1L Advising & FAQs
Welcome to the start of your Law School experience! With the start of classes right around the quarter, we recognize that you may have questions about what to expect during your first year. While you will be registered in classes about a week before the start of the quarter, here’s a general overview of your 1L curriculum:
Autumn Quarter
- Elements of the Law (3 credits)
- Civil Procedure (4 credits)
- Torts (4 credits)
- Legal Research and Writing (1 credit)
The Law School Registrar will process your registration for Autumn Quarter, prior to Orientation.
Winter Quarter
- Criminal Law (4 credits)
- Property (4 credits)
- Contracts (4 credits)
- Legal Research and Writing (1 credit)
The Law School Registrar will process your registration for Winter Quarter.
Legal Research and Writing is a multi-quarter class (Autumn and Winter). You will receive one grade for the course.
Spring Quarter
There will be a 1L Advising meeting in Winter Quarter, prior to the registration period that will cover the class options and registration process for Spring Quarter.
The Law School Registrar will automatically enroll you in:
- Transactional Lawyering (3 credits)
- Legislation and Statutory Interpretation (3 credits)
- Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy (2 credits)
Classes that you will bid on:
- A Constitutional Law Course (3 credits)
- 1L Elective (3 credits)
Academic Resources
D’Angelo Law Library 1L Success Portal
Academic Skills Assessment Program
Law School Degree Audit (Will be available starting the first day of the quarter for 1Ls)
1L Advising FAQs
Do I need to do anything to get registered for Autumn classes?
No, the Law School Registrar’s office will process your registration for all Autumn classes by or around Wednesday, September 13.
Can I request a specific professor for my Autumn classes?
Students are not able to select 1L classes or particular professors in Autumn or Winter Quarter. All registrations will be processed by the Registrar, based on the Legal Research and Writing section in which you were assigned.
I have been approved for academic accommodations in the past, and want to know how to get started on the process at UChicago, who can help me with this?
Jesse Landstrom can assist with question about getting started with the accommodations request process. Additional details can be found in the Assistance for Students with Disabilities page.
The process starts with completing the Student Disability Services Request form
I know I need to be absent from class on a particular date in Autumn. Is there anything I need to do?
Per the ABA requirements for you to earn your degree, attendance in all classes is required. That said, a few, limited absences due to sickness or a significant, unavoidable conflict are understandable. If you do need to be absent, always notify your instructor as well as the Office of the Dean of Students.
I will be observing a religious holiday on the following date(s) and will not be able to attend class. Would it be possible to access recordings for the days I will miss class?
The Recording Request form for Observance of Religious Holidays includes detailed instructions as well as contact information in case you have any questions about this.
Who do I contact...
With questions about academic advising?
JD students can contact Jesse Landstrom, Senior Associate Director of Advising and Wellness Programs.
Dual-degree students can contact Lana Ammari, Associate Director of Student Affairs.
With questions about Financial Aid?
Zachary Weber, Director of Financial Aid or Barbara Dagnan, Assistant Director of Financial Aid and Admissions