Law is a profession of words, and developing strong communication skills -- along with legal reasoning and analysis -- is a critical part of a top-notch legal education.
Overview
The University of Wisconsin Law School’s Communication and Advocacy Program was established in recognition of the importance of communication skills for all students, regardless of their career paths. The program brings together and coordinates the many opportunities for students to gain experience and skill in oral and written communication-- both in and out of the classroom.
The Law School offers a variety of courses in legal research and writing, from the basic required courses in the first-year through advanced courses on legal writing and writing for law practice. In addition, classes on public speaking, client counseling, and trial advocacy focus on oral communication skills, and clinical programs provide additional excellent supervised opportunities for students to develop these skills further.
Complementing coursework are the UW Law School's moot court and mock trial teams, which give students unparalleled experiences in trial and appellate work. UW Law School teams and individual students have received significant honors in competitions throughout the country.
Communication & Advocacy Program Offerings
Legal Research & Writing
Legal research and writing are core skills for lawyers and are of critical
importance. The Legal Research & Writing Program provides courses
for all students at all levels. Our goal is to help students gain the
skills that they will need to be successful lawyers.
Individualized Instruction Service
The Individualized Instruction Service (IIS) offers writing instruction
tailored to each student's learning style and focused on each student's
particular writing concerns. Students can work on writing in individual
conferences or in group workshops.
Trial Advocacy Courses
The Trial Advocacy Course at the University of Wisconsin Law School teaches
basic litigation skills. Trial Advocacy is designed not only for students
who want to try lawsuits after they leave school but for all lawyers who
need the skills and self confidence to appear in court on a disputed matter.
Other Opportunities
Here's information about other opportunities for students to develop strong writing skills, confident speaking skills, and advocacy experience at the University of Wisconsin Law School. In addition, check out course listings for specific classes with a strong communications component.
Mock Trial
The Mock Trial Program at the University of Wisconsin Law School
gives students the opportunity to polish their trial skills, understand
the importance of teamwork, and learn strategy. Students, who are selected
through a competitive try-out process, try a complete lawsuit in regional
and national competition against mock trial teams from other law schools.
The UW Law School teams are coached by experienced litigators from the
Law School and the practicing bar. Preparation work is intensive and participants
receive credit for their work through the trial advocacy program.
Moot
Court
University of Wisconsin Law School Moot Court program is among
the largest and best established in the nation. As many as 150 students
are involved each year. Through this program, students hone their oral
and written advocacy skills. Teams participate in numerous competitions
inside the Law School, and we select approximately 10 teams to compete
regionally, nationally, and internationally. We also host several national
Moot Court competitions at the Law School.
Lawyering Skills Program
The Lawyering Skills Program offers an oral communication course that
emphasize skills that all lawyers need: how to speak clearly, confidently,
and persuasively to a variety of audiences. Classes are small and limited
enrollment is enforced to give all students the maximum number of practice
opportunities.
Clinical Education
Clinical students receive a rich educational experience, using written
and oral communication skills and applying the legal theory they have
learned in the classroom to help real people outside of the classroom.
Clinicals, externships, and internships provide law students with the
opportunity to receive feedback on their writing, practice their oral
communication skills, and develop the substantive knowledge, professional
skills, and judgment necessary to excel as attorneys.
Journals
Journals provide intensive writing and editing opportunities for many
students in the Law School Community.