2024-2025 Student Handbook

LEARNING OUTCOMES

[ Adopted by the Suffolk University Law School Faculty in April 2017 ]

These learning outcomes identify the desired knowledge, skills, and values Suffolk University Law School believes its students should master upon their successful graduation.

A. In accordance with ABA Standard 302(A), the successful Suffolk graduate should know and understand substantive and procedural law. Specifically, graduates should:

1. Learn the fundamental principles of Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Contracts, Criminal Law, Professional Responsibility, Property, and Torts. 2. Comprehend substantive and procedural law through elective coursework appropriate to the professional and intellectual interests of each student. B. In accordance with ABA Standard 302(B), the successful Suffolk graduate should be able to perform legal analysis and legal research, solve problems, and communicate effectively in the legal context. Specifically, graduates should demonstrate the ability to: 1. Analyze legal issues orally and in writing by critically reading legal authority, synthesizing rules, evaluating facts, applying law to facts, and solving problems. 2. Conduct accurate, thorough, and efficient legal research. 3. Communicate in a concise, organized, professional, and timely manner appropriate to the audience and circumstances. C. In accordance with ABA Standard 302(C), the successful Suffolk graduate should understand and exercise proper professional and ethical responsibilities to clients and the legal system. Specifically, graduates should demonstrate the ability to: 1. Identify ethical issues and resolve them in a manner consistent with the law and rules governing lawyers. 2. Maintain practice competencies through knowledge of relevant law, development of applicable skills, and understanding current practice technologies. 3. Understand and apply a lawyer’s ethical duties to clients, including those associated with client centered representation in a world of diverse clients. 4. Fulfill the public responsibilities of lawyers. D. In accordance with ABA Standard 302(D), the successful Suffolk graduate should demonstrate other professional skills needed for competent and ethical participation as a member of the legal profession. Specifically, graduates should demonstrate the ability to: 1. Develop and analyze facts. 2. Counsel clients. 3. Negotiate on behalf of clients. 4. Engage in self-evaluation toward life-long professional development, competence, and well-being.

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