JD Learning Outcomes

Although the Law School measures student success in a variety of ways, a student successfully passing the required curriculum demonstrates that the student has achieved basic competence for ethical participation in the legal profession. In accordance with ABA Standards, Wake Forest Law has established that graduates of the Wake Forest Law JD program will accomplish the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law:

Graduates will be able to explain and apply the fundamental rules and concepts in procedural and substantive law.

Legal analysis and reasoning:  

Graduates will be able to analyze legal issues and apply rules, statutes, and other legal sources to different fact scenarios to reach a well-reasoned conclusion.

Written and oral communication:  

Graduates will be able to clearly and effectively communicate information and legal analysis, both orally and in writing.

Legal research:  

Graduates will be able to effectively conduct and incorporate legal research into legal analysis.  

Fact Investigation, problem-solving, and client counseling:  

Graduates will be able to conduct appropriate fact investigation and advise on potential solutions to clients’ legal problems. 

Ethics and professional identity: 

Graduates will recognize their professional and ethical responsibilities to their clients, the legal system, their community, and the rule of law, as well as the guiding principles and professional values foundational to successful legal practice.