Merging the Bench, Bar, and Law Schools: How a Student Scholars Program Achieves Professional Identity Through Scholarly Writing, Mentorship, and Presentation

34 Pages Posted: 26 Sep 2024

See all articles by Joan Foley

Joan Foley

Touro University - Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

Robin Boyle

St. John's University School of Law

Troy Kessler

Kessler Matura P.C.; Yeshiva University - Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law; Federal Bar Association

Date Written: September 22, 2024

Abstract

This Article describes an innovative co-curricular program, the Student Scholars Program, that provides law students with an opportunity to present their scholarly papers before the bench, bar, and law school community. The Program aids law schools in meeting accreditation standards, such as the ABA Standards 302 and 303. Standard 302 requires law schools to achieve specific learning outcomes. Standard 303(b)(3) requires law schools to provide "substantial opportunities" for students to develop a "professional identity." This program aids schools in achieving these standards. Furthermore, this program increases interaction between students and the legal profession by creating episodic mentoring opportunities.  Launched in April 2021, the Student Scholars Program is hosted annually by the Federal Bar Association's EDNY chapter; and the FBA law student divisions at the schools of St. John's University School of Law and Touro University Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law School.

Keywords: Student Scholars Program, Federal Bar Association, FBA EDNY Chapter, episodic mentoring, mentoring, ABA Standard 302, ABA Standard 303(b)(3), professional identity, legal research and writing, scholarly research and writing, scholarly papers, accreditation standards, learning outcomes

Suggested Citation

Foley, Joan and Boyle, Robin and Kessler, Troy, Merging the Bench, Bar, and Law Schools: How a Student Scholars Program Achieves Professional Identity Through Scholarly Writing, Mentorship, and Presentation (September 22, 2024). St. John's Legal Studies Research Paper No. 24-0016, 93(1) UMKC L. Rev. 1 (2024), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4968562 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4968562

Joan Foley

Touro University - Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center ( email )

225 Eastview Drive
Central Islip, NY 11722
United States

Robin Boyle (Contact Author)

St. John's University School of Law ( email )

8000 Utopia Parkway
Jamaica, NY 11439
United States
718-990-6609 (Phone)

Troy Kessler

Kessler Matura P.C. ( email )

Melville, NY

Yeshiva University - Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law ( email )

55 Fifth Ave.
New York, NY 10003
United States

Federal Bar Association ( email )

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