Teaching Remedial Problem-Solving Skills to a Law School's Underperforming Students

John F. Murphy, Texas A&M University School of Law

Abstract

This article describes a course called the “Art of Lawyering” developed by the Texas A&M University School of Law to help the bottom quarter of the 2L class develop the critical-thinking and problem-solving skills they should have learned in the first year of law school. Students in the bottom quarter of the class at the beginning of the 2L year are most at risk for failing the bar exam after graduation. The Art of Lawyering gives these students the structural framework necessary to solve problems like a lawyer, improve their performance in law school, and pass the bar exam. The course, in its current iteration, is remarkably effective, producing a significant increase in students’ grade-point averages. The article describes the theory, methods, and resources behind the course, and it includes a detailed lesson plan so that other schools can replicate the course and realize similar success.