Educational Effectiveness Evaluation Plan

Juris Doctor

Learning Outcomes

  • Effective client representation integrates doctrine, theory, skills, and legal ethics. Effective client representation involves several skill sets, including
    • Advocacy
    • Negotiation
    • Counseling
    • Interviewing
    Effective client representation also involves the exercise of professional judgment consistent with the values of the legal profession and professional duties to society, including recognizing and resolving ethical and other professional dilemmas.
Through close faculty mentorship in coursework, clinics, competitions and externships, law students will be able to effectively represent clients in a variety of legal situations at a level of competency appropriate for an entry-level practitioner. Assessing this outcome will require measuring the students’ abilities to 1) appraise client situations and make appropriate legal recommendations, 2) negotiate productively, professionally, and ethically on behalf of clients, and 3) advocate effectively, professionally, and ethically on behalf of clients in a variety of settings.
  • Effective legal analysis begins with knowledge and understanding of substantive law, legal theory, and legal procedure. Students must be able to apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to derive and apply legal rules in a variety of contexts. Students will be able to formulate clear and effective legal analyses based on knowledge acquired through research, case and statutory analysis, practical experience, and analysis of other legal materials.
  • Effective legal writing differs depending on the document, such as an appellate brief, trial brief, transactional document, letter, or memo. However, all effective legal writing requires:
    • Understanding and appropriately and effectively using legal authority
    • Precise use of language
    • The communication of legal and factual analysis clearly to a designated audience
    Students will be able to compose legal documents in a variety of settings appropriate to the legal profession. Through multiple writing projects, and individualized assessment of their written work, students will learn to write precisely, clearly, professionally, ethically, and persuasively.

Course requirements for the degree

» University Catalog

Curricular Map

The curriculum map shows how each required course contributes to the program's learning outcomes.

» Curricular Map (PDF)

Annual Learning Outcomes Assessment Report(s)

In a process called assessment, the faculty of each degree program measure student attainment of program learning outcomes goals on an annual basis. The assessment processes used by this program can be found in the link (PDF) below:

» Learning Outcomes Assessment Process (PDF)

Assessment Rubric

In assessing learning outcomes, program faculty often develop rubrics which establish criteria and expectations showing how outcomes are evaluated. The assessment processes used by this program can be found in the link (PDF) below:

» Learning Outcomes Assessment Rubric (PDF)

Program Review

Program review represents Chapman's commitment to excellence in academic programs through periodic review of educational effectiveness. Every 5 to 7 years, program faculty members prepare a self-study report, which is reviewed by external, expert reviewers, numerous Chapman faculty governance councils and committees, and the Office of the Chancellor. Program review provides an opportunity for each program to reflect on its educational effectiveness as well as its contribution to the university's mission and strategic plan. The results of program review guide institutional planning, budgeting and decision-making.

Program Review Schedule: 2006-2007, 2011-2012, 2016-2017, 2021-2022
  • Self Study: Fall 2013
  • External Review/Site Visit: Fall 2013
  • External Reviewers Report Submitted: Spring 2013

Learn More

See department website for additional information about this program