlord disputes and immigration issues. Where veterans can get free legal support for themselves and their families. Where law students and legal experts work side-by-side to serve the highest-need individuals in our community. All in one convenient location in the heart of downtown Boise, Idaho’s capital city. Welcome to 5th & Front. 8 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

“Though all law schools are required to provide students with experiential learning opportunities, Concordia Law goes one step further. Through 5th & Front, we not only develop practice-ready lawyers, but also instill a service ethic within our students by serving our community.” —Latonia Haney Keith, Interim Dean & Associate Dean of Academics y 5th & Front is the home of Concordia Where Law and Social Justice Meet University School of Law’s extensive portfolio of community-based and community- Through 5th & Front, Concordia Law students focused services and programs. Located on have the opportunity to actively participate in the Concordia Law campus in Boise, 5th & pro bono experiences in many different Front aims to provide access to justice for practice areas, enhancing their legal education underserved populations—including juveniles, through meaningful professional experiences. veterans, immigrants, refugees, and families The students, in turn, provide much-needed living in poverty. Clinics cover a wide range legal services to low-income and modest- of legal issues, such as housing, asylum and means individuals, benefiting the community citizenship, criminal expungement, wills and as a whole. estate planning, and domestic violence, to name a few. This unique “one-stop shop” for all of Concordia Law’s many legal outreach programs helps close the social justice gap, bridging the disparity in legal services for people in need. These are services that either don’t exist or are out of reach for many in our community. The goal of 5th & Front is to make these services accessible to our community. law.cu-portland.edu 9

Connect with your peers 10 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

Concordia University School of Law fosters collaboration and camaraderie through a close-knit community of students. With class sizes kept small, you’ll quickly come to know fellow students and faculty. Classmates become friends and professors become mentors. At Concordia, You Belong Public Interest Law Student Organization (PILSO): This group of public service-oriented Concordia Law sponsors a variety of student- students seeks to raise awareness about led organizations where you can hone your skills, discuss topical issues, or just unwind issues involving access to the legal system for and have fun. A sampling of some of our clubs, organizations, and associations includes: underserved populations. Student Bar Association: This is the student- Women’s Law Society: Open to all students, led governing body of Concordia Law. It was this organization aims to foster diversity through formed as the law school division of the the advancement of equal rights and promotion American Bar Association to represent the of opportunities that advance the interests of students and promote both fellowship and women in the legal system. communication among faculty, administration, and the legal community. Immigration & International Law Society: The purpose of this organization is to raise Idaho Trial Lawyers Association: This group’s awareness of international law, promote the goal is to increase court accessibility for all study and practice of international law, and citizens. Members help staff the Street Law and assist with career development for members. Family Law Clinics, which provide legal advice to walk-in clients. “Law school is a demanding, challenging, and rewarding experience. The Office of Student Affairs engages and supports students in their co-curricular, extracurricular, and personal endeavors and needs. It’s an excellent first stop for student issues and inquiries. Whether it’s encouraging student camaraderie, supporting clubs and organizations, or assisting with legal intern licenses and bar applications, the mission of the Office of Student Affairs is to enhance each student’s educational experience and professional development.” —Benjamin Cramer, A​ ssistant Dean of Career Services and Student Affairs​Deputy Title IX Coordinator Concordia University School of Law law.cu-portland.edu 11

Boise is a thriving capital city with an amazing quality of life and low cost of living. It is also renowned for its proximity to the great outdoors, ever-changing cultural scene, and dedication to livability. Its centralized location provides easy access to many metropolitan cities throughout the western half of the United States. Here are 10 ways to experience the wonders of Boise. homemake yourself at 1 1–BOISE RIVER and WHITEWATER PARK: Soaking in the 23 scenery, float trips, kayaking, paddle boarding, and Greenbelt excursions make perfect study breaks. 3–BOISE GREENBELT: This 25-mile biking and walking trail is one of Boise’s most beloved outdoor areas. Tree-lined pathways follow the river through the heart of 2–THE FOOTHILLS: Trailheads are within walking distance the city and provide scenic views, wildlife habitat, and pedestrian access to many of the law school campus. This 130-mile protected system of the area’s popular riverside parks. The Greenbelt also serves as an alternative called Ridge to Rivers is ideal for hikers and bikers, and many transportation route for commuters. trails are pet friendly. 12 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

