Learning Outcomes & Performance Criteria

Learning Outcome #1: Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of substantive and procedural law and the American Legal system.

Performance Criteria:

1. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of core legal doctrine, as defined by the courses required in the law school curriculum and those courses most frequently tested on the bar examination.
2. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of advanced legal doctrine, as defined by elective doctrinal courses in the law school curriculum.
3. Graduates will identify various sources of law (e.g., common law, statutes, administrative regulations), describe how those sources are developed, and articulate differences among them in terms of their legal effect.
4. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the structure and processes of the American legal system.

Learning Outcome #2: Graduates will demonstrate an effective ability to resolve legal issues.

Performance Criteria:

1. Graduates will identify the relevant facts and the legal issues as they arise in a variety of contexts.
2. Graduates will read legal authorities critically and synthesize the applicable rules, standards, and policies from those authorities.
3. Graduates will thoroughly apply the relevant legal authorities to the relevant facts, including evaluating potential counterarguments, to determine the likely outcome.
4. Graduates will assess and appropriately take into account the policy implications of the legal authorities applicable to the relevant facts.
5. Graduates will develop and evaluate potential solutions to resolve legal problems that advance the client’s goals.

Learning Outcome #3: Graduates will communicate effectively, orally and in writing, to clients and other audiences in a variety of legal contexts.

Performance Criteria:

1. Graduates will demonstrate active listening, facilitation and dialogue skills.
2. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to effectively explain legal doctrine.
3. Graduates will demonstrate the iterative process of writing by developing, editing, providing and receiving feedback and incorporating the received feedback.
4. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to communicate, formally and informally, in both objective and persuasive settings.

Learning Outcome #4: Graduates will research effectively and efficiently.

Performance Criteria:

1. Graduates will devise and implement a logical research plan which reflects an understanding of the limitations created by time and financial constraints.
2. Graduates will accurately assess the weight of authority.
3. Graduates will identify and effectively employ the fundamental tools of legal research.

Learning Outcome #5: Graduates will demonstrate competency in additional skills that are essential for effective lawyering.

Performance Criteria:

1. Graduates will capably manage legal projects (case, memorandum, mediation, transaction, etc.) from inception to conclusion.
2. Graduates will identify and be familiar with alternative dispute resolution techniques such as negotiations, mediations, arbitration and lawmaking activities.
3. Graduates will effectively plan and control their use of time and other resources.
4. Graduates will demonstrate their ability to work as part of a team.

Learning Outcome #6: Graduates will exercise proper professional and ethical judgment in interactions with clients, the profession and the legal system.

Performance Criteria:

1. Graduates will be familiar with and have the ability to locate and apply the Rules of Professional Conduct and related authorities which govern the conduct of attorneys.
2. Graduates will recognize, identify and resolve ethical and other professional issues that are unique to the legal profession.
3. Graduates will display professional civility, dignity and respect in all interactions with clients and all persons who are part of the legal system.
4. Graduates will recognize disparities of power and their effects on individuals and organizations as they interact with and through the legal system.
5. Graduates will recognize the special professional and ethical duty lawyers have to their clients, including the “consideration for the defenseless and oppressed.” (quote from Missouri Bar Oath).

Learning Outcome #7: Graduates will exemplify SLU LAW’s mission.

Performance Criteria:

1. Graduates will demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the Jesuit tradition of academic excellence and intellectual openness in the context of a commitment to serve others.
2. Graduates will demonstrate the ability to provide competent and culturally sensitive legal services to all clients, including those who are underserved.
3. Graduates will demonstrate an understanding of the important role that lawyers play in the rule of law, achieving social justice, and the good of society.
4. Graduates will demonstrate a capacity for empathy, reflective learning, and self-awareness through the recognition of personal perspectives, preferences and biases.