CHARTING A COURSE FOR SUCCESS : SKILLS DEVELOPED BY LAW STUDENTS

Adapted from What Can You Do With A Law Degree, A Lawyer's Guide to Career Alternatives Inside, Outside & Around the Law, Deborah Arron, 1999.

Reading casebooks: understand complex facts, issues and analysis, digest large quantities of material, learn technical jargon and "terms of art"

Briefing cases: identify issues, think critically, summarize facts and issues succinctly, generalize ideas from extensive reading material

Writing memoranda: organize and synthesize information, write clearly and accurately, explain facts precisely, analyze issues, apply precedent to new fact situations, write objectively or persuasively depending on the reader and purpose of memo, edit, cite check, proofread

Engaging in classroom discussions: communicate effectively, think on your feet, speak in public, defend your position, listen to others, respect diverse opinions

Participating in study groups: engage in teamwork, exchange information and ideas with others, demonstrate discipline, accommodate a variety of learning styles

Outlining class notes: organize and synthesize information, understand and identify critical concepts, summarize cases and doctrine

Participating in moot court: speak persuasively, articulate or advocate a position, listen critically, think on your feet, explain issues in understandable terms

Participating in clinical programs: meet deadlines, provide counsel and advice, create and organize files, interview people, explain legal issues in understandable terms

Studying for exams: exercise powers of concentration, manage time, prioritize work, multitask (i.e. study for several different exams during same time period), memorize information

Taking an exam: manage time, identify issues, write concisely, perform under pressure

Participating in student organizations: demonstrate leadership, follow through on assigned tasks, work effectively with fellow students