“My alarm didn’t go off this morning.”

Sound familiar? It may be a sign that your time management—and sleep—are breaking down. With outlining, Lawyering assignments, practice exams, and finals ahead, now is the time to work smarter, not longer. If you’re struggling to keep up, please reach out. We can identify ways to streamline your workload and make the most of your time.

Outlining and Reviewing Workshop| Tuesday, 9,15| Room L28. Come hear the PAs explain how to outline. It’s time to start.  See the times for your section on Canvas.

S/U Elections (Pass/Fail)

Students on the J.D. scale may elect to take up to two upper-class courses at Cornell Law School on a S/U basis. Beginning Monday, September 14 at 9 AM, the S/U Grading Option link will be available on the My Information page. S/U selection will end on Thursday, September 17 at 3 PM. Please be aware that S/U grade elections, once made, are irrevocable. Not all classes are eligible for S/U election.

Exam Administration Protocols Have Changed

The Fall 2026 Exam Policies have been posted. Please review the policies and contact us with any questions.

How Many Credits Are You Enrolled In? Are you sure?

Please review your enrollment in your Student Center to confirm that you are (1) enrolled in the classes you expect and, (2) for variable-credit courses, the correct number of credits.

Student Handbook: Head to the Student Handbook for a comprehensive guide to career matters, including the 0L Resources to get you started on revising your resume, cover letter, and creating an application tracker.

Lunch Talk – Lieff Cabraser & Gupta Wessler: Skeptical of spending your career defending large corporations? Plaintiffs’ law firms are a great option for people who hope to finance a public interest career, love litigation, and want a path other than big law. Plaintiffs’ firms have a tangible impact on the lives of communities and individuals. Plaintiffs’ firms offer a unique opportunity to pursue justice, all while enjoying the financial rewards and intellectual challenge of high-level legal practice. Join us at Cornell Plaintiff Law Association’s first meeting on Friday, September 18th |12:15 pm| MTH 186 to learn more about working as a plaintiff lawyer from attorneys at Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein and Gupta Wessler. Lunch will be provided, so please RSVP here and submit any questions you have for the attorneys!

Dean Ohlin’s Office Hours

Dean Ohlin will hold office hours for students on Thursday afternoons from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Students wishing to speak with the Dean may sign up in advance with Aurora Wulff via e-mail (aw879@cornell.edu).

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

Volunteer with the Tenants Advocacy Program (TAP)

Cornell Law students, including 1Ls and LLMs, can gain hands-on experience providing free legal assistance to local tenants under attorney supervision. Remote and flexible, 4–6 hrs/week. Hours count toward New York’s 50-hour pro bono requirement.

INFO SESSION: Thursday, September 17 at 5:30 p.m. | MTH 279| For more details and how to apply, click here.

Explore job and career opportunities for Cornell Law students

• Research Assistants – Professor Chantal Thomas: is seeking research assistants for projects in international trade, art, and migration law. A background in international law or domestic trade regulation is appreciated but not required. To apply: Email Melissa Marie Littlejohn mml255@cornell.edu with your program/year, area(s) of interest, relevant background, and availability.

• Research Assistants – Professor Giovanopoulou:  is seeking 1–2 RAs for various research projects, with preference for students interested in administrative law, legal history, international law, or jurisprudence. To apply: Email ag2562@cornell.edu with a CV, transcript, and short statement of interest.

• Teaching Assistants – HADM 3870 & HADM 4810: Professor Dave Sherwyn ’89 is seeking TAs for two hospitality course|. The course covers employment discrimination, premises liability, contracts, and the NLRA. HADM 4810 – Labor Relations in Hospitality: Responsibilities include attending class (optional for HADM 3870), holding office hours, helping with course exercises, and grading. To apply: Email dss18@cornell.edu.

• Law School Ambassador – Cornell Law Admissions: Cornell Law Admissions is seeking current 2L students to lead campus tours, support admissions events, and engage with prospective students. Qualifications: Strong academic record and excellent communication skills; customer service, public speaking, or leadership experience preferred. To apply: Submit your resume and 1–2-page Ambassador Statement to kd536@cornell.edu by September 15 at 5:00 p.m.

