Academic Support & Bar Prep

Meet Katy Olney!

From orientation to graduation, Katy supports Richmond Law students with all things related to student life. With a passion for fostering a supportive and inclusive law school environment, she counsels students on personal matters, supervises student organizations, coordinates accommodations for students with disabilities, and develops programming to promote well-being. Katy has been at Richmond Law since 2017. She is a graduate of Virginia Tech and earned a master’s of Human Resource Management from the University of Richmond.

“My mission as the director of student affairs is to empower Richmond Law students with the resources, support, and guidance needed to thrive both academically and personally. Our office is committed to fostering an environment of belonging where every student feels valued, heard, and equipped to achieve their fullest potential.”

Every student is assigned a faculty mentor upon entry to Richmond Law. Faculty mentors support you in your journey from law student to legal professional. Many students maintain contact with their assigned faculty mentor throughout their law school career. Others form a mentoring relationship with a faculty member with whom they have established a close professional bond. However created, a strong mentor relationship with a faculty member can be a very positive experience in law school. Mentors can encourage self-reflection and self-direction, offer guidance and feedback, provide context for your academic and professional experiences, and model professional behavior and values.

As part of the Professional Identity Formation (PIF) course, 1L students are required to meet at least once with their faculty mentor in the fall and spring semesters. These meetings provide opportunities for students to assess both their successes and challenges as they adjust to law school, identify areas for growth, and find resources to maximize their experience in law school. 

Every first-year small section is assigned a Student Section Mentor (SSM). SSMs are second and third-year law students who serve as knowledgeable guides for new students and provide access to people, resources, and information. SSMs encourage a sense of community between students in their section and focus on a smooth transition, acclimation, and a sense of belonging at Richmond Law. You can expect to hear from your SSM throughout the year with reminders about resources that may help you.

Peer Mentors are second and third year law students who offer guidance and connect incoming students to helpful resources during their first year of law school. Each incoming student is matched with a Peer Mentor at orientation. You can ask your Peer Mentor about their own law school experience and share questions or concerns about your own. Both Peer Mentors and Student Section Mentors can provide student-focused insights about how to achieve success and happiness as a first-year law student.

The Career Development Office (CDO) will help you explore your professional interests and define and achieve your career goals. The CDO supports students by conducting advising sessions, developing and implementing programs to increase your knowledge of career paths and refine your employment search skills, and facilitating alumni and employer connections.

As an entering student, you will be paired with a career advisor early during your first semester. Your career advisor, who is your primary CDO contact, is available to help you develop an employment search strategy, prepare application documents, practice interviews, build a networking plan, and direct you to various employment search resources. As you will work with your advisor throughout your time at the law school, your advisor will be able to provide feedback tailored to your unique situation. You should participate in an initial meeting with your career advisor no later than mid-October. Thereafter, 8 you may schedule a meeting with your career advisor at any time. Regular meetings and email checkins are encouraged.