192 new students helped Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law kick off the new academic year last week with 1L Launch Week, a comprehensive four-day orientation to get them familiar with life as a law student while preparing for the substantive and procedural aspects of law school.

Dean Parlow welcome students in lobby

Dean Matt Parlow welcomes the class of 2019

After meeting their new classmates on the first day, Dean Matt Parlow and Assistant Dean of Admission and Diversity Initiatives Justin Cruz welcomed the new class with the help of Student Bar Association President Alexis King and Orange County Bar Association President-Elect Michael Baroni. The week provided students with an introduction to the law school experience through mock classes, exam-taking workshops, academic presentations, professionalism guidance, and networking events with faculty, current students and alumni.

Dean Parlow highlighted the law school’s dedicated faculty and varied opportunities to enhance practical skills for the benefit of the greater community. “Your legal training will be the foundation that helps you make a difference in your community,” he said.

King stressed the importance of supporting fellow students and making the most of the opportunities available through the law school: “Whether it be Moot Court, Entertainment Law Society, Tax Law Society, or the Student Bar Association, there is an opportunity for each student to embrace their passion and work with like-minded individuals.”

Class of 2019 Quick Facts:

  • 70 undergraduate institutions
  • 40 majors
  • Students from 12 states
  • Students from eight countries, including Korea, Iran, the Philippines, Mexico, Vietnam, United Arab Emirates, the UK and Canada
  • 20-56 years old
  • 50 percent minority representation
  • 53 percent female and 47 percent male

Throughout Launch Week, students had an opportunity to get to know one another as well as glean advice from current students who will serve as their “big siblings” or mentors throughout the year. Events included catered lunches, a new student barbecue with students and family, and our first En Banc of the school year, where students mingle with members of the law school community and local bar.

The week was capped with a special lunchtime talk by Los Angeles Lakers’ Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs, Jim Perzik, who shared the back stories of some of the biggest deals he handled for Dr. Jerry Buss and the Lakers’ organization.

The class of 2019 is Fowler School of Law’s most diverse yet, with students representing more than 70 undergraduate institutions and ranging in age from 20 to 56, with greater than 50% minority representation.

Among the new class are a freelance television producer, a trustee and elected school board member, a classical pianist, a national beauty pageant winner, and the chairman of a city neighborhood improvement commission.

The final day of Launch Week offered an opportunity for students’ loved ones to join in the experience at the popular “Parents and Partners” session. In addition to a welcome from Dean Parlow, this part of the program included a special presentation by Associate Dean for Student Affairs & Administration Jayne Kacer and a mock law school class taught by Professor Celestine McConville.

In the final session, new students were asked to take an oath of professionalism administered by Dean Parlow.

See more photos on Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law’s official Facebook page.