First Semester of Perspectives on the Legal Field Finishes Successfully
This past spring, HNR 220: Perspectives on the Legal Field was taught for the very first time! Led by Barry Weiss, this course is ideal for students who are contemplating law school or a legal career in the future. It aims to teach students about the intricacies of the legal field through class discussions, trips to the SU College of Law and City and County Courthouses, and various guest speakers, like District Attorney William Fitzpatrick (pictured below).
Here is what several students have said about the course:
"While only a 1-credit seminar, this has been one of the most impactful courses I have taken while at Syracuse University. It is uniquely designed to get students to think about life after college, in this case a career in the legal profession, while directly connecting students with industry professionals. This class has helped me in deciding what path after college is the best for me, and I really appreciated the opportunity to take this seminar and hear from so many amazing speakers."
"I think Barry is the best person for this type of class and offers so much help for those who reach out and ask for it. He designed this class with us students in mind and adjusted it over the semester for our benefit, which many other instructors won’t do. I really enjoyed and appreciated the class along with its countless knowledge that I am sure to remember in the future."
"What I learned from this experience was not just about specific legal principles or landmark cases, it was about the importance of perspective itself. Law doesn’t operate in a vacuum, it’s deeply tied to human experience, to ethical questions, and to the challenges and complexities of real life. The final project made that clear to me in a way that I don’t think any textbook or lecture alone could have done. It reinforced the idea that good lawyers don’t just know the law, they know how to understand, engage, and deeply connect with the people and communities that the law affects."
"The information I gained during this semester will play a major role in shaping my future academic and career decisions. Before this course, I had a general interest in law but wasn’t sure what type of law might suit me best. Now, after learning about various fields—criminal, civil, constitutional, and others—I feel better equipped to narrow down my focus."
Perspectives on the Legal Field will be offered again in Fall 2025 under HNR 220-M008-- make sure to get a spot before it fills up!
