Kick-off your law school career early with CSU|LAW Jump Start -- a free program designed to help incoming 1Ls acclimate to law school. We provide both our in-person and online students with an introduction to the law school experience, including instruction on basic study and exam-taking skills.

During Jump Start, students will participate in mock classes/assignments and hone critical skills by receiving personal feedback that will prepare them to hit the ground running on the first day of class. 

Participation in CSU|LAW Jump Start is mandatory for all incoming first-year students. 

TOPICS COVERED DURING CSU|LAW JUMP START INCLUDE:

• Introduction to the American Legal System 
• Reading cases
• Writing case briefs
• Preparing for the law school classroom 
• Basic legal analysis and exam writing techniques
• Note-taking, outlining, and preparing for exams
• and more!

2026 JUMP START -- IN-PERSON Program Schedule

The in-person sessions of Jump Start run July, 6 - July , 24 2026. 

Day 1: Welcome and Introduction July 6, 5:30-7:00pm

Day 2: Reading and Briefing Cases July 8, 5:30-7:00pm

Day 3: The Law School Classroom July 13, 5:30-7:00pm

Day 4: Class Notes / Outlines July 15, 5:30-7:00pm

Day 5: Sample Law School Class July 20, 5:30-7:00pm

Day 6: IRAC: The paradigm for legal analysis July 22, 5:30-7:00pm

Day 7: Multiple Choice, Learning in Law School, and Final Preparations July 24, 4:00pm. 

2026 JUMP START -- Online JD Program

The online sessions of Jump Start run June 30 - August 9, 2026. 

Module 1 and 2 open on 6/30 due on Sunday 7/12  

Module 3 and 4 open on Sunday 7/12 due on Sunday 7/19

Module 5 open on Sunday 7/19 due on Friday 7/26 

Module 6 open on Sunday 7/26 due on Sunday 8/2 

Module 7 open on Friday  7/31 due on Sunday 8/9