Portland, Oregon – Lewis & Clark Law School has announced the launch of a cutting-edge certificate program focused on Litigation & Advocacy Skills, which is designed to cater to students aiming to master advocacy across various legal environments. This new initiative aims to equip participants with vital skills ranging from engaging in courtroom battles to excelling at negotiation tables.
The program integrates intensive coursework with hands-on training and mentoring to create an immersive learning experience. It mandates that enrolled law students complete four foundational courses. Additionally, they must accrarily involve themselves in a minimum of six credits of hands-on legal experience through clinics, externship programs, moot courts, or specialized practicums.
John Parry, the interim dean of the law school, emphasized the certificate’s role in reinforcing the institution’s commitment to holistic legal education. According to Parry, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills prepares students to effectively face real-world challenges in the legal field.
The curriculum covers a plethora of subjects including advanced civil procedure, appellate advocacy, and complex litigation, among others. This ensures that students not only learn about these areas but also apply their knowledge practically.
An innovative component of the certificate is a year-long mentorship program where students are paired with experienced legal professionals from the community. This relationship provides the students invaluable industry insights and networking opportunities. Mentees also get the chance to attend real court proceedings and legal networking events.
Jo Perini-Abbott, a professor and the executive director of the center, described the program as a progressive step by Lewis & Clark Law School in acknowledgment of the crucial role that practical skills play in legal education. Perini-Abbott outlined the program’s structure: “The curriculum is designed to be comprehensive, combining classic academic courses with simulations, hands-on clinic work, and a dedicated mentorship phase to produce competent advocates ready for practice.”
Students like Julia Sicard, a committed enrollee of the certificate program, already predict significant benefits from their participation. Sicard, who aims to specialize in civil litigation, shared her experience working at three personal injury law firms. She highlighted the importance of confidence in the courtroom and praised the personalized approach to mentorship that matched her with an attorney aligned with her career aspirations.
As legal education evolves, Lewis & Clark Law School’s Litigation & Advocacy Skills certificate exemplifies the kind of innovative educational paths that can significantly enhance a student’s readiness for the challenges of legal careers. The specialized training and mentorship provided are likely to set participants apart in the competitive field of law.