Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates should demonstrate knowledge of the substantive and procedural law and the skills necessary to prepare for and pass the bar exam in any United States jurisdiction.

This Student Learning Outcome (SLO) encompasses the following competencies:

a. Knowledge of the core subjects tested on most United States bar exams; and

b. The following skills that are necessary to prepare for and pass the bar exam:

i. The ability to engage in independent study, especially of the jurisdiction-specific topics covered on the bar exam;
ii. Critical reading; and
iii. The ability to engage in efficient learning, including through self-reflection and self-critique. 

2. Graduates should demonstrate competency in legal research. 

This SLO encompasses the following competency:

a. Finding relevant legal authority.

3. Graduates should demonstrate competency in legal reasoning, which includes legal analysis and legal problem-solving.

This SLO encompasses the following competencies:

a. Critically reading the applicable authority, including identifying the key rules within each authority;

b. Synthesizing the relevant rules of law into a logical framework for analysis;

c. Where rules conflict, thoroughly analyzing which rule a court is likely to apply;

d. Applying the identified rules to the facts, including evaluating potential counterarguments, to determine the likely outcome of the case;

e. When appropriate, analogizing the facts to and distinguishing the facts from those of precedent cases in specific and helpful ways to determine the likely outcome of the case; and

f. When appropriate, using history, theory, and policy arguments to advocate for or against a position.

4. Graduates should demonstrate practice-readiness in legal written communication.

This SLO encompasses the following competencies:

a. Awareness of audience, tone, and purpose in practical legal writing genres such as objective office memoranda, client letters, motion briefs, and appellate briefs.

b. Use of sound organization in the above-mentioned practical legal writing genres.

c. Attention to detail.

5. Graduates should demonstrate practice-readiness in legal oral communication.

This SLO encompasses the following competencies:

a. Awareness of audience, tone, and purpose in practical legal oral communication settings, such as trial advocacy and appellate advocacy.

b. Ability to articulate a position and advocate for or against a position with peers and supervisors.

c. Use of sound organization in the above-mentioned practical legal oral communication settings.

d. Performance confidence. 

6. Graduates should demonstrate knowledge of the rules of professional conduct and the professionalism necessary to practice law.

This SLO encompasses the following competencies:

a. Recognizing and properly resolving ethical and professional dilemmas.

b. Demonstrating service-mindedness.

c. Demonstrating timeliness in submitting assignments, respect of professor and classmates, and adherence to course policies.

d. Demonstrating the ability to effectively collaborate with colleagues.

7. Graduates with a Health Law/Entertainment Law/Criminal Law certificate should demonstrate competence in the knowledge and skills necessary to practice in those areas.