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  3. Academic Programs
  4. Juris Doctor (JD) Program
  5. JD Curriculum
  6. Learning Outcomes

These learning outcomes represent the summation of the California Western experience. They identify the skills, knowledge, and values that California Western graduates should have when they complete their studies. There is no expectation that a graduate will be proficient in every element. Rather, the California Western graduate will have had the opportunity to develop experience and competence in many of these elements, which we believe are necessary for the practice-ready attorney.

I. Foundational Knowledge and Skills

Students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of substantive legal rules and doctrine.
  2. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  3. Use legal rules and doctrine to analyze legal issues.
  4. Conduct effective legal research.

II. Lawyering Skills

Students will be able to:

  1. Gather facts to further client goals.
  2. Counsel clients objectively, respectfully, and effectively about the best ways to solve or to prevent problems.
  3. Draft professional documents.
  4. Advocate or negotiate effectively for clients in a legal setting.

III. Professionalism

Students will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate honesty, integrity, fairness, respect, empathy, civility, and cultural competence. 
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the Rules of Professional Conduct.
  3. Exercise sound professional judgment.
  4. Engage in pro bono work and public service.

Assessment Schedule

A faculty committee consisting of the Vice Dean, the Assistant Dean for Academic Achievement, and 2-3 faculty members will work on each set of two Learning Outcomes, preparing assessment plans and rubrics, assessing the results, and proposing reforms to the faculty. The faculty Academic Affairs committee will also be involved, especially where proposed reforms implicate existing Academic Policies.

  • Year 2017-18:  I. A & B
  • Year 2018-19:  II. A & B
  • Year 2019-20:  III. A & B
  • Year 2020-21:  I. C & D
  • Year 2021-22:  II. C & D
  • Year 2022-23:  III. C & D