Legal Skills at William and Mary is a nine credit, two year program of study that is required of all students. The Program covers the following topics:

• History and Structure of the Legal Profession
• Professional Ethics
• Legal Research
• Legal Writing
• Legal Drafting
• Interviewing
• Negotiating
• Client Counseling
• Alternate Dispute Resolution
• Pretrial Activities, including Discovery and Motion Practice
• Introduction to Trial Practice
• Introduction to Appellate Practice

The Program begins with a challenging and intensive week of instruction designed to introduce the new student to both the legal system and the study of law. During this introductory week, the first-year students learn about the structure of our legal system by constructing a new legal system in a lawless society, are introduced to the ethical responsibilities of the profession, and get experience briefing cases, interviewing a "client," and writing their first memorandum of law. 

How effective is this week of total immersion in the culture of the law? Read the words of some of our Legal Skills students from Introductory Week 2004:

"This week has made me feel more prepared and excited for my first semester.  I feel thankful for such a unique, practical program that provides a framework for the coming courses and career."

"This week eased the transition into law school.  I feel more comfortable after reading cases, and doing briefs and a memorandum."

"I have a much greater appreciation for the importance of what I will do here, giving me greater confidence and a firmer sense of duty."

"I wanted to study law, for a mix of moral and academic reasons . . . after this week I see the two are firmly linked, and I feel charged with a great and humbling responsibility to work hard and live up to the potential of the profession."

Following the introductory week, the Skills Program begins in earnest and on two concurrent tracks: classroom instruction and simulated client representation. These tracks are designed to provide both INSTRUCTION in skills and ethics and the ACTUAL USE of those skills in realistic settings that require the resolution of tough ethical issues.

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