Incoming law students came to Michigan State University today from around the country and across the state.
Jordan Sehi, of Los Angeles, plans to study International Human Rights. She said the opportunity to work in the Immigration Law Clinic drew her to MSU College of Law.
Sylvester McIntosh, of Detroit, was an MSU undergraduate and is interested in studying Intellectual Property.
Interim Dean Michael Sant’Ambrogio welcomed students at Foundations Week, Aug. 13- 16, which serves to orientate the 1L class to the fundamentals of law school.
“This week will introduce you to the nature of law school and its learning objectives,” he said. “Foundations Week was designed to help you understand the challenges and opportunities of law school, to meet the amazing people who will be there for you every step of the way, and to learn what’s possible with a law degree.”
Throughout the week, the students will divide into sections for a series of classes taught by current faculty on the Foundations of Law classes; Research, Writing and Analysis; and Professionalism.
They will visit important student resources such as Diversity Equity Services Office; Academic Success Program; and Career Services . Additionally, they will tour the college’s John F. Schaefer Law Library and its nine clinics.
The week will end with site visits to what Dean Sant’Ambrogio called “the frontlines of justice.” The Lansing sites include the state Supreme Court, law firms and legal service providers.
He reminded the students that they are among the future lawyers and legal scholars who will help resolve today’s challenges and disputes.
“The issues can be divisive,” he said. “Embrace disagreement but not divisiveness.
“As lawyers, we must be prepared to answer opposing arguments. Our critical-thinking skills are sharpened by hearing and responding to positions with which we disagree.”
In addition to resolving societal issues, lawyers will be called on to help individual clients in their most vulnerable times.
“They will look to you for answers, to find a path forward ... or to walk them back from a poor decision,” Sant’Ambrogio said.
“Your counsel will change their lives. And by changing their lives, you will change the world,” he said. “One matter at a time.”