ACADEMIC SUCCESS PROGRAM

Memphis Law offers an Academic Success Program (ASP) for first-year and upper-level students.

First Year Students

The Academic Success program helps students get off to a strong start with a required class (worth 1 credit each semester in the fall and spring of the 1L year) that teaches foundational skills and variety of resources that are essential to success in their first year of study. 

First-year ASP consists of three components: asynchronous modules, synchronous class sessions, and one-on-one tutorials. The asynchronous modules and synchronous class sessions begin early in the fall and assist students in areas such as class preparation, case briefing, study skills, and exam preparation. The program director and other ASP faculty present some of the basic skills needed for success at Memphis Law.

One-on-one tutorials are offered to first-year students who have questions concerning their classes or want to improve their study skills. Tutorials are conducted in individual meetings led by highly accomplished upper-level students called Dean's Fellows.

Upper-Level Students

The ASP program is also available to upper-level students. Students can meet with Dean Aden, Director of the Academic Success Program, or with Professors Carina Fung and DeShun Harris to seek assistance. In addition, students can also meet with the Dean's Fellows for help with study skills, exam prep, outlining, etc. The program is free and is open to all upper-level students.

Dean's Fellows

Brent Derry

Hi, everyone!  My name is Brent Derry and I'm a rising 3L from just outside of Washington, D.C.  I studied communications in undergrad at Radford University.  After that, I worked in marketing automation for a few years, which brought me to San Antonio, Texas and later to Charlotte, North Carolina.  

I decided to come to law school because I desired to create greater equity for underrepresented groups in our country. That's led me to have interests in administrative law, employment law, labor law, and property law. I've had the opportunity to extern for Administrative Judges in the EEOC, for Judge Fowlkes in the Federal District Court, and I recently worked in Washington, D.C. for the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, Office of the Inspector General.  

Law school is challenging!  But you can do it and we're here to support you.  Please reach out if I can answer any questions and I'm looking forward to working with you. 

Best,
Brent

Benjamyn Elliott

Hey y'all! My name is Ben Elliott. I'm a 2L originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina. I played soccer for and graduated from University of Mount Olive with a B.A. in English in 2022. I came to Memphis for this great school and the chances to experience more of the world and to improve it through law. Some hobbies of mine are listening to music, reading/writing at cafes on the weekends, and playing soccer. 

I was a Section 11'er my 1L year and represented it as an SBA Bar Governor. I also became active with our BLSA Chapter and PALS, joining in the pro bono work through Alternative Spring Break. This summer, I worked at the law firm Ortale Kelley in its Memphis office, where I gained invaluable experience assisting attorneys with personal injury defense, insurance claims cases, and commercial dispute litigation. 

The Memphis Law School and Bar community is incredible; you'll be inspired and supported here. You've already made a great first step if you're willing and unafraid to step out of your comfort zone.

I want to contribute to that support, so always feel free to come by my office for law school for law school questions or anything otherwise. Let's have a great year!

Crystal Golden

Hello Tigers-In-Law! My name is Crystal Golden, and I am a 2L. I was born in Hampton, VA and lived in several places before coming to Memphis, TN. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance, a Master of Business Administration, and possess four (4) graduate certificates.

During my 1L year, I was in Section 12 and was elected to serve as my section's Bar Governor. Aside from SBA, I have been involved with the Black Law Students Association, the Association for Women Attorneys, and other student lead organizations. Additionally, I was chosen as the inaugural 1L Associate for a reputable firm whose history spans more than 100 years. Outside of school, I love to travel, read, and spend time with friends and family.

I am honored to serve as a Dean's Fellow and look forward to assisting with your journey through Memphis Law!

Haylie Lovelace

Hi everyone! My name is Haylie Lovelace, and I am a rising 3L from Phoenix, Arizona. I graduated from the University of Arizona (Bear Down!) with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 2019. After graduating, I moved to Memphis to teach second grade. I chose to attend law school in hopes of continuing to serve as an advocate for the Memphis community and to eventually work toward creating more equitable opportunities for students from outside the classroom.  

I was in section 11 during my 1L year and became the 1L representative for Street Law. In my 2L year, I served as president of Street Law and as a staff member for Law Review. This year, I am looking forward to my role as a Notes Editor on Law Review and continuing my role as an ASP Fellow!

Memphis Law offers so many valuable resources to encourage student success. We have such an amazing community that is always willing to offer support. In my opinion, the most important thing you can do as a 1L is get involved and get to know as many of the wonderful people at Memphis Law as possible. 

If I can ever support you in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by my office. I am looking forward to working with all of you!

Best,

Haylie