Weekend JD Program Experiential Learning Variance Application

Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Weekend JD Program Experiential Learning Variance Application

Experiential Learning Requirement
Under ABA Standard 303(a)(3), JD students must earn at least six (6) credits of experiential learning as a condition of graduation. Loyola University Chicago School of Law recognizes a distinction between experiential learning courses that simulate a client experience, described as Comprehensive Simulation (CS) courses, and those that connect students with actual clients or with members of the judiciary, described as Live Client Experience (LCE) courses. Loyola University Chicago School of Law requires that students earn at least 3 of the 6 required hours through an approved LCE course.

LCE courses include:

An intensive field placement through Loyola’s externship program;
Participation in one of Loyola’s clinics; or
An approved practicum course.

Variance Application Process for Weekend JD Students
In recognition of the unique structure and schedule of the Weekend JD program, the School of Law will consider applications for a variance from the experiential learning LCE requirement. Only students enrolled in the Weekend JD program may seek a variance from the LCE requirement; this variance is not available to students enrolled in the Full Time JD program. Students may request approval to substitute an approved Comprehensive Simulation (CS) course in order to fulfill the Live Client Experience (LCE) experiential learning requirement. A variance may be granted, in whole or in part, only upon demonstration that the student has exhausted any and all reasonable options to secure an approved LCE through the law school’s LCE opportunities (as listed above). Live Client Experience courses (e.g. an approved practicum, clinic, or externship) provide valuable enrichment to the curriculum and the opportunity for JD students to gain experience working with clients. While WJD students are strongly encouraged to participate in LCE courses, they are not always able to do so. We encourage WJD students to pursue LCE opportunities even after granted a variance, if circumstances make it possible.

Note: You must meet with Mary Daniels as described in the form below before submitting this application.

Weekend JD students seeking a variance from the LCE experiential learning requirement should submit this form no later than forty-five (45) days prior to the commencement of the semester in which they seek to receive a variance.

Completing an application for a variance from the LCE requirement does not guarantee that a variance will be granted, in whole or in part. By submitting this application, you acknowledge that you have read and understand Loyola University Chicago School of Law’s experiential learning requirement and the Variance Application process.

Student Information

Name*

First Name

Last Name

Student ID#*

Email*

Phone*

Date/Time*

Course Information

List below the name of the course(s) you completed and the total number of experiential learning credit hours you have earned as of the date of this application:*

Live Client Experience Courses and Credits:*

Comprehensive Simulation Courses and Credits:*

Anticipated graduation date (term/year)*

Semester for which you are seeking a variance:*

Requirements

Step 1: BEFORE completing this application, students should schedule a meeting with Mary Daniels (Assistant Director, Weekend JD Program) to discuss experiential learning opportunities in order to create a plan for completing the 6 required hours of experiential learning credits. If, as a result of that meeting or meetings, a student anticipates the need to request a variance, the student must submit the required Variance Application no later than forty-five (45) days prior to the semester in which the student is requesting the variance.

Select One:

Gough Bess

Meeting Date:*

Step 2: A student must exhaust all reasonable options to secure an approved and appropriate LCE through the law school’s existing programs, including:

An intensive field placement through Loyola’s externship program;
Participation in one of Loyola’s clinics; or
An approved practicum course.

Provide a summary of the LCE options discussed and the reasons why each is not viable in your circumstances:*

Step 3: Under current requirements, students must complete 3 Live Client Experience (LCE) credit hours. State the number of hours that you are requesting to achieve through an approved Comprehensive Simulation course instead of through a Live Client Experience course.

Enter a number from 1-3*

If seeking a variance for 1-2 hours only, describe how you have earned or will earn the remaining LCE credit hour(s). *

Step 4: All students must complete a total of 6 experiential learning credit hours. An LCE variance does not alter this requirement. The designation of courses that are approved for experiential learning credit varies each semester. It is important that you check these designations for the semester in which you seek to register. The most current classifications for Live Client Experience (LCE) and Comprehensive Simulation (CS) courses can be found in each semester’s registration packet, available on the School of Law Registrar’s website.

Describe in detail your plan to complete a total of 6 credit hours of experiential learning before your graduation date. Include courses already completed with terms and credits earned, as well as anticipated courses with terms and credits. *

Step 5: Loyola University Chicago School of Law’s faculty adopted a requirement that each JD student complete 3 of the 6 experiential learning credits through an approved LCE. This decision was made to recognize how important it is for students to have the opportunity to work in a legal practice setting under the supervision of a lawyer or judge before their transition to the practice of law. By submitting this application, you are acknowledging that you are willing to forgo this highly recommended opportunity and are doing so only because of a unique hardship.

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Loyola University Chicago School of LawWeekend JD Program Experiential Learning Variance Application

Student Information

Course Information

Requirements

Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Weekend JD Program Experiential Learning Variance Application