The theory and practice component of Lawyering Fundamentals introduces students to the dimensions and competencies involved in legal practice. With basic proficiency as a goal, the course focuses on legal interpretation, fact-development, problem-solving, psychological and bodily intelligences, interviewing and counseling, alternative dispute resolution, pre-trial litigation, and professional ethics. In the process, students are guided in developing their identities and roles as lawyers, and explore a multitude of perspectives on the profession and legal system.
Lawyering Fundamentals is a unique class in which students learn professional lawyering skills in an active
and collaborative environment. This is a two-semester course. In the fall, the course focuses on building fundamental skills-- theory & practice, legal research, legal analysis. In the spring students use those skills through real-world exercises. Each of the three skills components is taught by faculty who specialize in those skills-- the Research component is taught by librarians, Writing & Analysis is taught by legal writing faculty, and the Theory & Practice component is taught by clinical faculty. In addition, the Lawyering Fundamentals faculty collaborates with the faculty teaching substantive law courses to provide context for skills training.
The Lawyering Fundamentals class also uses the law firm program as a "learning lab" where students have in-class time to practice skills
|
