Legal Writing and Research

Catalog description

The ability to conduct legal research and write clearly and concisely are some of the most important skills for a member of the legal team. In this course, students will learn to identify and research legal issues, locate applicable legal authority and evaluate the weight of the legal authority. Students will learn the traditional IRAC method, identifying the legal issue, explaining the applicable legal rule, developing analysis of facts and determining a conclusion to given hypothetical scenarios. Students will develop skills in analyzing issues using objective and persuasive writing and learn to employ appropriate tone depending on the audience. Students will be introduced to Bluebook citation and will draft documents commonly used in legal practice, including an objective memorandum, client letter and persuasive brief.