New NUS law school dean has uphill task

The Straits Times; Published on Nov 5, 2011
New NUS law school dean has uphill task
NEW National University of Singapore (NUS) law dean Simon Chesterman's effort to produce creative thinkers in addition to technically capable lawyers may be an uphill task, as his students are the products of schools obsessed with assessments and rankings ('Grads must be creative thinkers: New NUS law dean'; Tuesday).

In Oxford University, law students are taught skills in comprehension, analysis and presentation. They are expected to read a good deal rather than take other people's word for things. They are expected to think hard about what they have read, so as to develop views not simply about what the law is, but also about why it is so. The Oxford courses are suited to practical application and most employers recognise this.
In Yale University's law school, those hoping for a place have to apply three years ahead of time. Even the applicant's grade point average (GPA) and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) are not conclusive, though they are persuasive. In recent years, Yale has received about 3,200 applications for 205 spots in the first-year class. The law dean is more interested in looking for talented, diverse and exciting students. He takes into account the applicant's essays, recommendations, activities, awards, work experience and background.
Each application file is reviewed by the Dean of Admissions. The strongest files are then considered by at least three faculty file readers. There is no cut-off for GPA or LSAT scores.
Hence, in the past, Yale has admitted an insurance claims adjuster, a junior economist, a published novelist, an American League pool player,a competitive diver, a Shakespearean actor, a concert pianist and so on.
In Harvard Law School, students are taught the Digital Millennium Copyright Act, which is compulsory. Harvard has a faculty at the cutting edge of legal theory and practice, and a talented student body drawn from across the nations of the world. Each application is considered in its entirety, including transcripts, extra-curricular and community activities, work experience, LSAT scores and writing samples.
Each year, Harvard admits applicants who believed they did not have a chance. Will NUS take such a risk, since for us, economic considerations take top priority? In Harvard, faculty and students learn together and collaborate on projects that will ultimately change their communities and the world.
However, I believe Professor Chesterman, with his wealth of knowledge and experience, will breathe new life into the law faculty and take the school to greater heights.
Heng Cho Choon
Copyright © 2011 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

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