Leadership Program
Elon University School of Law is committed to developing successful lawyers who are also leaders – in their firms, in the legal profession, and in the community and society at large. The school’s goal is to develop civic-minded lawyer-leaders who throughout their careers are engaged in improving the profession and community for the public good.
Throughout their time at Elon, students will learn about the theories of leadership in the classroom, as well as the practice of leadership through simulations and experiential opportunities.
Preceptor Program
One of Elon Law's distinctions is the Preceptor Program, through which more than 50 experienced lawyers from a broad range of practice settings mentor law students.
Each first year student is assigned to a Preceptor at the beginning of the academic year. During the academic year, Elon Law hosts periodic receptions with practicing attorneys and judges, creating an opportunity for students to interact with Preceptors and other practicing lawyers in a casual setting. Preceptors also observe first-year students in law classes and provide feedback, facilitating a reflection process that helps students continuously improve in their preparation and development as lawyers.
Preceptors also invite students to accompany them to observe trials, client interviews, depositions, and mediations. While primarily involved with first-year law students, Preceptors regularly interact with second- and third-year law students, as well as with alumni of the Law School.
Leadership Fellows Program
As part of the Law School’s mission to infuse its legal education with an emphasis on leadership development, the school formed the Leadership Fellows program in 2009.
To be considered for the Leadership Fellows program, applicants to the law School must complete a separate application for the Leadership Fellows Program. Students invited into the Leadership Fellows Program demonstrate exceptional leadership through community, collegiate, military, or other leadership experiences, as well as academic achievement. They also identify, through an essay in the Leadership Fellows application process, how the leadership skills they have acquired could be further developed and utilized at the Law School, in the practice of law, and in their communities.
Leadership Fellows are expected to maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.67, assist administration and faculty with the Leadership Lecture Series and other leadership programming, and undertake a Capstone project during their third-year of study.
Contact:
Faith Rivers James, Associate Dean for Experiential Learning and Leadership and Professor of Law
Phone: (336) 279-9332
E-mail: friversjames@elon.edu