LEAPP was created to give Suffolk University Law School students the skills and knowledge they need to make the transition from law school to law practice.  It also was designed to increase communication and cooperation between the Law School and legal professionals in order to improve legal education and create new opportunities for students.  Through panel discussions, lectures, web guides & journal entries, LEAPP provides students with an understanding of various law practice settings, including what life is like for lawyers who practice in those settings and how best to prepare for a life in different areas of law.  The goals of the LEAPP program are to:

• Help students understand how their doctrinal and classroom learning relates to the real world of practice

• Prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to “hit the ground running” when they graduate

• Give students multiple opportunities to learn about various practice areas and real world issues that impact practicing attorneys

• Help students make informed career decisions

During the 2011-2012 academic year, LEAPP has invited prominent attorneys and judges to Suffolk Law School to share information with all first-year students about different law practice settings.  This year, students will learn about:

• Government practice
• Small firm/solo practice
• In-House practice
  
• Large firm practice
  

The fourth and final panel will focus on large firms and will be held on Friday, April 20, 2012, 4:00 - 5:00 (for day students) & 6:00 - 7:00 (for evening students), in the 1st floor Function Room, Sargent Hall. There will be refreshments and an opportunity to talk with the panelists between the two sessions, from 5:00 - 6:00.

For more details about in-house counsel including information about alumni & faculty mentors, jobs & internships, library resources, conferences & continuing legal education opportunities, click on the in-house counsel link above or in the right margin.

First-year students are required to attend each of the LEAPP panels and submit a short journal entry by April 27, 2012 via Campus Cruiser.  Recordings of each panel discussion will be made available for evening students who are unable to attend.  Students will receive more details about these journal entries from their LPS professors. 

LEAPP is the brainchild of Professor of Legal Writing and Director of the Legal Practice Skills Program, Kathleen Elliott Vinson; Assistant Professor of Legal Writing Gabe Teninbaum; and Director of Employer Relations Betsy Armour.   If you have any questions or want more information about LEAPP, please contact Andrew Perlman, Ann Santos or Kathleen Vinson.