Rutgers School of Law–Newark believes that it has an obligation to create a learning environment suitable for all students’ success. In addition to the range of student services offered through the Offices of Student Services and Career Services, MSP students also participate in academic and professional programs. The first year MSP program, “An Introduction to Lawyering” exposes students to legal practice through skills development and professional practice experience in the following three ways:

The Summer Orientation Program is a two-week program in August that is designed to provide entering MSP students with a foundation for the study of law. Students are exposed to fundamental lawyering skills: case analysis, case briefing, rule syntheses, legal research and legal writing. Upper-class students and alumni/ae also serve on panels and lead discussion groups during orientation.

“During the two weeks of orientation, I learned to develop much of the needed skills to succeed in law school. I had an opportunity to experience first-hand what it requires to excel in the classroom, and deal with the pressures of becoming a 1L. But most importantly it was an opportunity to meet and greet some of my future MSP buddies, as well as the excellent group of professors that the school offers. The orientation made the transition to law school much easier and gave me a great foundation to jump start my law school experience.”
Joseph Felix, Evening 2010

Legal Skills Study Groups provide an opportunity for students to develop these lawyering skills in small group sessions throughout the first year of law school. Facilitated by upper-class students, these groups meet to actively engage students in the study of law. 

“Because of the study groups, by exam time you have already written on most of the issues and have practiced applying facts, so you can count on those skills. That preparation takes away a lot of the anxiety.”
Kyle Smiddie, 2011

The Summer Internship Program exposes first-year students in the MSP to the rigors of legal practice through internships. Interns are selected based on the strength of their applications, transcripts, personal interviews, references, and employer interviews. Placements include law firms, government agencies, and public interest organizations. Often, summer internship positions lead to school-year, summer and permanent jobs.

“The MSP summer internship program has afforded me the unique opportunity to work at one of the largest law firms in New Jersey after my first year of law school. That experience has opened the horizon for new and enriching opportunities. MSP has helped launch my legal career.”
Elizabeth Kim, 2009