Emory Law's Roadmap to Graduation
Emory Law has developed a comprehensive program that prepares students for their 3L year and empowers them with the information and resources needed for success. The Roadmap to Graduation covers everything from graduation requirements to the law school diploma ceremony and preparation for the bar exam.
In August, at the start of the fall semester, law school leaders and student advisors gather the 3L class for the Roadmap to Graduation program. Presenters include Emily Bramer 02L (Director, Career Center), John Acevedo (Associate Dean of Students and Academic Programs), Natasha Patel (Assistant Dean, Career Center), Kamina Pinder (Associate Dean for Academic Excellence), and Emory Law Dean Richard Freer.
“This is a really superb service,” said Dean Freer to the most recent 3L class. “What you have today is a wonderful roadmap – a session of exactly what’s going to unfold this year. It’s all very manageable, but it’s great to get a jump on things and to hear all of this so early in your third year. Congratulations! This is so exciting!”
The presentation kicks off with a review of Emory Law’s graduation requirements, specifically, the credit hours, minimum GPA, courses, professionalism sessions, writing requirements, experiential learning credits, and other items needed to graduate, including state-specific items. For additional information or questions on graduation requirements, students can review their handbooks or schedule an appointment with their academic advisors.
Next, the presenters review the graduation checklist, which is a month-by-month list of expectations and deadlines. Students learn about the ABA-required graduate employment survey, applying for graduation, registering for Emory’s graduation ceremonies and reserving guest tickets, graduation expenses, voting for 3L and professor awards, and completing their financial aid exit interviews. Students are encouraged to attend the 3L spaghetti dinner in April, which is a popular annual tradition for Emory Law faculty, alumni, and soon-to-be graduates. The presenters share how the Career Center supports students through law school, the bar exam, and as Emory Law alumni.
Emory Law’s diploma ceremony, also known as the Emory Law Degree Candidate Recognition Ceremony, takes place in early May – traditionally during Mother’s Day weekend. Students should check the law school calendar for the specific day and time. Graduating students are also invited to attend Emory University’s commencement ceremony, which recognizes all Emory schools and programs. However, students must register for the Emory University commencement in addition to their Emory Law graduation program.
After graduation comes the bar exam, and Emory Law wants to ensure that students are well prepared for the state exam of their choosing. During the Roadmap to Graduation program, presenters cover the UBE, Non-UBE, and NextGen UBE formats. They provide a list of bar exam topics and formats. They also discuss the Character & Fitness application, post-graduation expenses, different bar prep courses, MPRE, and state-specific deadlines and requirements. The central theme is for students to start planning now for a successful post-graduation experience.
“There’s less than 300 days left in the school year, and then we’re going to welcome you at graduation,” Emily Bramer said to 3L students attending a recent Roadmap to Graduation program. “We are so excited for you. I hope this is the best year ever, and please take time to enjoy it. We’re here for you.”
Additional Resources:
Office of the Registrar, Emory Law Room G115
The Center for Professional Development and Career Strategy, Emory Law Room G150