Mission Statement & Student Learning Outcomes

Mission Statement

The mission of the Texas Tech University School of Law is to prepare individuals for the effective and ethical practice of law in a rapidly changing, diverse, and interconnected world; to engage in meaningful scholarship; and to foster a culture of public service.

Student Learning Outcomes

The Texas Tech University School of Law has established the following student learning outcomes to identify the knowledge, skills, and values that the law school desires its graduates to possess.

Learning Outcome 1: Graduates will demonstrate competent knowledge and understanding of substantive and procedural law.

To demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome, graduates will:

• Criterion 1: Explain and apply the fundamental legal concepts and rules covered in required courses.
• Criterion 2: Explain and apply the fundamental legal concepts and rules covered in elective courses.
• Criterion 3: Identify and describe the U.S. and Texas legal systems.

Learning Outcome 2: Graduates will demonstrate competent skills in legal analysis, reasoning, and problem-solving.

To demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome, graduates will:

• Criterion 1: Accurately identify the material facts, procedural history, issues on appeal, rules of law, reasoning, holding, and policy in judicial decisions.
• Criterion 2: Accurately interpret and apply statutes, regulations, and other administrative orders.
• Criterion 3: Identify and describe legal issues implicated by a factual scenario.
• Criterion 4: Identify and describe relevant legal authority applicable to identified legal issues.
• Criterion 5: Identify and describe key rules and reasoning contained within applicable authority.
• Criterion 6: Effectively synthesize and reconcile legal authorities when applicable.
• Criterion 7: Effectively analogize and distinguish precedent.
• Criterion 8: Propose reasonable resolutions to legal problems.

Learning Outcome 3: Graduates will demonstrate competent skills in legal research.

To demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome, graduates will:

• Criterion 1: Identify and describe the roles and differing characteristics of sources of law, including the weight of authority.
• Criterion 2: Create and implement an effective research strategy.
• Criterion 3: Evaluate and select the appropriate sources of legal research.
• Criterion 4: Verify the current accuracy of legal authority.
• Criterion 5: Use proper citation for legal authority when required.

Learning Outcome 4: Graduates will demonstrate competent skills in written and oral communication.

To demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome, graduates will:

• Criterion 1: Communicate effectively by employing predictive, persuasive, and transactional writing techniques.
• Criterion 2: Engage in effective and professional oral communication, including the delivery of an oral argument.

Learning Outcome 5: Graduates will demonstrate competent knowledge of professional and ethical responsibilities.

To demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome, graduates will:

• Criterion 1: Identify and describe the applicable rules and standards governing lawyers' professional conduct and the values and ethical responsibilities of the legal profession and its members.
• Criterion 2: Apply knowledge of professional ethics to the resolution of legal dilemmas.
• Criterion 3: Apply knowledge of professional ethics in the context of oral and written advocacy.
• Criterion 4: Demonstrate professionalism through conduct consistent with the legal profession's values and standards.
• Criterion 5: Demonstrate the development of a professional identity with a focus on what it means to be a lawyer and the special obligations lawyers have to their clients and society.

Learning Outcome 6: Graduates will develop other professional skills needed for competent and ethical participation as a member of the legal profession.

To demonstrate achievement of this learning outcome, graduates will:

• Criterion 1: Demonstrate technology proficiency with technological tools used in the practice of law.
• Criterion 2: Demonstrate leadership skills in a variety of setting.
• Criterion 3: Demonstrate the ability to work cooperatively with others.
• Criterion 4: Demonstrate civility and an awareness of the importance of diversity and inclusion including the role of bias, cross-cultural competency, and racism.
• Criterion 5: Exhibit a commitment to pro bono and public service activities.