Certificate in Advocacy
Requirements for the J.D. Certificate in Advocacy
The study of trial advocacy at Loyola begins with courses required of all students in their first and second years. All law students take a first year legal writing course, which teaches them how to conduct legal research, how apply that research as they write legal memoranda and brief, and how to construct and deliver an oral argument. In the Fall of their second year, students continue to hone their written and oral skills in the advocacy course, also required of all law students.
From these beginning courses, students may decide to further their studies in advocacy. The Advocacy Certificate is comprised of 3 parts:
1. Coursework/Grades
In order to be eligible for the certificate, students must complete three required courses, and three elective courses. The required courses and the options for elective courses are listed on the application for the advocacy certificate (pdf). Students must have a combined average of 3.0 or better in all six advocacy courses.
2. Co-Curricular Experience
Students must successfully complete an externship, an approved clinical experience, or participate on one of our student competition teams in appellate advocacy or alternative dispute resolution. Approved co-curricular experiences are listed on the application for the advocacy certificate (pdf).
3. Extra-curricular Events
During their time at Loyola, students must also attend one of the "Meet the Lawyers" panel discussions held by the Loyola Circle of Advocates. These panel discussions, held once per semester, are two hour events in which leading attorneys and judges from the Chicago legal community are invited to discuss their experiences in advocacy, and answer students' questions. Each event focuses on a specific aspect of advocacy. Past panel discussions have included discussions focusing on criminal law, and on the federal court system. Attendance is taken at each of these events.
Questions regarding the Advocacy Certificate should be directed to Megan Canty, Assistant Director of Advocacy, at MCanty@luc.edu.
