“To have that many people who are following just goes to show the need that’s out there for this information,” said Metzler, associate dean of admissions and financial aid.  

Metzler is a founding member of East Meets West Law Deans, a coalition of five Admissions Deans from law schools at Quinnipiac, Roger Williams University, Howard University, New York Law School and Southwestern Law School. Through its website and social media, the group reaches law students, pre-law advisors, and anyone interested in understanding the law school admissions process from the inside out. 

Launched five years ago, the idea to form East Meets West Law Deans came out of the Covid lockdown, when the founding members recognized a need to provide prospective students with a reliable virtual resource on the law admissions process.  

“When we sat down and started these discussions, it was more just a concern about the misinformation that was out there. Students didn’t feel like they had a place to go to get honest answers,” said Metzler. “Our ultimate goal is to meet students where they are, give them that information, and demystify the process in a way that feels supportive and not intimidating. It’s a way to make sure they don’t feel overwhelmed by all the conflicting information and making sure that they’re hearing from more than one person so they can get a general idea.” 

As a free online resource, East Meets West Law Deans offers monthly informational webinars, candid insights into how admissions decisions are made, links to resources, articles and tools, and actionable tips to prepare a strong application. The group also offers monthly in-person information sessions and provides a space for questions, discussions and connections. 

“The impact that we’ve made is surprising, but also not surprising. I think the amount of people who need this information shows just how much misinformation is out there,” Metzler said. 

As colleagues who have been working well together for over 20 years, the deans’ monthly live webinars help them to touch on a wide variety of topics. They also welcome academic colleagues and industry experts as guests.  

“We bring in partners to help us get the message across and expand the reach of this, so students will understand it’s not five colleagues giving you information. We’re trying, as broadly as possible, to represent the law school application process in general,” said Metzler. 

The webinars also help by addressing evolving changes to the process as well as rising issues, such as the current federal changes impacting financial aid.  

“The past five years in law school admissions has been ever-changing -- no year looks like the year before. So, we constantly have new things to talk about,” said Metzler. “We start a lot of our webinars with a market update that’s just telling students what it’s looking like; and what does that mean for you in terms of admits and waitlists, timing of applications and timing of decisions?” 

Metzler said Tiktok opens a lively digital connection where viewers can catch the deans and their guests in short videos providing tips and insights.  

“Monthly webinars were our initial focus, but we knew we needed to add some kind of social media. Once we expanded into TikTok, it gave us greater access on a weekly basis to provide more information to students,” Metzler said.   

A TikTok video in which Metzler addresses questions from students with concerns about LSAT and GPA numbers quickly went viral with over 200,000 views.  Many topics are generated from feedback and questions students have for the deans. Students can comment and ask questions on TikTok. At the website, Metzler manages the portal where students can reach out to the deans at their law school via email. 

“They tend to write to us directly. I do get a lot of questions, and whether they are people who are interested in Quinnipiac or not, the service is to provide overall information,” said Metzler.  

Some students have also found the opportunity to connect with Quinnipiac, in general, said Metzler.  

“I just had an email the other day from someone who came to one of our events because they got the site from one of the other schools they were interested in; and now they’re learning all they can about Quinnipiac,” said Metzler. 

As an offshoot of the innovative student-centered, mission-driven programs at Quinnipiac School of Law, applications are up 48% over last year, besting a 22% national rise in applications. Quinnipiac has also received more applications from across the country, said Metzler.  

“This past year, we’ve gotten applications from 49 states. I would attribute part of that to East West Law Deans reaching out to states that we’ve never gotten applications from, because people are watching our videos and getting to know us through those videos,” she said. 

By helping to lift the veil on what applying to law school looks like, East Meets West Law Deans is providing an impactful service that’s helping to smooth the way for prospective students. 

“We hear from students who say, ‘I didn’t think law school was for me until I watched your content -- your videos helped ease my anxiety. They helped me to apply,’” Metzler said. “I can speak for all my colleagues to say it is so rewarding for all of us. We know that we’re reducing stress for these students, we’re addressing the misinformation, and we’re also giving them the confidence to pursue their goals.”