Academic Success Program

At the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law, academic success is about more than good grades—it’s about building the skills, confidence, and resilience to become a capable and ethical lawyer. The Academic Success Program offers personalized support at every stage of the student journey, from before the first day of class to bar exam preparation after graduation.

Whether students are learning how to brief a case, manage a demanding workload, or navigate the bar admissions process, our program is here to ensure no one goes it alone.

What We Offer

Pre-Matriculation Preparation

Before students even arrive on campus, they complete a self-paced online program that introduces the core skills needed to succeed in law school. The course covers foundational study strategies and civic knowledge—helping incoming students build confidence and start strong.

Orientation and First-Year Instruction

Support continues with New Student Orientation and the first-year Skills Lab Program, a hands-on learning experience embedded in the fall Torts course.

• Weekly academic lessons are led by the Director of Academic and Bar Success.
• Second-year Academic Fellows provide small-group mentoring.
• Students learn how to read cases, organize their studies, and prepare for exams through active, guided practice.

Ongoing Academic Support

For students who face academic challenges, our approach is proactive and personalized.

• The Director of Academic and Bar Success works closely with students on academic notice or probation, developing customized academic plans and meeting regularly to support progress.
• The program emphasizes accountability, encouragement, and real-world skills needed for long-term success.

Bar Admissions and Exam Preparation

Preparing for the bar exam begins long before graduation. All students participate in our Bar Admissions Program, which provides timely guidance throughout law school.

• Topics include preparing for the bar exam, understanding the character and fitness process, financial planning, and maintaining professionalism.
• Guest speakers from the Kentucky Office of Bar Admissions, the Kentucky Lawyer Assistance Program, and AccessLex offer practical insight into the admissions process.

Graduating students receive additional support with their bar applications, including optional Q&A sessions, individual feedback, and access to our spring Bar Skills course—an early start on bar preparation, taught in partnership with Helix Bar Review.

Post-Graduation Support

Our commitment doesn’t end at graduation. The Academic Success Program continues to support recent graduates through newsletters, workshops, and individual outreach during bar study season—ensuring students stay on track and know they’re not alone in this final step toward becoming an attorney.