Case Western Reserve Law: Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf

^{Last Updated: October 2026}

Choosing a law school is one of the most significant decisions for aspiring attorneys. Beyond rankings and admissions statistics, prospective students must consider academic programs, practical training, career opportunities, financial aid, and the overall student experience.

Located in Cleveland, Ohio, Case Western Reserve University School of Law has a long history of legal education, with particular strengths in international law, health law, and experiential learning.

In an interview with Top-Law-Schools.com, Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf, former co-deans of Case Western Reserve University School of Law, shared insights into the school's educational philosophy, admissions considerations, student life, and career preparation.

Berg and Scharf served as co-deans from 2013 until summer 2024. During their leadership, they emphasized academic development, practical legal training, and opportunities for students to pursue diverse legal careers.

Their original interview provides a foundation for understanding the school's approach to legal education. This updated guide explores those perspectives while offering evergreen advice for students evaluating Case Western Reserve Law.

What Makes Case Western Reserve University School of Law Distinctive?

Case Western Reserve University School of Law is located in Cleveland's University Circle neighborhood, near cultural institutions, research centers, and healthcare organizations.

The school's academic identity has historically emphasized interdisciplinary legal education, practical skills, and specialized programs.

During her tenure as co-dean, Jessica Berg highlighted several qualities that distinguished the institution, including its smaller learning environment, accessibility of faculty, and opportunities for students to explore different legal fields.

The school's established academic strengths have included:

Health Law: Opportunities to explore healthcare regulation, medical ethics, public health, and legal issues affecting healthcare organizations.
International Law: Coursework and experiential opportunities related to international legal systems, human rights, and international institutions.
Intellectual Property Law: Legal study involving innovation, technology, patents, trademarks, and emerging businesses.
Business Law: Academic preparation for corporate transactions, business organizations, and commercial practice.
Experiential Learning: Opportunities to develop legal skills through simulations, clinics, externships, and supervised professional experiences.

These areas illustrate the range of legal interests students may pursue. However, applicants should review the school's current curriculum and program requirements before making enrollment decisions.

For a broader comparison of institutions, explore the Top-Law-Schools.com directory of U.S. law schools.

Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf's Approach to Choosing a Law School

One of the most enduring lessons from the original interview concerns the importance of finding a law school that matches a student's goals.

Jessica Berg emphasized that selecting a school requires considering more than published rankings.

A highly ranked institution may not necessarily provide the academic environment, financial support, or career opportunities that are best suited to every applicant.

Academic Environment and Class Size

Some students thrive in large institutions offering extensive course selections and broad alumni networks. Others prefer smaller classes and opportunities for closer interaction with professors.

Applicants should consider:

Class size and student-to-faculty interaction.
Accessibility of professors and academic advisers.
Opportunities for collaborative learning.
Availability of academic and professional support.
Teaching methods and classroom expectations.

Campus visits and conversations with current students can provide insights that rankings cannot capture.

Academic Specializations and Career Goals

Students interested in specific practice areas should investigate whether a law school offers relevant courses, clinics, journals, and internships.

For example, students interested in healthcare law may benefit from courses involving health policy and regulation.

Those considering international legal careers may value international law coursework, language skills, and opportunities to work with international organizations.

Rather than selecting a school based only on reputation, applicants should consider how its academic offerings support their intended professional direction.

Location and Employment Markets

Geography can influence access to internships, networking opportunities, and post-graduation employment.

Students hoping to practice in Ohio may benefit from developing professional relationships with local employers.

However, applicants interested in national career opportunities should also evaluate a school's alumni network, recruiting relationships, and employment outcomes beyond its home state.

For additional guidance, read the Top-Law-Schools.com Law School Admissions Guide.

Case Western Reserve Law Admissions: Beyond LSAT Scores and GPA

Academic credentials remain important in law school admissions, but they do not tell an applicant's complete story.

In the original interview, Michael Scharf described the school's approach during his co-deanship as holistic, with consideration given to characteristics beyond numerical academic indicators.

These included leadership, professional experience, writing ability, and other qualities that could contribute to the law school community.

Although current admissions policies should be confirmed directly with the institution, the broader principle remains relevant.

