Advocacy

The University of San Diego School of Law is strongly committed to developing students' written and oral communication skills. All students must complete the course Lawyering Skills I, which focuses on research, writing and advocacy skills, and culminates in the preparation of a written brief and delivery of an oral argument before a panel of judges.

Lawyering Skills II allows upper-division students the opportunity to work with lawyers and judges, learn about pretrial litigation, and develop skills such as client interviewing and counseling. This course concludes with a jury trial in a San Diego County courthouse. A number of simulated case exercises also serve to develop oral advocacy.

After the first year of law school, students are given the opportunity to further expand their oral advocacy skills. The award-winning Appellate Moot Court Program and National Mock Trial Program competitions are open to all continuing law students.