University of Baltimore
The Legal Skills Program at the University of Baltimore is in the midst of an exciting transition. Since 2001, the required curriculum has spanned three semesters, for a total of seven fully‑graded credits of research and writing instruction. The curriculum treated writing as a discrete subject, however, and relied primarily on adjunct faculty and student teaching assistants to teach the writing courses. Starting with the 2006-2007 academic year, we have begun the process of integrating instruction in writing and doctrine.
Our innovative Introduction to Lawyering Skills (ILS)/Torts class joins two previously separate courses — a four‑credit torts course and a three-credit research and writing course — into a seven‑credit intensive course integrating instruction in both subjects. This new curriculum allows students to learn doctrine through writing and learn writing in a doctrinal context. The course is taught in small sections of approximately 30 students by full-time, tenured and tenure‑track faculty recruited from among the ranks of experienced writing professionals. One quarter of this year’s entering class is enrolled in the new course. The transition will continue over the next three to four years until all of the 1L students take this integrated course.
The intensive instruction in ILS/Torts provides momentum for the second and third semester courses, Legal Analysis, Research, and Writing (LARW) II and III. LARW II is a two-credit simulation course that introduces students to the basic documents they are likely to encounter in pursuing or defending a civil lawsuit, including pleadings, settlement agreements, client letters, and motions. LARW III is a two‑credit Moot Court course in which students write an appellate brief and argue before a panel of judges. This sequence allows students to acquire, build, and reinforce their research and writing skills.
Although students benefit from the instruction provided by tenured and tenure‑track faculty in their first semester, UB Law School recognizes the significant contributions practicing lawyers and student teachers can bring to the educational process. Accordingly, the LARW II and III courses continue to be taught by adjunct faculty and teaching assistants under the supervision of the tenured program co‑directors. The adjunct writing professors come from varied backgrounds and include judges, partners and associates in law firms, government attorneys, sole practitioners, and state legislators. The writing professors teach small sections of 10‑14 students, providing instruction that is relevant to the day-to-day practice of law and keeping the curriculum focused on the skills necessary for successful legal practice. The teaching assistants act as both mentors and teachers to their students.
Many students say that the Legal Skills Program's courses are the most difficult courses they take in law school. Although the curriculum is challenging, students receive in-depth, personal feedback on their work in each course. The reward for their hard work is being prepared for legal practice.
Contact: Professor Eric B. Easton (eeaston@ubalt.edu)Professor Amy E. Sloan (asloan@ubalt.edu)
Our innovative Introduction to Lawyering Skills (ILS)/Torts class joins two previously separate courses — a four‑credit torts course and a three-credit research and writing course — into a seven‑credit intensive course integrating instruction in both subjects. This new curriculum allows students to learn doctrine through writing and learn writing in a doctrinal context. The course is taught in small sections of approximately 30 students by full-time, tenured and tenure‑track faculty recruited from among the ranks of experienced writing professionals. One quarter of this year’s entering class is enrolled in the new course. The transition will continue over the next three to four years until all of the 1L students take this integrated course.
The intensive instruction in ILS/Torts provides momentum for the second and third semester courses, Legal Analysis, Research, and Writing (LARW) II and III. LARW II is a two-credit simulation course that introduces students to the basic documents they are likely to encounter in pursuing or defending a civil lawsuit, including pleadings, settlement agreements, client letters, and motions. LARW III is a two‑credit Moot Court course in which students write an appellate brief and argue before a panel of judges. This sequence allows students to acquire, build, and reinforce their research and writing skills.
Although students benefit from the instruction provided by tenured and tenure‑track faculty in their first semester, UB Law School recognizes the significant contributions practicing lawyers and student teachers can bring to the educational process. Accordingly, the LARW II and III courses continue to be taught by adjunct faculty and teaching assistants under the supervision of the tenured program co‑directors. The adjunct writing professors come from varied backgrounds and include judges, partners and associates in law firms, government attorneys, sole practitioners, and state legislators. The writing professors teach small sections of 10‑14 students, providing instruction that is relevant to the day-to-day practice of law and keeping the curriculum focused on the skills necessary for successful legal practice. The teaching assistants act as both mentors and teachers to their students.
Many students say that the Legal Skills Program's courses are the most difficult courses they take in law school. Although the curriculum is challenging, students receive in-depth, personal feedback on their work in each course. The reward for their hard work is being prepared for legal practice.
Contact: Professor Eric B. Easton (eeaston@ubalt.edu)Professor Amy E. Sloan (asloan@ubalt.edu)
posted by LRW Programs at
8:18 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home