Washington and Lee revamps the 3L year

Via WSJ Law Blog (with the snarky headline "Breaking News: Law School to teach practice of law) and today's National Law Journal, comes the report of Washington and Lee's revamped 3L curriculum, which converts 3L into an entirely experiential- and practice-based program, including externships, clinics, practicum courses on a variety of substantive areas, service activities, and a year-long course on professionalism. This looks the first real attempt to impose (an admittedly limited version of) the medical-school model on law schools, with the final year involving real practice (or practice-type) activities under supervision. But the program also looks like it tries to maintain an academic component to the program, making it more than simply sending students out into the practice world.

What do people think of this proposal? And I would love to hear from any W&L members who may be lurking.