Legal Fundamentals

Credit Hours: 3

This course, which is open to students in their final year, offers a substantive review of topics typically covered on the bar exam, along with practice exams and individual counseling on study techniques. The class is designed for students who need or want a supplement to other traditional methods of preparing for the bar exam. This course is not a substitute for the commercial bar courses that most students take after graduation. The learning methodology will be iterative, consisting of substantive lectures and materials followed by 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. Although designed to meet the particular needs of Virginia applicants, much of the substantive coverage will be relevant for other jurisdictions as well. Practice-testing will include actual MBE and Essay Examination questions, and all substantive materials will be written by the instructor specifically for this course. Students will be able to monitor 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. Grading will be Pass/Fail (CR/NC) based on timely and complete submission of assignments. Students will be expected to complete weekly assignments and are advised to plan their time accordingly.