Holistic approaches to academic and social transition to law school

The first-year university experience is now widely recognised as critical to students' learning, success and satisfaction at university and to universities' capacity to retain students beyond their first year. The desirability of an intentional, principled and integrated first-year curriculum that facilitates transition to studying law has been consistently advocated by Australian legal scholars. An evidence-based practice of the factors correlated with successful first-year transitions in Australian law schools is developing. Recent research about risks to law student's self concept and psychological wellbeing during the first year at law school suggests that much should - and can - be done to support new law students. This chapter discusses the development of a broad spectrum program to support students' successful transition through their first year at law school at a multi-campus metropolitan university in Sydney's west. It explores the program rationale and design, considers its impact on students, and reflects on continuing challenges.