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IX. ACADEMIC SPECIALIZATIONS
This section applies to programs that provide for academic specializations not otherwise
categorized as an Academic Concentration.
A. Accelerator-to-Practice Program
[Approved by Law Faculty on 12/12/13]
The Accelerator Program is a specialized track of instruction within the law school designed to
prepare students to create or enter solo or small private practices capable of profitably providing
competent and affordable legal services to average income individuals and families upon
graduation. The goal of the program is to introduce students to the theory, practice, business and
technology skills needed to do satisfying legal work and contribute to meeting the needs of
potential clients in the justice gap- those who do not qualify for free legal services but cannot
afford to engage lawyers in a high priced legal market. The core components of this program
include specialized professional development and law practice management instruction
combined with successive practical training experiences, including training in an imbedded fee
generating law practice within the law school (the “Accelerator Practice”).
1.
Accelerator-to-Practice Course Curriculum
Students enrolled in the Accelerator Program will be required to meet all current requirements
for graduation. In addition to these requirements, students will be required to take a menu of
required upper level courses equivalent to a minimum of 29 course credits in their second and
third years. They will also be required to complete any requirements necessary to obtain SJC
Rule 3:03 certification. Students in the Accelerator Program will be required to maintain a GPA
of at least 2.67, as students on Academic Warning could not meet the course requirements of the
program.
Required courses: 15 credits
Students must take ONE of the following two courses:
Hit the Ground Running
or
Becoming a 21
st
Century Lawyer (Inter-session)
Students must take all of the following courses:
Representation of Clients in Fee Shifting and Fee Generating Cases
New Market: Legal Services
Interviewing and Counseling
Negotiation
(Inter-session or semester)