What Makes a Strong Law School Application?

Prospective law students should aim to present a complete and convincing application.

Academic Record: Demonstrate the ability to succeed in demanding coursework.
Admissions Test Performance: Prepare for the LSAT or another examination accepted by the school.
Personal Statement: Explain meaningful experiences, motivations, and professional goals.
Letters of Recommendation: Seek recommendations from individuals who can discuss academic or professional abilities.
Leadership and Activities: Highlight significant accomplishments, responsibilities, and community involvement.
Relevant Experience: Explain how employment, internships, volunteer work, or research contributed to personal development.

A strong application connects these elements into a coherent narrative.

Applicants should avoid simply listing achievements. Instead, they should explain how their experiences have prepared them for legal education.

For writing assistance, explore the Law School Personal Statements Guide.

Why Law School Rankings Should Not Be the Only Consideration

Law school rankings offer one way to compare institutions, but their methodologies may not reflect every student's priorities.

Some rankings emphasize institutional reputation or academic credentials. Other evaluations focus on employment outcomes, affordability, or specialized programs.

A student interested in public service may prioritize financial assistance and clinical opportunities.

Meanwhile, an applicant targeting a large law firm may place greater weight on employer recruiting patterns and graduation outcomes.

The most useful approach is to compare multiple indicators rather than rely on a single ranking.

Academic Programs and Legal Specializations at Case Western Reserve Law

Case Western Reserve Law has historically offered students opportunities to explore a variety of legal fields.

Berg and Scharf discussed the importance of combining foundational legal education with specialized coursework.

This approach allows students to develop broad legal knowledge while exploring areas that may influence their future careers.

International Law and Global Legal Opportunities

International law has long been an important area of study at Case Western Reserve.

During his co-deanship, Michael Scharf described opportunities involving international coursework, study abroad, internships, and practical engagement with international legal issues.

These experiences may be relevant to students interested in:

International human rights law.
International criminal law.
Immigration and refugee law.
International business transactions.
International dispute resolution.
International organizations and public policy.

Students considering international legal careers should also understand that specialized coursework does not guarantee employment in the field.

Language skills, professional networks, internships, and practical experience can be especially important.

Applicants should verify current international programs, eligibility requirements, and funding availability through the law school.

Health Law and Interdisciplinary Education

Health law combines legal principles with healthcare policy, medical ethics, business operations, and government regulation.

The school's location within a major university and medical research environment provides a relevant setting for interdisciplinary study.

Students interested in health law may explore subjects such as:

Healthcare compliance and regulation.
Bioethics and patient rights.
Public health policy.
Healthcare transactions.
Medical privacy and information governance.
Legal responsibilities of healthcare institutions.

Because healthcare law can involve litigation, regulation, transactions, and advisory work, students should consider which type of legal practice interests them most.

Intellectual Property and Business Law

Students interested in technology, innovation, and commercial practice may benefit from courses covering intellectual property and business organizations.

Intellectual property law can include patents, trademarks, copyright, licensing, and technology transactions.

Business law may involve contracts, mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance.

Students can use internships, clinics, research projects, and electives to explore these fields before committing to a particular career path.

Experiential Learning and Practical Legal Training

A central theme of Berg and Scharf's leadership was the importance of preparing students for the practical responsibilities of legal practice.

Traditional legal education develops analytical reasoning and understanding of legal doctrine.

However, employers also expect new attorneys to communicate effectively, research legal issues, draft documents, exercise judgment, and work with clients.

Practical training helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional work.

The LLEAP Program and Skills Development

Case Western Reserve developed its Legal Writing, Leadership, Experiential Learning, Advocacy, and Professionalism program, commonly known as LLEAP, as part of its emphasis on practical education.

The program introduced students to skills associated with professional legal work, including:

Legal research and analysis.
Written and oral advocacy.
Client communication.
Professional responsibility.
Teamwork and collaboration.
Problem-solving.
Transactional and litigation simulations.

The program's historical development illustrates an important point: practical skills should be developed throughout law school rather than postponed until graduation.

Applicants should confirm the current structure of the LLEAP curriculum through official school materials.

