LAW 361 - Advanced Legal Analysis and Doctrine

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 practice-testing and analysis. This course is recommended for all Virginia applicants, as well as other students seeking a rigorous approach to Bar Exam preparation. 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. The course will use Virginia as a default jurisdiction in order to benefit the greatest number of students, but will also benefit applicants in other jurisdictions. 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 UBE Examination will also be covered. 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 success on the Bar Exam. This class is restricted to only those students who have been identified, based on academic performance, as likely to benefit from additional bar exam preparation studies. The Dean’s Office will be responsible for identifying and contacting such students who will be notified and administratively registered during their third-year as a condition of graduation. Grading will be Pass/Fail based on timely and complete submission of assignments. Students will be expected to complete weekly assignments.