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Gould Preview 2023 includes new leadership, growing participation

In its third year, Gould Preview featured new programming and more students than ever joining the five-day, preorientation program

January 8, 2024 By Heidi Ried-Gonzaga
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Now in its third year, Gould Preview featured new leadership, new programming and more students than ever joining the five-day, preorientation program that gives 1Ls an advance look at the rigors and expectations of law school.

More than 40 1Ls signed up for the program known affectionately by alumni as “GP,” led by two new Gould faculty members: Sara Berman, professor of Lawyering Skills and director of the Academic Success Program and Barrett Schreiner, associate professor of Lawyering Skills and associate director of the Academic Success Program.

“Gould Preview provides a powerful infusion of skills and substance training for these new law students,” said Berman. “They get the opportunity to experience real law school content and participate in real classroom exchanges. Students also bond during preview week and end up making life-long friends and connections.”

Students most appreciated opportunities to meet colleagues in a small setting and to experience a practice class series culminating in an exam.

GP ’23 kicked off with a welcome reception sponsored by Reed Smith LLP, featuring Nickey Woods, dean of JD students and associate dean for Student Affairs, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging, and, keynote speaker, Reed Smith Partner and Gould Adjunct Professor Daniel Ahn ( JD 2004).

New this year was Lunch with the Librarians, introducing students to the valuable resources available to them through Gould’s Law Library. The popular scavenger hunt was back, sending students across campus in a fun team-building exercise to familiarize them with the campus.

Faculty including professors Greg Keating, Jody Armour, Erik Hovenkamp and Lybby Carroll, along with Berman and Schreiner, JD student fellows and staff members and deans from Admissions, Student Affairs, Events and other departments all rounded out Gould Preview.

“The focus of Gould Preview is to give students a sense of belonging and confidence,” said Berman. “They learn that getting their JD is a challenging but doable process. And, becoming familiar with all of the resources available to them before classes begin is extremely helpful.”

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