This course provides participants with the opportunity to learn and practice the skills necessary for the successful study and practice of law: analyzing complex texts, writing clearly, and advocating effectively. The course will equip students with a tool kit of legal skills that will serve them throughout law school and beyond.
Students will learn how to analyze and explain complex legal texts, including judicial opinions, legislation, and commercial contracts. They will learn techniques for clear and effective writing, practice their own writing, and receive detailed and expert feedback. Additionally, the course provides students with strategies to craft persuasive oral and written arguments.
Through a hands-on approach, participants will work with a range of practical texts (e.g., court decisions, statutes, CVs and cover letters, standard-terms contracts, client correspondence, and academic legal material) and participate in various exercises, discussions, and writing activities. Students are expected to come to class prepared with any required reading and assignments.
The course is recommended for any students or alumni who would like to hone the practical skills that will give them an advantage in their studies and their careers. The course is also beneficial for students considering participation in an English-language moot court (e.g., Vis Commercial Arbitration Moot) and those contemplating studying or working abroad or in an international practice area (e.g., commercial law, life sciences, or litigation and arbitration).
Please be aware that this is a language course and the aim of the course is to develop the reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills of participants in relation to legal topics by drawing on their own experience and knowledge.
Entry requirement: At least two semesters of law.
This course is only offered in the spring semester.