Dean’s Initiative for Leadership and Scholarly Excellence Equips First-Year Law Students for Academic and Professional Success | News | The Law School

From August 4-13, 2025, Notre Dame Law School hosted the new Dean’s Initiative for Leadership and Scholarly Excellence (LSE), designed to provide foundational support for incoming J.D. students who may have had less exposure to the legal profession or who come from backgrounds that traditionally have had fewer pathways to law school. LSE offered academic, professional, and personal growth opportunities to a selected cohort of 19 first-year law students through mentorship, foundational coursework, and professional development before the start of classes.

The two-week program, established by Dean G. Marcus Cole, was modeled after a similar program that Cole participated in as a law student at Northwestern University.

“I thought about my experience in that program leading up to law school. I wanted to replicate that and put students with exemplary leadership experience in a program where we give them exposure to what they are about to learn in law school,” said Cole.

LSE encompasses four pillars: scholarly excellence, leadership and professionalism, support, and connection. It also functions as two parts: a pre-orientation intensive and follow-up monthly programming. The intensive immersion exposed students to both the academic expectations of the first-year curriculum and core competencies essential to success in law school. There are also exclusive monthly activities and programming on academic success, professional development, and leadership skills throughout the students’ first year of law school.

In addition to academic and professional preparation, the LSE program provides tangible financial support to its participants. Each member of the cohort received a one-time $2,000 housing stipend at the start of the program and will receive a $10,000 annual scholarship during law school.

The inaugural LSE cohort experienced sample lectures in Legal Writing with Professor Kristina Swanson, Contracts with Dean Cole, Property with Professor Julian Velasco, and Civil Procedure with Professor Derek Muller, serving as an introduction to their doctrinal classes, legal reading and writing, and preparing for classes. The students also gained insight into financial support, wellness services, exam preparation, and career development through workshops, sessions, and individual resource meetings with Law School staff working in Academic Support, Financial Aid, Student Services, and the Career Development Office.

LSE students built connections with Law School faculty and staff and were also matched with second-year and third-year law student mentors to guide them through the program. Together, they participated in activities within the Notre Dame and South Bend communities.

By providing additional guidance and a structured schedule before classes even began, the LSE program helped its inaugural cohort enter law school with confidence, connection, and a clear sense of purpose. The comprehensive program set the tone for their first year—equipping them not just for academic success, but for leadership within and beyond Notre Dame Law School.

Read key takeaways and reflections from LSE participants below.

“As a first-generation student, the LSE program has been a valuable opportunity to develop connections with peers and mentors. Over the past two weeks, I’ve been able to exchange ideas, learn from different perspectives, and gain a clearer sense of the skills needed to succeed in law school.” -Dilpreet Kaur

“I believe that the LSE program has helped to provide a strong foundation for our 1L year. The opportunity to meet professors, build community with like-minded students, and participate in mock classes and exams will help me to enter law school well prepared for whatever early challenges meet me.” -Jacob Sousa

“Before coming to law school, I was terrified of being cold-called; however, after being cold-called by Dean Cole during our first mock class, this fear was completely eradicated. In that moment, I came to enjoy the challenge it presented, and I now feel confident to tackle cold-calls in class.” -Katelyn Cothren

“As a first-generation law student, my LSE experience has been nothing short of transformative—it’s given me confidence in my abilities to not only succeed at Notre Dame Law but to also become a leader in my career as a lawyer. In just a short amount of time, I had the opportunity to sharpen my legal writing skills with Professor Swanson, directly observe what my classes and final exams are going to be like, learn how to best position myself to be a top job applicant with the Career Development Office, connect with NDLS alumni who became leaders in their respective fields, and forge lifelong friendships with incredible people who come from a diverse set of backgrounds.” -Laurianne Gutierrez

“From learning how to brief cases and write like a lawyer to outlining and exam prep, I got a true crash course in law school success, taught by incredible professors and even Dean Cole himself. I was blown away by the quality and clarity of their teaching.” -Madisen Campbell

“One of my biggest takeaways came from our panel with NDLS professors: Do it, even if you’re scared. Cold calls and final exams can be daunting, but law school is the perfect time to embrace a growth mindset and step outside your comfort zone.” -Molly Galbreath

“The LSE program provided an invaluable opportunity to gain early exposure to the 1L curriculum and build community with fellow students, faculty, and staff. Fostering these relationships before starting law school has created a sense of belonging and confidence that will ease the transition into 1L year.” -Omar Habhab

“The mentorship, resources, and classroom experiences have given us the tools to hit the ground running on day one of law school, but the greatest benefit of this program so far has been our incredible cohort. Starting this journey with 18 new friends has made the transition easier, and I’m excited to grow alongside them over the next three years and beyond.” -Tyler Beamish