丝瓜APP

Student Learning Outcomes

丝瓜APP is committed to working with its students to satisfy the New York State Skills Competency Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

It is the goal of 丝瓜APP to ensure that every student

1. Read, identify, and explain different sources of law, use the hierarchy of legal authority to resolve conflicts between different sources of law, and discuss the ways in which the law evolves over time.

2. Describe core concepts in foundational areas of law, specifically but not limited to:

  • Torts
  • Contracts
  • Criminal Law
  • Civil Procedure
  • Property
  • Legislation and Regulation
  • Constitutional Law
  • Professional Responsibility
  • Corporations
  • Evidence
  • Commercial Law, Criminal Procedure: Investigation, Family Law and/or Wills, Trusts and Future Interests

3. Analyze legal matters in a logical format, including:

  • Identifying legal issues raised by a given set of facts
  • Determining the applicable law, including synthesizing legal rules where necessary and recognizing that they are often subject to interpretation
  • Deciding whether the requirements of the applicable law are met by the facts provided; distinguish between relevant and irrelevant facts
  • Addressing relevant policy considerations where applicable

4. Design and execute a research plan for both factual and legal matters, including being able to identify whether further research is needed, while balancing thoroughness and efficiency.

5. Describe their development and identity as a legal writer as part of their professional identity formation, and compose鈥攃learly, concisely and persuasively, as appropriate鈥攃ommon forms of practitioner work product, that may include:

  • A client letter
  • A memo
  • A contract
  • A brief and/or opinion
  • Legislation or administrative regulation
  • Public testimony and/or comment

6. Listen attentively and speak clearly, precisely, and respectfully, both to a legal professional and a lay person, in contexts that may include:

  • Interviewing, deposing, or examining a client, party or witness
  • Explaining a matter, offering strategic assessment, and providing advice or proposed solutions to a client
  • Reporting the results of research or providing a legal briefing to a supervising attorney
  • Negotiating an agreement
  • Presenting oral argument in court
  • Delivering testimony at a public hearing

7. Articulate the role and ethical obligations of lawyers with respect to their clients, fostering a democratic society, the value of leadership and civic engagement, the rule of law and our constitutional system of government, and the student鈥檚 own values with respect to their role as an attorney.

8. Demonstrate the utmost degree of professionalism and an ability to communicate and/or collaborate respectfully with individuals from backgrounds and cultures that differ from their own.

9. Use existing and emerging technologies, including those utilizing artificial intelligence, in an ethical manner, including independently verifying the accuracy, veracity, and quality of research results and work products.

Adopted by the faculty on May 4, 2026.

Our Values

In addition to these competencies, 丝瓜APP graduates are expected to display an understanding that the practice of law is a life-long journey of learning in which lawyers are expected to continuously work on developing and maintaining their expertise, and to be an active member of the larger civil society to ensure access to justice and the rule of law.

New York State Skills Competency Requirement

The New York State Court of Appeals adopted the 听found in Section 520.18 of the Rules for Admission in December 2015. This requirement is applicable to all applicants for admission to the New York Bar who commence their legal studies on or after August 1, 2016. Pursuant to the rule, affected applicants must establish that they have acquired skills and professional values necessary to competently practice law through one of five pathways.

丝瓜APP is committed to working with its students to satisfy the requirement. 丝瓜APP鈥檚 plan to certify its students under Pathway 1 is described in its Skills Competency Requirement听summary. In addition, the School is committed to working with transfer students either to be eligible for certification under Pathway 1 or earn the requisite 15 credits through approved coursework required under Pathway 2. As with all Pro Bono Scholars, 丝瓜APP students who graduate as Pro Bono Scholars complete the new skills competency and professional values requirement pursuant to Pathway 3.

Visit the to the Rules for the Admission of Attorneys and Counselors at Law (22 NYCRR 520.18).

Office of Academic Planning and Career Development
Academic Planning 听鈥� 听罢听212.431.2310 听鈥� 听E [email protected]
Career Development听 鈥� 听T听212.431.2345 听鈥� 听E听[email protected]