Where Mentorship Meets Practice
At Bowen, lawyering is more than theory. It’s a hands-on craft, taught by judges, successful attorneys, and Bowen alumni who practice what they teach.
In this required second-year course sequence, students build core competencies like trial advocacy, legal writing, negotiation, and client counseling while preparing to lead in courtrooms and communities.
Lawyering Skills I & II bridge the gap between learning the law and practicing it, ensuring every student develops the confidence, professionalism, and real-world experience to succeed from the start of their legal career.
2L Lawyering Skills Courses and Faculty
Lawyering Skills I
2 Credit Hours
Through a combination of lectures and small group workshops, helps students learn a variety of lawyering skills in both litigation and non-litigation contexts, including interviewing and counseling; problem solving and development of legal theory; drafting various legal documents; negotiation; pre-trial litigation skills; trial skills; and alternative dispute resolution skills.
Prerequisite(s): Civil Procedure I & II
Lawyering Skills II
3 Credit Hours
Develops lawyering skills in trial preparation, techniques, and tactics through the handling of cases and trial problems under simulated trial conditions, including preparation of witnesses; presentations to the judge; direct and cross-examination of witnesses; and the introduction of real and demonstrative evidence. Each student is involved as counsel in the preparation and trial of an entire case before a jury. Extensive use of videotape is made to assist in critique of student performances.
Prerequisite(s): Evidence
Taught by Judges and Practicing Attorneys
Bowen’s Lawyering Skills faculty includes judges, experienced attorneys, and alumni who bring their work into the classroom. With a focus on mentorship and professional development, they guide students through the essential skills of trial advocacy, legal writing, and client representation.