Moritz College of Law

1L Experience

1L Experience

Two Moritz law students sharing a laugh while sitting in a lecture hall.

A Closer Look at Your First Year

It's the questions applicants ask most often; What's the first year of law school like? Better known as 1L, this is when you get settled, meet your classmates, and adjust to the pace of legal education. Faculty and staff take special care to help you explore your new environment and grow as you immerse yourself in classes. You'll be challenged while gaining a solid foundation in law and an array of legal practice areas.

The foundation for everything to follow

All 1L students are assigned to a "section," a group of 50-55 students you'll share nearly all your classes with during your first year at Moritz. You will also have classes in smaller sections, including classes that may include 20 or fewer students. Most classes are 60 to 80 minutes with few (if any) evening classes. All classes are held in Drinko Hall and schedules are designed to leave ample time for lunches and study.

FallSpring

Civil Procedure I (4 credits)

Introduces litigation processes in federal and state courts.

Legislation and Regulation (4 credits)

Focuses on legislatures and agencies as law-generating institutions.

Criminal Law (4)

Covers the moral and penological principles underlying crime.

Contracts I (4)

Investigates the body of law concerned with private agreements. 

Torts (4)

Examines the doctrinal, theoretical, and policy dimensions of civil liability for harm to persons, property, and certain other interests.

Property (4)

Covers issues involving the possession, ownership, and use of land by private parties.

Legal Analysis and Writing I (2)

Delves into methods of legal analysis, research strategies, professionalism issues, and effective communication.

Legal Analysis and Writing II (3)

Further develops research, writing, oral communication, and professionalism skills.

Electives (0-2 credits)Electives (0-2 credits)

 

Find your way around Moritz

August
Moritz 1L Orientation is held before the start of each school year. It's an engaging three-day experience that includes panel discussions, a student success fair, tips for law school success, academic preparation sessions, and much more.

Guidance from the start

Week 1
Every Moritz 1L student is assigned a faculty resource advisor. Resource advisors provide insights and guidance as you adjust to life in law school, and answer questions about your desired areas of study and intellectual interests.

Career Development 101

Year-round
It's never too early to think about where your education leads. These lunchtime sessions help students understand their career options and how best to enter the profession. Career Development 101 is a convenient way to fit career prep in and around your busy class schedule.
Various students wearing Ohio State gear, running while exchanging high fives within The Shoe stadium.

Find your community

Moritz offers more than 30 Student Groups that bring together students with special interests. They're a great way to meet other students and become more deeply involved.
An Ohio State student pointing out something in a journal to another student.

Your wellness matters

A healthy body and mind simply perform better. From mental health to physical fitness, our College of Law and university resources help you be your best and stay on track.
Downtown Columbus Ohio city skyline at dusk

Discover Columbus

When you're ready for a break, Columbus offers lush parks, miles of bike paths, a thriving arts and music scene, and countless bars and restaurants for destressing and bonding with classmates. It's a fun town.
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