Students at the Law School have many opportunities to experience what is known as the law-in-action idea. An extensive curriculum places emphasis on the dynamics of law - how the law relates to social change and to society as a whole - while at the same time stressing skill development. In addition to nationally recognized programs in several substantive areas, the Law School also has one of the largest clinical programs in the country.
The first-year program at Wisconsin is designed to teach the fundamentals of legal analysis and reasoning in a supportive setting. Our small-section program is the cornerstone of the first-year curriculum.The students from your small section will be with you in your other classes, making it easy to form study groups and to form friendships.
In the first semester, two of your classes will be small sections -- a substantive law class and your legal research & writing class. You'll have a small section of a substantive law class (torts, contracts, civil procedure, or criminal) with approximately 24 students, which will give you the opportunity to receive one-to-one feedback on your legal analysis;and you'll have an even smaller research and writing class -- 15 students or less -- to ensure one-to-one feedback on your writing. Learn more:
Information for Law Students by Law Students
Reflections from Current Students On UW Law's Academic Environment
Felice Borisy-Rudin
Making the Law Come Alive
"My most rewarding law school experience was my small group class first semester. Everyone participated and were actively involved. My professor was fabulous and made the law come alive for me. The class was torts, taught by Professor Ossorio."
Tom Isenbarger
Being an "Intellectual"
"Embrace the academic side to law school, that is, as opposed to the practical. It's not a means to a job, but a learning pursuit to be enjoyed. Be an intellectual."
Jane Howard
Supporting Each Other
"Fellow students are helpful and supportive. I have never gotten the ultra-competitive vibe around UW Law. Folks are happy to share notes and get together to study."
