Program Competencies

Upon graduation, a Legal Studies graduate should be able to:

1. THINK CRITICALLY & ANALYTICALLY
   • Interpret and explain the elements of a legal argument or question.
   • Analyze the structural connections between the component parts of a legal argument or question to determine which areas of law are relevant.
   • Evaluate the credibility, reliability or relevance of legal authority to determine if it applies to the legal issues.
   • Synthesize a response based upon interpretation, analysis and evaluation of legal issues and relevant authority.
2. COMMUNICATE ORALLY & IN WRITING
   • Effectively interact both orally and in written correspondence with lawyers, other professionals and laypersons.
   • Analyze communication situations in order to make effective communication choices and achieve desired results.
   • Make educated choices about language, genre and organization to produce writing that is clear, concise and reflective of the high standards expected within the legal profession.
3. UTILIZE TECHNOLOGY
   • Choose appropriate technology tools and use them effectively.
   • Survey both print and electronic sources of law to locate applicable and relevant primary and secondary source materials.
   • Evaluate and analyze those source materials, and apply them to issues requiring legal analysis.
   • Develop an adaptive life-long learning approach to changing technologies that gives proper consideration to the implications associated with their use.
4. PERFORM LEGAL RESEARCH
   • Prepare and carry out a legal research plan.
   • Survey both print and electronic sources of law to locate applicable primary and secondary source materials.
   • Evaluate and analyze source materials, and apply them to issues requiring legal analysis.
   • Properly cite both print and electronic sources of law.
   • Draft various legal documents using proper format and appropriate content.
5. INTERVIEW AND INVESTIGATE
   • Locate and prepare documents to obtain information that is commonly maintained by government and private entities.
   • Summarize and analyze information contained in such documents and apply it to a given situation.
6. WORK PROFESSIONALLY & ETHICALLY
   • Cite, state, and act in accordance with the rules of professional conduct that govern those working in the legal field.
   • Describe the evolving role of non-lawyers in the delivery of legal services and in increasing access to legal services.
   • Identify the ethical implications inherent in a particular situation, and evaluate the particular course of action to be taken in the face of countervailing pressures.