Clinical Programs and Real-World Legal Experience

During the original interview, Michael Scharf described clinical education as an essential part of the school's approach to professional preparation.

The law school's clinical offerings have historically included work in areas such as civil litigation, civil rights, criminal justice, immigration, health law, and intellectual property.

Clinical programs can allow law students to work on real legal matters under appropriate supervision.

Depending on the clinic and applicable student-practice rules, students may develop experience in:

Interviewing clients.
Investigating legal and factual issues.
Drafting legal documents.
Conducting legal research.
Participating in negotiations.
Preparing for hearings.
Managing professional responsibilities.

These experiences can help students evaluate whether a particular practice area suits their skills and interests.

Students should review current clinic offerings, enrollment requirements, and available placements before applying.

Why Externships Matter

Externships provide opportunities to learn in professional environments such as law firms, courts, government agencies, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.

They can expose students to the daily responsibilities of legal professionals.

An externship may also help students develop relationships with attorneys and identify the types of work they enjoy.

Students planning legal careers should treat these experiences as opportunities to gain skills rather than simply add credentials to a résumé.

For additional career preparation advice, read The Proactive Law Student: Career Planning Beyond Grades on LawCrossing.

Student Life at Case Western Reserve University School of Law

The law school experience extends beyond lectures, examinations, and academic assignments.

Student organizations, collaborative projects, journals, and competitions can contribute to personal and professional development.

During her leadership, Jessica Berg described Case Western Reserve students as collaborative and emphasized the value of interaction among students and faculty.

Although the student community changes over time, prospective applicants can evaluate campus culture through visits, student conversations, and participation in admissions events.

Law Reviews and Student Journals

Student-run legal journals provide opportunities to develop research, writing, editing, and organizational skills.

Historically, Case Western Reserve has offered journals covering general legal scholarship and specialized fields, including international law and health law.

Participation in a journal may help students:

Strengthen legal research and citation skills.
Develop experience editing scholarly work.
Explore specialized legal topics.
Collaborate with faculty members and classmates.
Build credentials relevant to certain legal positions.

Applicants should investigate current journal offerings and selection procedures.

Moot Court and Mock Trial

Moot court and mock trial programs allow students to practice advocacy in competitive settings.

Moot court commonly focuses on appellate advocacy and legal argument.

Mock trial emphasizes courtroom presentation, witness examination, and trial strategy.

Participation can help students improve public speaking, research, writing, teamwork, and confidence.

These opportunities may be particularly valuable for students considering litigation or appellate practice.

Student Organizations and Professional Networking

Law school organizations connect students who share academic, cultural, professional, or public service interests.

They may organize speakers, networking events, community service projects, and educational programs.

Participation can also help students develop leadership and organizational skills.

However, students should balance extracurricular commitments with academic responsibilities and career preparation.

What Is It Like to Attend Law School in Cleveland?

Location is an important consideration when evaluating Case Western Reserve Law.

Cleveland provides access to legal employers, businesses, healthcare organizations, courts, and public institutions.

The school's University Circle location also places students near museums, cultural organizations, educational institutions, and medical facilities.

Benefits of Studying Law in Cleveland

Potential advantages include:

Access to law firms and legal organizations.
Opportunities to connect with healthcare and research institutions.
Proximity to cultural and educational institutions.
Availability of internships and externships.
Opportunities to build professional relationships in Northeast Ohio.

Students considering employment outside Ohio should evaluate the school's career services and placement outcomes in their preferred jurisdictions.

Evaluating Living Expenses and Campus Life

Jessica Berg highlighted Cleveland's cultural institutions and student experience during the original interview.

However, individual living expenses depend on housing choices, transportation, personal circumstances, and other factors.

Applicants should compare estimated budgets instead of assuming that a particular city will always be affordable.

They should also consider transportation, neighborhood preferences, access to employment opportunities, and the campus environment.

Case Western Reserve Law Employment Outcomes and Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are among the most important factors in choosing a law school.

Students should consider not only whether graduates find employment but also the types of positions they obtain.

During their co-deanship, Berg and Scharf discussed the school's connections to private law firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and employers outside Ohio.

These pathways remain useful categories for prospective students to investigate.