7–BOGUS BASIN MOUNTAIN RECREATION AREA: In the winter, enjoy the area’s best downhill and cross-country skiing. In the summer, warm up to hiking, mountain biking, and gem mining. All within 20 miles of Concordia Law. 8–THE CAPITOL: Opened in 1912, the Idaho State Capitol is just a few blocks north of Concordia Law. Critical state, congressional, 4 and legal institutions, along with dozens of law 9 practices, radiate from this hub. 9–ALBERTSONS STADIUM: While the Broncos are the official athletic program of Boise State University, city residents have adopted the BSU campus and its famous blue turf as their own. Watch a game, enjoy a theatrical performance, or catch a concert at the many campus facilities available to the community. 5 4–BODO: Boise downtown, or BoDo, includes a 7 10 trendy area of theaters, shopping, restaurants, coffee shops, and music venues just two blocks 10–IDAHO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL: west of school. Set against the spectacular Boise foothills, the works of William Shakespeare and the world’s 5–BASQUE BLOCK: Idaho is home to one of the best classical playwrights are brought to life largest Basque communities outside of Europe. each summer. A 770-seat, state-of-the-art Take a short walk north of the law school to facility was specially designed to feature the experience the art, food, and traditions of this human voice. unique culture. 6–CAPITAL CITY PUBLIC MARKET: Every Saturday from the beginning of spring through the fall harvest, local farmers and artisans set up an extensive farmer’s market on the sidewalks of downtown. 8 6 law.cu-portland.edu 13

the value of a concordia degree Richard C. and Shirley I. Fields Transformation of Society Scholarship This scholarship, named in recognition of two well-respected members of the Boise community, covers 90 percent of tuition for talented individuals committed to the transformation of society through service. Visit our website for more information. 14 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

e At Concordia University School of Law, our goal is to help you graduate with a meaningful, practice-ready degree-not a mountain of debt. Scholarships, Grants and Awards Part and Flex-Time Options are Also Available Our tuition, scholarships, and grants are designed to put all the benefits of a private law school within reach. Merit-based scholarships are based For students juggling work, family, and on prior academic excellence and the potential for success as indicated outside commitments, Concordia Law offers by your LSAT results and undergraduate GPA. Every student receives a a a part-time program that takes four years to guaranteed service grant—making service and pro-bono legal practice a complete. Visit law.cu-portland.edu/part-time priority. These scholarships and grants are automatically renewable for complete details. each year you are enrolled at Concordia Law. Unlike most other law schools, your scholarship is guaranteed during your time as a Concordia 003191 Law student. FAFSA School Code If you’re an incoming student from Idaho, you may be eligible for the Idaho Resident Grant, which is also automatically renewable each year. Our network of supporters from the Boise legal community—from individuals, firms, bar associations, foundations, and more—help make Concordia Law accessible through private scholarship gifts. All of this support adds up to your success. “I would love to be an advocate for environmental justice, in instances where minorities and poor communities are disproportionately affected by polluted air and water, similar to the situation in Flint, Michigan.” —Erica Green, scholarship recipient and student Concordia University School of Law law.cu-portland.edu 15

Boisea law school for With a view toward relevance and repurposing, Concordia University School of Law transformed an old brick building on the underdeveloped edge of downtown Boise into a $10 million, state-of-the-art, 54,000 square foot campus. Three floors were added to house classrooms, A Law Library for the 21st Century offices, and gathering spaces—such as conference rooms and a common area. Moot The largest part of the building is the library, home to an up-to-date court and mock trial rooms mirror actual collection that’s practice-focused and student-oriented, designed to courtroom sizes and design. There’s even a support all levels of legal research, writing, and theory. secure bike garage and student showers. The building meets the requirements for The George R. White Law Library features new technology platforms in Leadership in Energy and Environmental addition to long-held research models and materials. A team of reference Design (LEED) certification. librarians have the background, knowledge, and expertise to support you as you write papers and tackle the intricacies of the legal system. The building of the law school also helped usher in a new era of development all around us in this core downtown area—the city’s first ecodistrict. Along with new restaurants, new retail, new housing options, and a new grocery store, the area also features green stormwater infrastructure, geothermal heating (including here at the law school), and a cohesive streetscape that encourages walking and bike riding. All designed to make one of America’s most livable cities even better. 16 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

