Issue 29 - April 14, 2025

The University will be closed on Friday, April 18, in observance of Good Friday. Friday classes will meet Thursday, April 17. Thursday classes are cancelled. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, April 21.

Students who have not requested accommodations for a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act and would like to apply, should contact the Office of Student Accessibility Services located in the Center for Life Directions Building, Room 139 (behind the Raba Building). Their telephone number is 210.431.5080, email accessibility@stmarytx.edu or visit the webpage at https://gateway.stmarytx.edu/rattlers/establishing-accommodations.

Please refer to the School of Law Student Handbook, §IV.D.5. on Gateway for more information.

The priority deadline to apply for Spring 2025 accommodations is Thursday, April 17, 2025. Requests received after this date are not guaranteed to have accommodations in place for Spring 2025 final exams.

Fiesta Farewell

Mon., April 14

5:00 p.m. - Class Photo

@ Raba Front Lawn

6:00 p.m. - Service Awards - Law Courtyard

 

National Moot Court Team Open House

Tue., April 15

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

LC 103

 

Annual Juvenile & Family Law Panel

Tue., April 15

5:30 p.m.

Law Alumni Room

 

Judges Gone Wild: Bad Behavior and Bad Decisions in the Federal Courts

Wed., April 16

12:00 p.m.

Law Atrium

 

Grad Fest

Wed., April 16

2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

AACC Auxiliary Gym

 

Federal Courts Panel

Thu., April 16

12:00 - 1:00 p.m.

Law Alumni Room

 

University Closure

Fri., April 18

Will reopen Mon, April 21

Are you a current 1L that is interested in becoming a member of one of the St. Mary's advocacy teams?  Did you enjoy your 1L Moot Court experience and want to learn how to be an even better advocate and lawyer?  Would you like to compete on behalf of your law school with the opportunity to win state, regional and national moot court tournaments?  Do you want to become part of the moot court family that has a legacy of 25 years of championships and a network of former mooters throughout the State of Texas?  Do you have questions about the selection process for the St. Mary's National Moot Court Team?  If you have answered any of these questions with a YES, come join the St. Mary's National Moot Court Team coaches and members for a moot court information session on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from noon to 1:00 pm in LC 103.  We will serve lunch and present additional information on what it means to be part of the St. Mary's National Moot Court Team - the most successful advocacy program in the history of St. Mary's Law School!

All graduates are invited to Grad Fest, Wednesday, April 16, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the Alumni Athletics & Convocation Center (AACC). Auxiliary Gym. Students will have an opportunity to meet with a variety of offices in one  location to make Commencement as smooth as possible. More information may be found here: Grad Fest

Is your RSO planning for new leadership elections? Not sure where to start? No worries, we can help!

As a reminder, the minimum GPA requirement for RSO leaders is a 2.5 and all RSO elections this spring must conclude by May 2 (RSO elections may be conducted during the Fall 2025 semester).

For questions and assistance, please contact:

Dr. Monesca Smith, Director for Law Student Affairs

msmith71@stmarytx.edu;

Law Admin. Bldg., Rm. 106

Moody Foundation Veterans Law Fellowships available for students who commit to work on legal matters for veterans. Applicants do not need to have secured a placement position. Fellows work in established placements with the San Antonio Legal Services Association (SALSA) or Texas RioGrande Legal Aid (TRLA). Application is open for Fellowship positions for the Summer 2025, Fall 2025, and Spring 2026 semesters (stipend of at least $2,500 per semester for at least 120 hours worked). Additional information about these Fellowships available at: https://law.stmarytx.edu/academics/special-programs/law-fellowships/.

The Student Veterans Association and Office of Graduate Law Programs invite you to join us for a discussion on contemporary topics in cyber law with area expert, Mike Lewis. A light lunch will be provided. 

Are you taking the Bar Exam this July 2025? If so, we have a free program that will help you dominate the Bar Exam.  Enrolling in Raise the Bar is your first step towards success. Scan the QR code or visit this link to enroll: https://forms.gle/5kAr9o6jwEdcW2XG8. Hurry though - enrollment will close on May 11, 2025.   We look forward to working with you this summer!

Check out our new hours for Spring 2025! We have expanded our hours to include additional evening, weekend, and virtual availability this semester. Please be sure to utilize this very helpful resource early on in the semester rather than waiting until a deadline. Our Writing Fellows are eager to serve you. Appointments are highly recommended but walk ins are welcome based on availability and staffing. You may set up an appointment here: https://calendly.com/legal-writing-center.

Externship is expanding. Check out the above new Externship credit options for this summer and next year. Set an appointment with Director Rivas to start exploring Externship for an upcoming semester. 

To provide a natural replication of real-world consequences of failing to comply with professional responsibilities, if a student fails to meet the 10- or 20-hour pro bono requirement benchmarks, a notice of non-compliance will be placed in the student’s character and fitness portfolio. If a student fails to meet the 30-hour requirement by graduation, the student’s graduation will not be certified.

More information can be found on the Pro Bono Program’s Canvas page and pages 9-10 of the Student Handbook. Events are posted on CORE. Below is a fillable PDF of the Tracking Form, which includes instructions for submission.

Looking for more legal job opportunities? This job fair will take place in Dallas at Southern Methodist University on June 27, and we expect it will feature about 30 employers from all over the state, as well as LA, OK, and other locations. You can register by emailing OCS at lawcareerstrategy@stmarytx.edu. The application period opens on May 2 and closes on May 16. You will receive an email from the program with details on accessing the system. Note: If you cannot interview in-person in Dallas on June 27, do not apply through this program.