What Types of Legal Careers Can Graduates Pursue?

Law school graduates may pursue opportunities in several settings.

Career Path	Potential Legal Work
Private Law Firms	Litigation, corporate transactions, intellectual property, healthcare, real estate, and employment law.
Government Agencies	Prosecution, public defense, administrative law, regulatory enforcement, and public policy.
Public Interest Organizations	Civil rights, immigration, legal aid, consumer protection, and other public service areas.
Judicial Clerkships	Legal research, judicial decision-making support, and court-related work.
Business and In-House Legal Departments	Contracts, compliance, corporate governance, and legal operations.

The availability of these positions varies by employer, market, experience level, and graduation year.

Understanding Graduate Employment Statistics

Applicants should examine official employment disclosures before enrolling.

The American Bar Association requires accredited law schools to publish standardized employment information.

Important measures include:

Percentage of graduates employed.
Full-time versus part-time positions.
Long-term versus short-term employment.
Jobs requiring bar admission.
Judicial clerkship placements.
Law firm employment by employer size.
Government and public interest employment.
Geographic employment distribution.

For example, Case Western Reserve's published Class of 2025 outcomes reported that 96.4% of graduates with known employment status were employed or pursuing further graduate study approximately ten months after graduation.

That measure includes further graduate study and should not be confused with the percentage holding full-time, long-term, bar-required positions.

Applicants should use the most recent available disclosures and compare consistent measures across law schools.

Official Resource: Case Western Reserve Law ABA Disclosures and Employment Outcomes.

Why Career Planning Should Begin Early

Students should not assume that strong grades alone will produce employment opportunities.

Professional relationships, internships, practical skills, and career preparation can influence the transition into legal practice.

Effective preparation includes:

Researching potential practice areas.
Meeting with career advisers.
Developing relationships with alumni.
Pursuing relevant internships.
Improving legal writing and research skills.
Preparing for interviews.
Investigating employers before applying.

Students can explore further resources through LawCrossing's Law Students and Early Career Guide.

Law School Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

A law degree can require a substantial financial investment.

For that reason, students should evaluate affordability alongside academic opportunities and employment prospects.

During their original interview, Berg and Scharf discussed scholarships, educational debt, and the importance of financial transparency.

Their observations highlight a principle that remains relevant: students should understand the financial consequences of their enrollment decisions.

How to Calculate the True Cost of Law School

Prospective students should consider more than advertised tuition.

A comprehensive budget may include:

Tuition and mandatory fees.
Housing and utilities.
Food and transportation.
Books and academic materials.
Health insurance and personal expenses.
Bar preparation and licensing expenses.
Interest and borrowing costs.

Scholarships can reduce the cost of attendance, but students should review the terms of every award.

Questions to Ask About Scholarships

Is the scholarship renewable?
Does renewal depend on maintaining a particular GPA?
Does the award cover tuition increases?
Are additional grants or institutional aid available?
What happens if enrollment status changes?
How much borrowing will still be necessary?

Comparing net costs can reveal significant differences between schools.

A higher-ranked institution may not provide the best financial outcome for every applicant.

Loan Repayment Assistance and Public Service Careers

Students interested in government or public interest employment should research loan repayment assistance programs.

These programs may help qualifying graduates manage educational debt while working in eligible positions.

However, requirements can vary by institution and change over time.

Applicants should verify current eligibility rules, income limits, loan requirements, and available funding.

For additional guidance, consult the TLS Law School Admissions and Financial Planning Resources.

Lessons From Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf's Leadership

The original interview offers several enduring lessons for prospective law students.

1. Law School Fit Matters More Than Rankings Alone

Academic reputation can be important, but applicants should consider whether a school's environment supports their learning preferences and professional goals.

2. Practical Training Helps Prepare Students for Legal Practice

Clinics, externships, writing courses, and simulations can develop skills that traditional classroom instruction alone may not fully address.

3. Specialized Programs Should Support Career Interests

Students should investigate practice-area offerings before enrolling.

A concentration or specialized course can be valuable, but practical experience and broader professional preparation also matter.

4. Career Development Requires Initiative

Students benefit from actively seeking internships, networking opportunities, mentorship, and professional experiences.

