LAW 750 - Core Skills and Concepts

Credits: 3
Conditions: Open to graduating students; recommended for Virginia Bar applicants. Grading will be Pass/No Pass based on timely and complete submission of assignments.
Prerequisites: 3L class standing.
Description: This course will introduce students to the substantive knowledge, thought process, and writing skills needed for success on the Bar Exam. The learning methodology will be iterative, consisting of substantive lectures and materials followed by extensive practice-testing and analysis. The course will begin by reviewing the Multistate Bar Examination (MBE) subjects; the majority of the course will then cover heavily-tested Essay Examination subjects. Practice-testing will use actual MBE and Essay Examination questions, and all substantive materials will be written by the instructor specifically for this course. The course is designed to benefit applicants in all jurisdictions, but will emphasize Virginia-specific rules in order to benefit the greatest number of students. Students will be able to quantify their progress during the semester, both individually and relative to their peers. All students will also meet individually with the instructor to discuss their progress and specific steps they can take to maximize their odds on the Bar Exam. Students will be expected to complete weekly assignments. Please note that this course is NOT remedial; the course will cover a significant amount of substantive information and will be fast-paced, particularly in the second half of the semester.