Donate Professional Attire and Earn One Service Hours

OCS is now accepting donations from students for the Suit Up Station. Students that donate will receive 1 service hour. Please donate only new or gently used professional clothing. Items must be appropriate for legal interviews or jobs. Service hour will not be awarded for donations that do not meet these guidelines!

All School of Law students are invited to visit and utilize our NEW For Goodness Sake Food Pantry! The food pantry is currently located near the Office of Graduate Law Programs in the Law Library and is open during Law Library hours. Come visit and see what we have to offer! 

School of Law students may continue to access the Rattler Den food and hygiene pantry located in the Center for Life Directions.

Leandra Garcia is the new Financial Aid liaison to the Law School. Although, her regular School of Law onsite office hours are temporarily on hold, you can communicate with anyone from the Financial Assistance office by phone, in person, or via email.

Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed 12-1 for lunch) and Fridays 12:00 – 5:00 p.m..

Call them at (210) 436-3141 or via email at FinAid@stmarytx.edu.

Get your 2025-2026 FAFSA submitted now open at StudentAid.gov. You will use 2023 tax information to complete it.

If you are a Jewish law student at St. Mary's and are looking for an opportunity to engage with the San Antonio Jewish community, simply looking to connect on campus, or are just missing a home cooked Shabbat dinner, please feel free to reach out to  Robert Eichelbaum, Faculty in Residence, via email to reichelbaum@stmarytx.edu. 

You are invited to participate in Holy Week Services beginning Sunday, April 13, leading up to Easter Sunday on Sunday, April 20. The Mass schedule is listed below:

Holy Thursday

Thursday, April 17

7 p.m., Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Friday of the Passion of the Lord

Friday, April 18

3 p.m., Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil

Saturday, April 19

8:15 p.m., Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Easter Sunday Mass

Sunday, April 20*

9 a.m., Holy Rosary Catholic Church (English)

Noon, Holy Rosary Catholic Church (Spanish)

11 a.m., Assumption Chapel

*No evening Mass will be offered.

The St. Mary’s University community is invited to attend weekday and weekend Masses on campus and at Holy Rosary Catholic Church throughout the semester.

Monday, Wednesday and Friday - 12:15 p.m., Reinbolt Hall, Assumption Chapel

Tuesday and Thursday - 12:30 p.m., Reinbolt Hall, Assumption Chapel

Saturday (English) - 5 p.m. - Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Sunday (English) - Noon - Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Sunday (Spanish) - 9 a.m. - Holy Rosary Catholic Church

Sunday (Bilingual) - 7 p.m. - Treadaway Hall, Guadalupe Chapel (Note:the evening Mass time has changed from 8 p.m. to 7 p.m.)

Sunday (English) - 11 a.m. - Reinbolt Hall, Assumption Chapel

Interested in a straightforward teaching of the Bible from the original languages?

If so, you are invited to attend Professor Jeffrey Addicott's "Bible Class." Classes are non-denominational and are held in the conference room at the Warrior Defense Project (LF102B) in Raba.

Class times are 10:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. Also, on Wednesday and Friday at 12:30 p.m.  Each class is 30 minutes long and covers individual books of the Bible under categorical, isagogical, and exegetical teaching methodology. Bring your Bible.

NOTE: Effective April 28th, class times will move to Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. Sunday will remain the same.

For more information, contact Alexandra Fagerberg afagerberg@mail.stmarytx.edu.

There are many opportunities for private law scholarships, writing competitions, and awards for which law students may apply.  Students may also check AccessLex, a non-profit dedicated to increasing access to legal education, to help law students find the right scholarships and writing competitions totaling almost $300 million in aid.  Be sure to return weekly for new updates.

The NAPABA Law Foundation promotes the interests of the AANHPI community primarily through scholarships and fellowships. Whether you’re interested in applying for yourself or know someone who might benefit from the information, below are the upcoming application deadlines:

April 18, 2025
Han C. Choi Scholarship

This scholarship honors a NAPABA Trailblazer, mentor, and leader, who embodies grit and courage in the face of great adversity. The Scholarship Fund will benefit a 1L or 2L law student who exhibits academic excellence, leadership, volunteerism, mentorship experience, and demonstrates an interest in AAPI civic issues.

April 19, 2025
Fred T. Korematsu Fellowship

This summer fellowship program will provide funding to a law student in a meaningful summer internship at a public interest organization.

June 30, 2025
SAIL Scholarship Program

This scholarship provides mentorship, networking opportunities, and financial support to a 2L student who has outstanding professional promise and leadership potential.

 

NEED ASSISTANCE? THE OFFICE OF LAW STUDENT AFFAIRS CAN HELP

Do you have an issue or concern, but aren't sure where to go? The Office for Law Student Affairs can help. Students may schedule an appointment with Assistant Dean Alyssa Leffall by using her Calendly link at https://calendly.com/aleffall. She may also be reached via email at aleffall@stmarytx.edu.

Common topics include, but are not limited to, adjustment to law school, financial challenges, illnesses, and notification of emergencies.

Please click this link  to access the following important School of Law notices:

Disclosure of Character and Fitness Issues (Law School Application Amendments)

- Includes link to form for submitting law school application amendments

Title IX Academic Adjustments for Pregnancy

Law Students with Disabilities

Inviting Dignitaries to Campus

COVID-19 Policy

St. Mary's University School of Law
The Catholic and Marianist University
www.law.stmarytx.edu