College of Law Among 10 Programs Recognized for Innovation Advancing the Legal Industry Through Education
Belmont University’s College of Law has been named one of 10 finalists in Bloomberg Law’s third annual Law School Innovation Program, exemplifying a holistic approach to legal education. Belmont Law’s Extended Enneagram Training was selected from more than 30 program applications and the only program chosen in Tennessee.
Bloomberg Law focused on career resilience for its 2024-2025 Program, asking law schools what they are doing to counteract burnout and build fortitude for a fulfilling, long-term legal career. This inquiry was spurred by a new standard set forth by the ABA, calling on law schools to consider well-being practices as part of teaching professional identity to prospective lawyers.
“Belmont University’s College of Law is a key example of the innovation that is needed for legal education to support fulfilling long-term legal careers,” said Alex Butler, head of content and analysis, Bloomberg Industry Group.
Intentionally designed by Deborah Farringer, associate dean for academic affairs and professor of law and Kristi Arth, assistant dean for experiential learning and associate professor of Law, the Extended Enneagram Training falls into the well-being finalist category.
“The Bloomberg Law School Innovation Award helps us amplify our commitment to educational innovation, whole-person formation and a practice-ready curriculum,” Arth said. “We hope that when law school applicants are considering potential schools, they see Belmont doing what we encourage our law students to do — that is, to have a growth mindset and to not be afraid of trying new things.”
Extended Enneagram Training is integrated into Belmont Law’s longitudinal orientation process, designed to provide a through-line for the entire law school experience. The training uses the Enneagram personality typing system as a tool for students to explore their professional identity, understand their communication styles and develop stress-coping mechanisms.
“By teaching students a framework to understand themselves, others and the interactions between the two, the Enneagram equips students with a career resiliency tool that allows them to avoid burnout triggers,” said Farringer. “Our goal with the program is to develop knowledgeable and ethical attorneys who feel a strong sense of purpose in their work and the communal responsibility of the practice of law.”
One in 5 lawyers self-report having substance issues, according to the American Addiction Centers. Of those, 75% said their problems began in law school. Belmont Law’s holistic approach to legal education emphasizes the College's commitment to student wellness amid a rigorous academic environment.
Read more about Bloomberg Law’s Law School Innovation Program and the 2024-2025 honorees.
Learn more about Belmont's College of Law