Summer Law Institute

A Free Intensive for 1L Students

A focused intensive free to incoming 1L students, SLI is for students who would like early exposure to the first-year law student experience in an environment focused on simulation, practice, and skill development. SLI is an introduction to all the core elements of the academic experience, including demonstration classes taught by faculty members in the style of first-year courses and simulated exams (your scores don’t count – it’s just for practice!).

What You’ll Learn

• Introduction to doctrine
• Skill-building (e.g., preparing for class, note-taking, outlining, exam writing)
• Study methods
• Practice legal reasoning
• Practice case reading and briefing
• Introduction to legal writing

SLI includes substantial individual work and feedback, plus the opportunity to raise any questions or concerns you may have about any aspect of the first semester. In addition, you will have the opportunity to meet your new colleagues as well as members of the faculty, administration, and staff, who will join us for various activities throughout the program. Many students report SLI as the perfect jumpstart to successful study at CUNY Law.

Committing to the Full Program

Experience and feedback have led us to tailor the program to a two-week period that requires the availability and commitment of participants. Because there is significant collaborative work among participants and each class builds on the prior classes, we expect all students to attend the entire program. It is not our practice to extend exceptions; if you have an extenuating circumstance please contact us.

Everyone is encouraged and invited to apply to SLI, but the program will be especially useful if you want:

• More extensive writing exercises, written feedback, and opportunities for editing and revising;
• Elevated clarity, organization, syntax and grammar in your written work;
• Optimizes reading pace for even better academic results;
• Strengthened study and time-management skills to prioritize completing assignments in a timely manner;
• Improved in-class note-taking, outlining, and test-taking skills;
• Smooth reentry into academic settings after several years away from school
• Support adjusting to the logistics of evening study