Christian law students and attorneys who want to stay current with relevant legal issues and become involved in a likeminded community can now do so easily. Regent University School of Law has partnered with the Christian Legal Society (CLS) to develop Cross & Gavel, a comprehensive online resource for lawyers and students who believe that faith is central to practice and study.
Regent Law is the only law school working with a faith/law organization to provide a one-stop shop Christian law web resource.
"Cross & Gavel is not just designed to encourage our own (Regent) students, but outside students as well," said Cross & Gavel Director Mike Schutt, also Regent Law professor and director for the Institute of Christian Legal Studies (ICLS). "I think Christian law students and lawyers lack the tools that this site provides—such as books and articles, podcasts and shared ideas from a faith-based legal perspective."
Schutt formalized a partnership between CLS and Regent Law in 2001. The partners brainstormed different ways the site could marry an interactive aspect to a comprehensive online resource. Since then, they worked closely with Regent website designer Lisa Marie Massato to complete the vision of Cross & Gavel. The site officially launched May 22.
"Cross & Gavel allows law professors and scholars from across the nation to be a part of the community," said Schutt. He encourages students and attorneys to get involved through sharing ideas, posting articles and networking through the forums. Cross & Gavel provides rich resources for the practice of law, as well as opportunities for students to find summer jobs and internships.
Still in its beginning stages, the scope of Cross & Gavel is already substantial and continues to grow.
"The project is reflective of Regent's mission statement—to be a leading center for Christian thought and action," said Schutt.
Visit the Cross & Gavel website for more information and to participate.
To learn more about Regent Law, click here.
Michael Hernandez and Jeffrey Brauch. Bar passage rates were a lackluster 40 percent when Jeffrey A. Brauch was appointed interim dean of the Regent University School of Law in 1999. Brauch knew a curriculum overhaul was needed to better prepare students, and he turned to trusted law school colleagues to lead the curriculum reforms, including Michael Hernandez, who played a central role. Fast forward 16 years, and Regent’s bar passage rates have improved significantly, exceeding the Virginia average in four of the past five years. Also, the school, the students and the faculty have earned numerous accolades under Brauch’s leadership. Now, Brauch is returning to the classroom, and Hernandez, a seasoned legal professor and faculty adviser of the nation’s 8th ranked Moot Court program, has been appointed dean of the Regent University School of Law, with the transition beginning immediately. “We’ve had a great run with Jeff as our leader. He has done an excellent job ...