In the second and third years, a selection of offerings allows each student to master analytical skills and writing methods within the context of an individualized program. Advanced research seminars, independent study projects and service on one of the School's three law journals provide the opportunities to sharpen writing skills. As a part of the Advocacy Program, the Law School offers a rich array of opportunities to develop practical lawyering skills and values. Nearly a score of courses are offered in advocacy, litigation, dispute resolution, and the legal profession, including courses on strategies of legal writing, trial process, negotiations, alternative dispute resolution, fact investigation and analysis, appellate procedure and appellate advocacy. This Law School is among a small group of schools that also offers an advanced trial process course.
Appellate exercises are part of the first-year research and writing program.
In addition, the student Moot Court Board administers the Sherman Minton Moot Court Competition for second-year students. Board members create, and competitors brief and orally argue, a problem involving a cutting-edge legal issue. Successful participants in internal competitions are selected to represent the School in national and regional competitions. Typically, the School participates in trial and appellate competitions each year, including the Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition, the Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, and the Frederick Douglass Moot Court Competition. To aid in skills development, this Law School is one of relatively few schools with separate trial and appellate courtrooms, each equipped with videotaping facilities.