Welcome

As Interim Dean of the University of Nebraska College of Law, I encourage you to explore the numerous reasons why our Law College may be the ideal place for you to begin your journey to join the illustrious group of people who have studied the law. You will soon discover that the study of law can prepare you for opportunities to embark upon a number of career paths. While you are preparing for these opportunities, it is important to place yourself in an environment that helps you develop your full potential. Let me help give you a view of some of the reasons that our school may be best for you.

The Faculty and the Learning Experience
From the moment that the professor speaks in your first class, you realize that this is going to be a new experience – one that is challenging and exciting. As you first move to each new class and then return each day, you will discover that our faculty is outstanding. Many of our graduates look back fondly on the Law College experience and often remark that the best teacher they ever had was during their legal education.

As you progress through your legal education, you will have the opportunity to participate in our nationally recognized clinical programs which give students the opportunity to apply the theories learned in the classroom to problems presented by their clients in actual cases. Skills are also practiced in our course offerings such as trial advocacy, mediation, client counseling, negotiation, family law practice, as well as national and international law school competitions such as the 2008-09 National and International Client Counseling competitions won by our Law College’s team.

The faculty demonstrates their expertise inside and outside the classroom. In addition, to being great teachers, many are leading scholars in their fields which include international law, environmental law, labor law, tax law, juvenile law, human rights and constitutional law. Members of the faculty have participated in the shaping of the law that is adopted throughout the country. This participation includes having their scholarship cited by the Supreme Court of the United States, giving testimony before Congress and state legislatures, and serving as advisor to the President of the United States. These experiences help shape the discussions and interactions in the classroom.

The Law School Community
Your fellow students along with the faculty and staff help form a strong sense of community. Because our law school is small, you can receive individual attention from your professors, the staff is always ready and available to assist students with various needs and the students find many ways to enhance the law school experience such as through the numerous student organization activities geared toward various interests. We put considerable effort in our admission process to have an entering class that is diverse and will contribute to the stimulating conversations in the hallways as well as the classes.

Our Graduates
Our extremely supportive alumni assist us in the ability to provide a top quality learning experience. Their donations have helped us create one of the best facilities in the country. Their willingness to return and share some of their practical experience enhances the learning opportunities. This is particularly true because of our location in the state capital. This allows for individual student experiences in the legislature, administrative agencies, the prosecutors’ offices, courts and with practicing lawyers. Students have the opportunity to present oral arguments before the Nebraska Supreme Court and the Nebraska Court of Appeals. In addition, the entire student body has the opportunity to observe trials and hearings conducted at the Law College by the Nebraska Supreme Court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Judges and practicing lawyers are frequent teachers and lecturers at the Law College.

You will receive an education here at the Law College that will prepare you to join the Judges, governors, senators, community leaders, superior lawyers and entrepreneurs who have studied law at the University of Nebraska College of Law. So, please consider joining us. Commit to law school fully, intellectually and emotionally. Savor your new experiences. Relish the intellectual challenges and the lively, talented and diverse students who share this experience with you. Enjoy!

Anna Williams Shavers, Interim Dean