Tight Fisted Miser

Teaching Law in Law School

I recently read that my former law school,Washington and Lee, is revising their third year law school curriculum and replacing all academic classes with experiential learning. All of the third year students will be required to get a Virginia practice certificate and participate in at least one real client experience during the year. There have been calls in the last few years to include more practical experience in law schools but I haven’t heard of any other law schools developing a curriculum like this one. This is a major change and I like the idea.

In the five semesters of law school I’ve had so far I haven’t had any real experience and wouldn’t have any idea what to do if I actually had to go to court. My experience in the public defender’s office this summer will change that. Also I’m taking a family and children services clinic next year will also get me some practical experience. My current law school has implemented a program that started after I enrolled that requires one credit of professional skills certification which is also a step in the right direction. Many people feel that third year of law school isn’t even necessary, if the third year was spent mainly getting practical experience I think it would be much more beneficial.