Student speaker.

Participant Information

The University at Buffalo Discover Law Program is an intense academic program created to expose promising underrepresented or first generation students to the rigors of law school.

The faculty of the law school have high expectations. We have designed a challenging curriculum that will keep you very busy throughout the four weeks of the program.

We expect that you will work hard, do your best, and be a good citizen of the university and the law school.

Students will be sent home if the program staff determines they are not completing their assignments, violating curfew, or are violating any of the rules of the University or the School of Law.

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Program Dates

The 2023 program dates are Saturday, June 3 to Friday, June 30, 2023. If you are selected for the program, you are required to attend all classes and activities. Weekend events will also be planned and you will be required to participate in these events as well.

Housing & Curfew

You will be assigned a roommate in a suite style residence hall. There is a curfew: on the weekdays you will be expected to be in the residence hall by 8:30 p.m. and on the weekends by 10:00 p.m. This is an academically rigorous program and you will be meeting in study groups in the evening. The study groups will be facilitated by two Law Student RA’s who will be living with you and assisting you throughout the four week program. You are not permitted to have guests during the program.

Check-in/Check Out:
Check-in
will be held in the lobby of Au Bon Pain Café located in Greiner Hall on the ground floor of Wing A, located on UB’s North Campus.  (Enter at the door closest to the tunnel entrance of Ellicott Hall.)

Check-out is TBA.

Greiner Hall, one of the newest buildings on campus, is a short walk or shuttle ride from O’Brian Hall.

A mandatory Orientation will be in the Cellino and Barnes Conference Center on the 5th floor of O’Brian Hall. At that time you will complete your paperwork, receive class & assignments information, and be given a tour of the School of Law.  Breakfast will be provided.

The Opening Reception and Dinner will be held in the Cellino and Barnes Conference Center, on the 5th floor of O’Brian Hall. Business casual attired required. Law student RAs will coordinate a group to walk over, or drive to, O’Brian Hall.

Morning classes begin at 9:00 a.m. sharp.

See Also: Housing Rules and Regulations

student at podium.

Dress Code

Business Casual will be required for all field and enrichment experiences, which includes law firm visits, court visits, and networking events. Attire includes: Black, navy, or brown dress pants or skirts. Dresses that cover your shoulders (no strapless or spaghetti strap). Button-down dress shirts, blouses, a light sweater or blazer/jacket. Brown or black closed toe shoes, including dress shoes, flats or moderate heels (2 inch maximum height).

Attire during classes: must also conform to these rules, but you will be allowed to wear jeans, capris, or Bermuda shorts. All tops must cover your shoulders. Unacceptable attire includes: sweatpants or athletic apparel, excessively dirty or worn clothing, slip-on shoes.

If you plan to use the fitness facility or engage in any outdoor activities, such as biking or hiking, please bring the appropriate clothes and gear.  Sneakers or walking shoes are always a good idea.

Communication

Please check your email regularly. Accepted students will receive additional information from program staff via email prior to June 4th. Program participants will receive emails from the program director, faculty, staff, and mentors throughout the duration of the program.

If you or your parents have questions, please do not hesitate to contact Amber Melvin at 716-645-0512.

What to Bring

Identification:  Please bring your license or passport.

Residence Hall:  You must bring incidentals such as linens (extra-long twin), pillows, blankets, towels, an alarm clock, iron, and all toiletry and personal hygiene items; laundry detergent and cleaning supplies; a dorm size refrigerator (optional); and kitchen utensils, pots and pans, etc (optional). Rooms will be furnished only with beds and other basic furniture.

Class Materials such as laptop, paper, pens and pencils are necessary. Laptops are not permitted in class except by permission of the professor.

Personal items for daily use and travel such as a backpack, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, sneakers or walking shoes, and a light sweater or jacket.

Extra pocket money. Room & partial board are covered under the Discover Law Program. Please bring additional funds for breakfast, lunch, leisure and other activities during the program’s duration.

Finally, don’t forget to bring your love of learning and openness to a new experience!