This course introduces the fundamental analytical and writing skills used by practicing lawyers. Students learn how to: 1) Read, comprehend, analyze, and synthesize legal issues and authorities; 2) Apply facts to legal issues and authorities; 3) Organize coherent predictive analysis using conventional legal structure and format; 4) Understand and accurately use legal citation; 5) Write clearly and concisely; and 6) Participate as a professional in all stages of the writing process. Students research, write, and format several objective interoffice memos of varying lengths over the course of the semester. This course cannot be taken for an S/U grade.

This course introduces the fundamental analytical and writing skills used by practicing lawyers. Students learn how to: 1) Read, comprehend, analyze, and synthesize legal issues and authorities; 2) Apply facts to legal issues and authorities; 3) Organize coherent predictive analysis using conventional legal structure and format; 4) Understand and accurately use legal citation; 5) Write clearly and concisely; and 6) Participate as a professional in all stages of the writing process. Students research, write, and format several objective interoffice memos of varying lengths over the course of the semester. This course cannot be taken for an S/U grade.

The Intensive Trial Advocacy Program (ITAP) is a multi-part, full-immersion program where students will learn the goals of trial advocacy. The methods for achieving those goals will include: case analysis; direct and cross examination; admission and use of exhibits; opening statements and closing arguments; witness preparation.

This course is designed to help second- and third-year students develop the kinds of writing, organization, critical thinking, editing and collaborative work skills essential to law practice and passing the bar. Students will work on multiple short (less than 5 pages) weekly assignments, engaging them in reading the law; conceptualizing, outlining, writing, editing, and revising legal documents; practicing writing concisely and clearly; researching and using samples, templates, and other practice-based resources; and working on related tasks. These assignments are designed to help students sharpen their ability to write any kind of legal document, using the appropriate format for the intended audience. The course will focus primarily on civil matters and will include some writing on criminal issues. The course's focus on essential skills, organization, analysis, doctrine, precision and conciseness, will transfer to writing in any legal setting.