• Clinic Simulation Actors / Mock Clients – Entrepreneurship Law Clinic: The Entrepreneurship Law Clinic is seeking 1–2 upper-year Cornell Law students, including graduate students, to serve as mock business clients for a fall student training simulation. Time commitment: ~20 hours total, including 4–6 Tuesday classes (10:10 a.m.–12:05 p.m.), one additional meeting, and light preparation. Compensation: $16.85/hour. To apply: Email Robert MacKenzie with your class year, availability, and subject line “ELC – ACTOR APP – [YOUR NAME].” Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and have a valid Social Security number. Positions are first-come, first-served.

• Equal Justice Works Fellowship | Public Interest Fellowship | Deadline: September 17, 2026 | Fellowship opportunity for law students and recent graduates pursuing careers in public interest law | Applicant guide|Learn more and apply|Please email al992@cornell.edu if you would like assistance with your application materials or would like them reviewed prior to submission.
• NAPABA Law Foundation Fall Scholarships | Up to $7,500 Award | Deadline: September 23, 2026 | Open to law students nationwide who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership potential, financial need, and a commitment to serving the Asian Pacific American community. Learn more and apply
• Carol Van Scoyoc Municipal Law Scholarship – Local and State Government Law Section | $5,000 Award | Deadline: October 16, 2026, | Open to law students enrolled at a New York law school who demonstrate academic excellence, an interest in public service, and an interest in local government law. Learn more and apply
• Wells Call Injury Lawyers Law School Scholarship|$2,500 Award | Deadline: December 2, 2026, | Open to eligible law students. Applicants must submit a 500–1,000-word essay on changing a state or federal law and its potential impact. Learn more and apply 
• Diversity Summer Fellowship in Health Law | $7,000 Award | Deadline: December 4, 2026, | Open to law students with a diverse background enrolled at a New York law school, with an opportunity to gain health law experience with a healthcare attorney or facility in New York during the summer. Learn more and apply
• Real Property Law Section Memorial Scholarship | $7,500 Award | Deadline: December 7, 2026 | Open to second- and third-year law students who demonstrate academic excellence, public service, and high integrity; an interest in real property law is preferred. Learn more and apply

• Nix Patterson Legal Scholarship Award | $5,000 Award | Deadline: December 31, 2026 | Open to students attending an accredited law school who demonstrate academic excellence and community service. Learn more and apply

Flu Shots: Protect yourself this fall with a free flu shot. Cornell’s fall flu vaccine clinics begin September 15 and are held at locations across campus. To learn more and sign up: Visit Cornell Health’s flu vaccination page.

Fall Counseling Groups: Cornell Health’s fall counseling groups begin soon, with free CAPS-led groups focused on anxiety and depression, OCD, body image, substance use, and more. Most groups are open to graduate and professional students. To learn more: Visit Cornell Health’s group counseling page.

GET TO KNOW MAYA

What made you want to get involved with CLSA?
My involvement with CLSA grew naturally out of my two years serving on the Executive Board of my undergraduate university’s Student Government Council. I’ve always been passionate about serving as a bridge between administration and students and creating spaces where people feel heard and connected. And, honestly, I love to throw a good party! I believe connection is often found in moments of fun, so bringing people together is something I value greatly.

As you enter your final year at Cornell Law, what are you most looking forward to?
I feel incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to witness the growth of the Class of 2027. I’m most excited to see my classmates step into the next chapter of their lives and careers and go out into the world to accomplish great things. It has been a privilege to grow alongside them, and I can’t wait to see where everyone goes from here.

What advice would you give to 1Ls, 2Ls, and LL.M. students?
To my fellow students: there is a lot of work to be done for the greater good. It can be easy to think there are plenty of other people who could step up and do it instead, but the legal profession is a small one, and every lawyer counts. You can pursue your career goals while also serving the indigent, the underprivileged, and other communities and causes that contribute to the betterment of our society. Never take your opportunity to make a difference for granted.

What’s something your classmates might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a three-year-old turtle named Larry! He is one of the more unexpected members of my support system.