Thomas Jefferson School of Law's new Downtown Campus has started to rise above street level, as construction on the eight-story law school moves "onward and upward."

"I never expected to spend a summer in the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. I never expected to spend a summer in Texas, period. But my time here has helped focus my career goals, as well as given me insight into a community unlike anything I have ever encountered," said Thomas Jefferson 3L Kristen Gonzales.

Welcome to the TJSL Nice Summer Program Blog. This won't be your typical summer program update blog. We'll be going for the subtlety behind the experience; the sublime; and, of course, the ridiculous.

The Thomas Jefferson School of Law Board of Trustees will welcome a new board member in the fall. The Board has created an alumni position, beginning October, 2009, and has chosen Randy Grossman ‘94 to assume the responsibilities for a three-year term.

3L Sarah Robinson-McElroy has been appointed as the Lt. Governor of ABA Representatives for the 9th Circuit of the ABA's Law Student Division.

Thomas Jefferson School of Law Associate Dean and General Counsel Jeffrey Joseph has been named one of Southern California's Super Lawyers for the third year in a row by the publication of the same name. Dean Joseph was the only attorney selected in the category of Schools & Education.

On Saturday June 6, the TJSL the Admissions team hosted more than 100 prospective students who have been admitted to the law school for Fall 2009, many who were accompanied by friends and family.

"It's the end of an era," said Antoinette Gonzalez, a recent TJSL graduate, at a party given for Judy Richardson, the lady behind the counter law school's bookstore for 15 years. It's not just the end of an era but the end of an ear, as Gonzalez explains: "She's been an ear for generations of students."

"The California bar examination you passed was the toughest in the last twenty-two years," Dean Rudy Hasl told the group of graduates at the New Attorney's Breakfast held on June 2 at the Westin Horton Plaza Hotel. "You have done an extraordinary job getting through it and you should be proud of your accomplishments," he added.

Second year TJSL student Jeremy Evans traveled to Hangzhou, China, as part of TJSL's Study Aboard Program from May 17 to June 6, 2009 at the Zhejiang University Guanghua College of Law. He shared his experiences there with us. We're also including some of his photos!