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.