Drexel University - Thomas R. Kline School of Law

Since its launch in 2006, Drexel University's Kline School of Law has quickly climbed the list of legal institutions, thanks to the way in which it combines academic learning with deep immersion in the practice of law. By graduation, students rack up hundreds of hours of experience thanks to “programs [that] are excellent and push us to be the best we can be.” One attendee offers, “To be able to place students into an almost full-time position in the legal profession while they are still [in school] is an incredible experience to network, figure out what type of law to pursue, and to create the possibility of employment upon graduation.” And that's what Kline does, with “constant opportunity for practical experience in both internships, co-ops, and clinics.” Either semester or year-long co-ops let students get academic credit and 20 to 40 hours of experience each week working in law firms, government agencies, and public interest law organizations. The relationships formed during these placements can open doors further down the line—overall, Kline “provides a very strong support network.” Additionally, students also can take part in Kline's four legal clinics, including the Civil Litigation Field Clinic, in which they handle a case all the way from intake to representation, acting as the client's lead counsel. Another option is the Criminal Litigation Field Clinic, through which students can represent actual clients in preliminary felony hearings and try misdemeanor cases in municipal court. In addition to those, each enrollee at Kline participates in the Pro Bono Service Program, fulfilling 50 hours of pro bono service by assisting individuals or groups in the community who lack legal representation. Further, optional hands-on opportunities are available through moot court, Alternative Dispute Resolution competitions, and the Trial Advocacy program. This all represents the school's commitment to advocacy, showcasing it as a foundational concept of a Kline education. On top of that, the school is in the process of finishing up construction on its Institute for Trial Advocacy, which will include technologically advanced trial practice rooms and a ceremonial courtroom.

Kline also benefits from its “exceptionally talented” faculty, with many willing to “bend over backwards to help students understand the course material.” As one student shares, “The professors do a wonderful job of being available to help with whatever.” Another adds, “I have had no problems bringing issues to professors that don't relate to their classes or area of focus.” Overall, they seem “generally understanding that students have additional obligations outside of the normal coursework,” which helps them be “helpful in many extracurricular endeavors such as job searches and intern/externship opportunities.” Students also appreciate that they are “passionate about their own careers and teaching at the school,” so much so that they demonstrate their support by “often [showing] up to campus events.” In addition to the professors, the research librarians “are an outstanding resource,” and the Career Strategies/Services Office (CSO) is “incredibly helpful in … finding summer employment and with figuring out a career trajectory based on the student's demonstrated skills.” They're also known to “tell you step by step what you need to do to secure a 1L summer position.” So, while students admit that the school “could use some more study spaces for collaborative work,” they also say it has “so many resources to help you succeed and make everything run smoothly”—and that's apparent with the faculty and staff.

Kline's “community is great” and offers an “overall welcoming environment.” There is “a healthy level of competition,” but it manifests itself “in a way that makes fellow students strive to improve while simultaneously uplifting peers to do better as well.” Since “everyone is focused on academics,” this is definitely a professional environment, but “people enjoy having fun and making connections with others.” For an example of how the school helps to maintain a balance between work and life, one need look no further than the gym, which is conveniently located in front of the law school. Students “can study during the day and then get a break to exercise.” They also “often see each other and get together outside of class for social events as a way to take a break from studying.” When they're ready to get back to work, there is “a strong emphasis on supporting your classmates and colleagues,” so “different clubs and law societies work with each other, and the people who are in the groups are friendly with others.” At Kline, “relationships are developed in many ways” at Kline, and furthering that is the Diversity and Inclusion staff, who “organize many workshops to help students to get together and talk about diversity.”