Most law school professors use the Socratic Method to enable students to develop sound judgment, strong advocacy skills and critical thinking while analyzing complex legal issues. The Socratic Method is a style of teaching whereby the professor randomly calls upon a student to explore difficult legal principles and concepts. The Socratic Method requires the student to develop, articulate and defend the position she has taken quickly and competently. Students must also choose two elective courses that entail a substantial writing requirement. As part of the LRWA curriculum, all students are required to participate in oral argument either of a motion or on the merits of a case.
All law students receive small group instruction in their first year LRWA class.
This class is instructed and mentored by third year writing fellows. All law students will be given two standardized tests to ensure that they have mastered the fundamental skills of legal research, writing and analysis. The first test is given after the first semester of LRWA and specifically tests students' knowledge of legal citation. The second test will be given after the second semester of LRWA and specifically tests students' knowledge of legal writing and grammar rules. Students must achieve a score of 70 out of 100 on each test in order to pass.