“Classes here are tough, but extremely fascinating. Conversation is dynamic and the atmosphere is really energetic. At Concordia Law, everyone wants to succeed.” –Marcus West, JD ’17 law.cu-portland.edu 17

rich heriA modern law school with a 18 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

itage Concordia Law is part of Concordia University-Portland which has been a fixture in Portland, Oregon since 1905. What once started as a Lutheran academy, the Concordia University- Portland of today is a thriving private, nonprofit, Christian university rooted in faith, service, and academic excellence. Concordia University-Portland serves thousands of undergraduate and graduate students both on campus and online. Groundbreaking from the Ground Up practicums and pro bono clinics—and alumni who are making their mark as advocates, For years, Boise remained one of the few United States capitals without lawyers, and entrepreneurs who are mindfully a full three-year law school. Despite the fact that Boise is home to the and ethically serving their communities. majority of the state’s law firms, attorneys, and judicial institutions, it lacked a law school to serve the dynamic legal community before Concordia University School of Law is a law Concordia Law opened doors to its inaugural class in August of 2012. school for the 21st century, with brick-and- mortar roots going back to 1905. Today, Concordia Law is an integral part of Boise’s legal community with students actively engaged in mentorships, internships, externships, law.cu-portland.edu 19

numbersconcordia by the 100% Concordia recently achieved a 100% ultimate bar passage rate from the ABA—meaning that two years after graduation, 100% of Concordia Law’s 2016 graduates have passed the bar exam. Even more impressive? Concordia is one of only four law schools in the nation to achieve a 100% two-year pass rate, alongside Yale University, The University of Chicago, and University of Wisconsin. Concordia Law has the #1 employment rate in Idaho and National Jurist cited Concordia as the country’s fourth highest performing law school for graduate employment. Concordia Law was ranked as a Best Law School for the Devout in 2019 by preLaw Magazine. 20 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

“B oise ranked #1 best place to live in the U.S.” (by Livability 2019 survey) Concordia Law was recognized as a Best Value Private Law School for 2017 and 2018 by both preLaw Magazine and National Jurist. As a Best Value Law School, Concordia ranked in the top 25% among all law schools and ranked #10 among private law schools. volunteer Students have dedicated more than 34,000 hours toward clinical, externship, and pro bono programs in 2013–18. The equivalent of $6,846,000 in pro bono legal services (at $200/hour). law.cu-portland.edu 21

Learn More law.cu-portland.edu/prospective-students CALL 208-639-5440 EMAIL [email protected] VISIT 501 West Front Street Boise, Idaho 83702 Apply Today law.cu-portland.edu/apply www.lsac.org Application Checklist ☑ Application Fee: $0 ☐ Completed online application - Personal Statement - Résumé ☐ Character and Fitness Addendum (if applicable) ☐ Credential Assembly Service (CAS) Report from LSAC that includes a valid LSAT score, a minimum of two letters of recommendation (maximum of four), and official copies of all post-secondary transcripts showing completion or projected completion of a four-year bachelor’s degree Decision Once we receive your completed application, we do our best to make a decision as quickly as possible—usually within two weeks. 22 concordia university school of law | boise, idaho

markmake your Whether your goal is to become a practicing attorney, run a nonprofit advocating for refugees, open and manage a small business, or guide a corporation through mergers and acquisitions, your opportunities to make a difference are endless in an environment where leadership and service are celebrated. A Strong Case for Concordia • Faculty, staff and classmates who want you to succeed • A state-of-the-art campus in the heart of downtown Boise • Unmatched experiential learning and service opportunities that make you practice-ready—and make a difference law.cu-portland.edu 23

501 West Front Street, Boise, Idaho 83702 [email protected] 208-639-5440 Join us in building a BETTER FUTURE. apply today at law.cu-portland.edu/apply OR www.lsac.org Concordia University is a non-profit, Christian university preparing leaders for the transformation of society. Concordia University School of Law is fully approved by the Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar of the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654, 312-988-6738.