A class at the University of Alabama School of Law

How To Assess Teaching Quality At Law Schools

Choosing the right law school goes beyond rankings and reputation—it depends on finding institutions that prioritize quality teaching.

Gabriel Kuris, founder of Top Law Coach and contributor at U.S. News, recently offered insight into why choosing the right law school is critical and how applicants can find an institution that prioritizes teaching excellence.

SEE HOW PROFESSORS USE THE SOCRATIC METHOD

The Socratic method, or case method, is a cornerstone of the law school experience. The method involves calling on students to ask and answer questions, aiming to stimulate critical thinking.

“Professors using the Socratic method cold call on individual students from a large lecture class and interrogate them about the facts and findings of assigned cases,” Kuris says. “Like the Greek philosopher Socrates, a skilled professor will cleverly push a student using thought-provoking questions that reveal nuances and hidden assumptions to seemingly straightforward claims.”

A quality professor utilizes the Socratic method to train students to think like a lawyer. On the other hand, a poor professor can create an environment of bullying or confusion.

“By visiting a class in person or talking to current students or recent alumni, applicants can learn whether professors in a law school use the Socratic method effectively to sharpen students’ minds or to browbeat them,” Kuris says.

ASSESS EXPERIENTIAL OPPORTUNITIES

Quality law schools offer their students a variety of experiential learning opportunities, where students can apply their knowledge in practical situations. Kuris recommends that applicants seek out law schools that require small hands-on classes with experiential opportunities like legal clinics, moot court, and externships.

“Make sure these classes are being taught by qualified and experienced attorneys,” Kuris says. “Don’t be afraid to ask admissions officers about how their school ensures that graduates are fully prepared for legal practice.”

LOOK AT PROFESSORS’ BIOGRAPHIES

There’s no better way to assess a professor’s qualifications than looking at their resume. Most law schools publish professors’ biographies online and can reveal clues about how they approach teaching.

“For example, adjunct faculty may bring direct experience and fresh perspectives to the classroom,” Kuris says. “But if you have a specific legal interest, it can be risky to attend a law school that doesn’t have a full-time professor in the field.”

While research is important, Kuris says, it’s important to remember that teaching can be highly subjective. Take opinions of professors with a grain of salt.

“When I was in law school, I heard adamant recommendations that I should take courses taught by certain professors whom I didn’t connect with, while I found some less-popular classes fascinating,” Kuris says.

Sources: US News, JD Advising