Advocacy Certificate

The Certificate in Advocacy is available for students who have a serious interest in the art, science, and law of advocacy. The recipient of the Certificate in Advocacy has demonstrated a thorough understanding of the litigation process, the ability to produce appropriate legal pleadings and other litigation documents, and the ability to try a case proficiently to a judge or jury. The Certificate is an acknowledgment by the Faculty that the student has successfully completed a focused course of study in advocacy.

Course of Study

Required Courses

Optional Courses

8 hours selected from any of the following "Elective Classes:"

Plus 4 hours from any of the following "Elective Skills Training" courses:

Service Requirements

  1. Complete 10 hours of pre-approved pro bono activities which involve advocacy skills.
  2. Complete 18 hours of pre-approved Advocacy Center activities.
  3. Complete and submit the Advocacy Certificate Service Form within one month of completing any service hours.

General Requirements

Any student interested in pursuing a Certificate in Advocacy must first meet with a faculty member administering the program (Professor Michael Kaye) to declare their interest and plan their course of study. This must be done prior to completing 40 hours of study. Following the meeting the faculty member and student will complete the "Meeting Summary." This faculty member will also serve as the student's Certificate advisor and will approve any waivers or alternative courses allowed or required by the program.

The student must complete 90 hours of total law school credit and achieve a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in courses used to satisfy their Certificate requirements. Students who obtain a minimum grade point average of 3.5 for courses used to satisfy their Certificate requirements will be awarded the Advocacy Certificate (with distinction).

Approved by the faculty: May 2005
Effective: January 2006
Updated: March 2008