Handbook Flip Book Update November 2016

IX. ACADEMIC SPECIALIZATIONS

This section applies to programs that provide for academic specializations not otherwise categorized as an Academic Concentration.

A. Accelerator-to-Practice Program [Approved by Law Faculty on 12/12/13]

The Accelerator Program is a specialized track of instruction within the law school designed to prepare students to create or enter solo or small private practices capable of profitably providing competent and affordable legal services to average income individuals and families upon graduation. The goal of the program is to introduce students to the theory, practice, business and technology skills needed to do satisfying legal work and contribute to meeting the needs of potential clients in the justice gap- those who do not qualify for free legal services but cannot afford to engage lawyers in a high priced legal market. The core components of this program include specialized professional development and law practice management instruction combined with successive practical training experiences, including training in an imbedded fee generating law practice within the law school (the “Accelerator Practice”).

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Accelerator-to-Practice Course Curriculum

Students enrolled in the Accelerator Program will be required to meet all current requirements for graduation. In addition to these requirements, students will be required to take a menu of required upper level courses equivalent to a minimum of 29 course credits in their second and third years. They will also be required to complete any requirements necessary to obtain SJC Rule 3:03 certification. Students in the Accelerator Program will be required to maintain a GPA of at least 2.67, as students on Academic Warning could not meet the course requirements of the program.

Required courses: 15 credits

Students must take ONE of the following two courses:

Hit the Ground Running or Becoming a 21 st Century Lawyer (Inter-session)

Students must take all of the following courses:

Representation of Clients in Fee Shifting and Fee Generating Cases

New Market: Legal Services

Interviewing and Counseling

Negotiation (Inter-session or semester)

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