Kathryn Thompson

Photo of Kathryn Thompson
Kathryn ThompsonTeaching Professor of LawDirector of Academic Success Program

Contact Information

401-254-4568kthompson@rwu.eduOffice # 204Curriculum Vitae

Education

J.D., Suffolk University
B.S., Suffolk University

Kathryn Thompson serves as a Teaching Professor and Director of Academic Success at RWU Law.  Before assuming this position, she served at RWU Law as a legal writing professor teaching first year students.  She has also served as a clerk for the Honorable Joseph R. Nolan of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.  Additionally, she clerked for the Honorable Edward F. Harrington from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, researching, drafting, and presenting advisory memoranda, advising the judge on evidentiary questions during trial, and reviewing and researching criminal and civil motions.  She also served as a Note Editor for Suffolk University Law Review.

Professor Thompson brings an extensive teaching background to RWU.  She previously held legal writing positions at Franklin Pierce Law Center, Suffolk University, and New England School of Law.  Her diverse writing background included positions at a Massachusetts newspaper and a free-lance editor of legal articles.

Close Course Type Descriptions

Course Types

We have classified RWU Law classes under the following headers. One of the following course types will be attached to each course which will allow students to narrow down their search while looking for classes.

Core Course

Students in the first and second year are required to take classes covering the following aspects of the law—contracts, torts, property, criminal law, civil procedure, and constitutional law, evidence, and professional responsibility.  Along with these aspects, the core curriculum will develop legal reasoning skills.

Elective

After finishing the core curriculum the remaining coursework toward the degree is completed through upper level elective courses.  Students can choose courses that peak their interests or courses that go along with the track they are following.

Seminar

Seminars are classes where teachers and small groups of students focus on a specific topic and the students complete a substantial research paper.

Clinics/Externships

Inhouse Clinics and Clinical Externships legal education is law school training in which students participate in client representation under the supervision of a practicing attorney or law professor.  RWU Law's Clinical Programs offer unique and effective learning opportunities and the opportunity for practical experience while still in law school.