5. Financial Decisions Should Be Based on Realistic Outcomes

Applicants should compare scholarships, projected debt, employment statistics, and personal career goals before committing to a law school.

These principles apply not only to Case Western Reserve but also to students evaluating other institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Is Case Western Reserve University School of Law a Good Law School?

Case Western Reserve Law offers legal education with established areas of strength in international law, health law, and practical training.

However, whether it is the right choice depends on an applicant's academic interests, financial circumstances, preferred employment market, and professional goals.

Prospective students should compare official employment statistics, tuition, scholarships, and academic opportunities.

What Is Case Western Reserve Law Known For?

The school has historically been recognized for international law, health law, experiential education, and interdisciplinary legal study.

Applicants should verify current course offerings, academic programs, and specialty rankings before applying.

Does Case Western Reserve Law Offer Clinical Programs?

Yes. Clinical education has been an important part of the school's practical training approach.

Students should consult the current clinical program listings for information about available practice areas, participation requirements, and enrollment procedures.

Does Case Western Reserve Law Consider Applicants Holistically?

During their co-deanship, Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf described an admissions approach that considered leadership, work experience, writing ability, and other characteristics in addition to academic credentials.

Applicants should confirm the institution's current admissions policies and requirements.

Can Case Western Reserve Law Graduates Work Outside Ohio?

Yes. Graduates have pursued employment in legal markets beyond Ohio.

However, geographic placement varies by graduating class and individual circumstances.

Applicants interested in a particular market should review official employment data and speak with career advisers.

How Important Are Clinics and Externships for Law Students?

Clinics and externships can help students gain practical experience, explore legal specialties, and develop professional skills.

They may also provide useful networking opportunities and help students make more informed career decisions.

How Should Students Compare Law School Scholarships?

Applicants should calculate total projected attendance costs after scholarships.

They should also review renewal conditions, expected living expenses, borrowing requirements, and likely career outcomes.

Is Case Western Reserve University School of Law Right for You?

Case Western Reserve University School of Law may appeal to students interested in specialized legal education, experiential learning, and opportunities connected to Cleveland's professional community.

The perspectives shared by former co-deans Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf highlight the importance of choosing a school that aligns with individual academic interests and long-term career goals.

However, students should make enrollment decisions using current information rather than historical rankings or employment statistics alone.

Before deciding, prospective applicants should:

Review the school's current admissions requirements.
Compare academic programs and experiential opportunities.
Examine the latest ABA employment and bar passage disclosures.
Calculate tuition and living expenses after scholarships.
Investigate career placement in preferred legal markets.
Speak with current students, graduates, and career advisers.
Visit the campus or attend an admissions event when possible.

Ultimately, the right law school is one that provides a suitable combination of educational quality, career opportunities, affordability, and personal fit.

Additional Resources for Prospective Law Students

The following resources offer further guidance on law school admissions, academic preparation, and legal career planning.

Top-Law-Schools.com Resources

LawCrossing Career Resources

Join the Discussion: Top-Law-Schools.com Forums

Prospective students can gain additional perspectives by participating in discussions about admissions, law school selection, scholarships, student life, and career outcomes.

The following forum pages may help applicants evaluate Case Western Reserve Law and other institutions.

Choosing a Law School Forum — Compare rankings, tuition, scholarships, employment opportunities, and student experiences.
Ohio State vs. Case Western Reserve Discussion — Explore historical student perspectives on cost, geographic preferences, and school selection.
Law School Transfer Advice Discussion — Learn about considerations affecting law school transfer decisions.
Top-Law-Schools.com Forums — Participate in conversations about admissions, law school life, legal employment, and academic preparation.

Note: Forum discussions reflect individual experiences and may contain outdated information. Applicants should verify admissions requirements, financial aid policies, and employment statistics using official institutional sources.

Editor's Note: This article is an updated, evergreen adaptation of the original Top-Law-Schools.com interview with Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf. Their comments describe the policies, programs, and experiences discussed during their time as co-deans. The article does not present their historical statements as current institutional policy.

Original Interview: Interview with Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf, Former Co-Deans of Case Western Reserve University School of Law