Law, J.D.

Learning Outcomes

• At the end of their first year, students will be able to develop and apply a reasoned analytical framework for identifying and resolving problems presented to them.
• By the end of their first year, students will be able to explain and apply basic civil litigation procedural rules.
• At the end of their first year, students will recognize the need for and will have developed the ability to engage in life-long, independent learning, including the performance of independent legal research.
• At the end of their second year, students will be able to relate concepts learned in different courses and apply well-developed critical thinking skills.
• By the end of their third year, students will be able to analyze and solve complex real world legal problems.
• By the end of their third year, students will be able to demonstrate a more advanced understanding of the fundamental concepts and policies underlying at least one area of law.
• At the end of the first two semesters, students will be able to locate and use basic paper and electronic reference sources and be able to perform basic legal research.
• At the end of the first two semesters, students will be able to communicate effectively using both objective and persuasive forms of legal writing.
• At the end of their second year, students will be able to engage in at least some forms of legal drafting.
• At the end of their third year, students will be able to conduct a basic interview or counseling session with a client or witness and will develop basic competency in skills as a negotiator, arbitrator, mediator, or advocate.
• At the end of their first two semesters, students will recognize the need to comply with the Rules of Professional Conduct, other standards that govern the conduct and liability of lawyers, and the broader shared values of the profession.
• At the end of their third year, students will have begun to internalize the importance of lawyers acting in accord with the highest expectations of society and not only in the self-interest of avoiding punishment or liability.
• At the end of their second year, students will be able to apply the Rules of Professional Conduct and other law governing the behavior of lawyer and be able to explain the various roles performed by lawyers within the legal system.
• By the end of their third-year, students will be able, in an appropriate situation, to consider an issue using the principles of another discipline, in addition to traditional legal analysis.