For all of the planners out there, checklists can be extremely helpful in your last year of law school. So, we created a checklist to help you navigate some of your possible graduation requirements and necessities.
Graduation eligibility
Complete a degree audit to confirm your eligibility to graduate and inform yourself of any outstanding requirements
If eligible, complete a pro bono audit to confirm you are on track for graduation and for admission to the New York bar
Complete any outstanding degree requirements
Submit your senior writing requirement or journal comment before final exams, if required and not already completed
Apply to graduate pursuant to university specifications
Commencement tickets
Confirm the number of commencement tickets you’re eligible to receive. If necessary, apply for extra tickets or join the waitlist for extra tickets
Confirm your guest list for commencement weekend
Retrieve graduation tickets and announcement cards
Return or ‘gift’ any unused tickets ASAP
If you’re feeling fancy, send announcement cards
Reservations / bookings
Make dinner and/or brunch reservations for commencement day
Book graduation photo slot (or plan to take them yourself before commencement)
Book accommodations for guests if they’re not staying with you, or confirm guests have obtained accommodations if you’re not handling the bookings for them
Obtain visitor parking permit for guests if necessary
Confirm guests travel arrangements, including arrival and departure date(s) and time(s). Reserve a moving truck if you’re leaving the city/state permanently after graduation
Purchases / rentals
Rent or purchase academic regalia as required by your university
Purchase or pick a graduation outfit, if you do not already have one
If desired, purchase a diploma frame, but make sure to confirm the diploma size and orientation before ordering
If desired, purchase commencement apparel and/or a grad ring
Bar requirements / employment requirements / visa requirements
Request your law school certificate be mailed immediately after commencement to complete your bar application
Send final transcripts to your employer or potential employer, if required
Obtain an extension on your F-1 visa if you’re an international student planning to study for the bar exam in the USA
Miscellaneous
Clear out your locker and/or journal or board office space
Send transitional memos or files to pertinent incoming journal board or student organization member(s)
Return any library books
Plan, or attend, a farewell gathering with your classmates or law school friends during commencement weekend, or immediately before/after
Carve out time to say goodbye to your favorite professors, advisors, mentors, etc.
Apply for any summer funding opportunities, recognition awards or scholarships, and/or post-graduation fellowships or internships
Cancel or put a hold on city-specific memberships if you’re leaving the city after graduation
Terminate your lease and cancel utilities if you’re leaving the city permanently after graduation
And of course, crush all your final law school exams
Want to get your hands on a bar exam checklist as well?
Get that here.