Institutional Learning Outcomes for the JD Program

Learning Outcome 1: Graduates will demonstrate competency in analysis and problem-solving.	Courses
Students should be able to critically read applicable authority (cases, statutes, regulations, treaties) and identify the key rules within each authority. Students should be able to synthesize relevant rules of law into a logical framework for analysis. Students should be able to formulate and evaluate arguments. Students should be able to identify and analyze the relevance and weight of facts and meticulously apply identified rules to facts, including identifying and addressing potential counterarguments Students should be able to draw analogies and distinctions between the facts of a legal problem and apply applicable precedent in specific and relevant ways to determine the likely outcome of a problem. Students should be able to critique the law and articulate broader considerations in analyzing law, including those drawn from other disciplines or perspectives where appropriate, such as effects on other people, as well as practical, social policy, and theoretical implications.	Legal Methods I & II Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Systems (LLM) Required First Year Courses Statutory Courses Study Abroad Electives Co-op; Clinic; Field Practicum
Learning Outcome 2: Graduates will demonstrate competency in legal research.	Courses
Students should be able to identify issues and formulate research questions. Students should be able to effectively and efficiently research an issue. Students should understand the relationship between, and value of, different sources of law and other resources for solving clients’ problems. Students should be able to distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and understand whether an authority is binding or persuasive.	Legal Methods I & II Electives Advanced Legal Research Courses Seminars Co-op; Clinic; Field Practicum
Learning Outcome 3: Graduates will demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.	Courses
Students should be able to communicate in a clear and well-organized manner. Students should be able to communicate appropriately to particular audiences and for particular purposes. Students should demonstrate appropriate listening skills. Students should be able to effectively navigate cultural and other differences.in their communication.	Legal Methods I & II Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Systems (LLM) Required First Year Courses Professional Practice Fundamentals Professional Responsibility Study Abroad Electives Seminars Co-op; Clinic; Field Practicum
Learning Outcome 4: Graduates will demonstrate competency in legal practice.	Courses
Students should understand how to organize and manage their work and the use of technology in legal practice. Students should have basic knowledge of appropriate management skills for different legal contexts. Students should be aware of transactional, litigation, regulatory, alternative dispute-resolution, and negotiation processes. Students should be able to advise and counsel clients effectively. Students should have the foundational doctrinal knowledge necessary to enter into legal practice. Students should be able to conduct an investigation of facts and construct a coherent narrative based on that investigation.	Legal Methods I & II Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Systems (LLM) Required First Year Courses Career Fundamentals Professional Practice Fundamentals Professional Responsibility Electives Co-op; Clinic; Field Practicum
Learning Outcome 5: Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of their professional and ethical responsibilities in serving clients, the profession, and society.	Courses
Students should understand their ethical responsibilities. Students should be able to recognize, evaluate, and understand their role in resolving ethical dilemmas. Students should act in accordance with their responsibility to make justice accessible to all people. Students should understand the theory and role of law and legal institutions in society.	Legal Methods I & II Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Systems (LLM) Required First Year Courses Career Fundamentals Professional Practice Fundamentals Professional Responsibility Electives Seminars Co-op; Clinic; Field Practicum
Learning Outcome 6: Graduates will demonstrate that they possess the professional attributes to effectively serve clients, the profession and society.	Courses
Students should be able to work constructively and collaboratively with clients, colleagues, and others. Students should be able to persevere in the face of challenges and adversity and know how and where to obtain support for doing so. Students should be able to take initiative in their work and professional development. Students should be able to demonstrate the ability to engage in reflective practices. Students should demonstrate cultural humility, including respecting diversity and pluralism and being culturally self-aware.	Legal Methods I & II Introduction to U.S. Law and Legal Systems (LLM) Required First Year Courses Career Fundamentals Professional Practice Fundamentals Professional Responsibility Electives Seminars Co-op; Clinic; Field Practicum