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First-year Students Learn the Ropes at Orientation

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Friedman and Schwarzman
Tyler Friedman (left) and Teddy Schwarzman sample the Southern fare served at a barbeque during orientation on Aug. 18.

A class of 203 JD students arrived on campus the week of Aug. 18, participating in a host of orientation events and beginning their classes. The group, which includes 107 men and 96 women, hails from 38 states and at least two other countries. Members of the Class of 2006 represent 104 undergraduate institutions. These students are joined by 79 LLM students from 36 countries.

This year’s orientation focused on the Duke Law Blueprint for Lawyer Education and Development, a set of principles designed to help students build a foundation for a successful life in the legal profession. The events were kicked off by Dean Katharine T. Bartlett, who welcomed the students and charged them with making the most of their time at Duke Law.

The three-day orientation introduces incoming students to every aspect of Law School life, with sessions on topics such as the Law School’s media lab, the on-campus interviewing process, public interest and pro bono opportunities, and a mock class taught by Professor Doriane Coleman.

Social events for the week included cocktails at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, a class picnic at Eno River State Park and an all-School outing to see a Durham Bulls baseball game. Orientation is co-sponsored by the Office of Admissions and the Office of Student Affairs and involved more than 40 second- and third-year Law students who volunteered as orientation leaders.

“The participation of everyone, especially the office of admissions, our fantastic orientation leaders and, of course, the members of the class of 2006, made orientation a huge success,” said Jill Miller, assistant dean for student affairs.