Course Selection Advice
One of the most exciting aspects of transitioning out of 1L year is the ability to choose your courses. There are many factors to consider when putting your schedule together. Students should be mindful of course requirements and prerequisites, but should also recognize that they are afforded considerable flexibility in choosing which courses to take. To assist with this process, some general advice is offered below, in addition to individual perspectives from professors.
Selecting Electives
The Colorado Law 2L and 3L curriculum is largely elective. Elective courses are intended to allow students to achieve a number of different objectives:
- Gain breadth of legal knowledge.
- Obtain more detailed understanding of the substance of the law in a particular area.
- Demonstrate specialization through completion of a certificate program.
- Develop specific intellectual or practical skills, such as effective written or oral communication, close reading of complex statutory materials, or clinical proficiency.
- Acquire a more sophisticated understanding of law by studying theoretical fields like jurisprudence, history, or policy studies.
The choice among elective courses will depend in part on the student's professional objectives. Those aiming at a general law practice might emphasize courses that provide wide substantive coverage and the development of a full array of basic skills. Students who want a specialized practice, such as tax or natural resources law, might choose a sequence of courses relevant to that area. All students should choose elective courses to assure that they are exposed to all of the major objectives during their legal education.
Consider Core Courses
"Core" courses refer to those traditional areas of the law where, regardless of practice area, attorneys can be expected to interact. Administrative Law, Corporations, Criminal Procedure, Family Law, and Wills & Trusts are a few examples of core courses. These subject areas are also tested on the Colorado Bar Exam, so taking them serves the dual purposes of ensuring a well-rounded understanding of the law and better likelihood of passing the bar.
Explore New Areas and Lead With Curiosity
Professor Deborah Cantrell tells students "it's really important to lead with curiousity when you're picking classes. I think you'll be more excited to learn if you don't feel obligated to be in a class. I also think it's really important to take different types of classes-- some lecture, some experiential and some smaller, discussion-focused classes. while you're in law school, you still have the freedom to roam in your learning, and you should take full advantage of that."
Follow Your Interests
As much as students are encouraged to build a practical foundation and get outside of their comfort zone, there is also great benefit to engaging with your interests.
Develop Your Writing Skills
Writing well is one of the most important skills that you will develop in law school. While the importance of the first-year legal writing courses cannot be overstated, it is just as important to continue to develop this skill. This can be done through immersion in a seminar course (which is required for graduation), but can also be achieved through writing a student note for one of Colorado Law's journals, taking on upper level writing course, or choosing a course with a significant writing component.
Gain Practical Experience
Colorado Law's rigorous academic offerings are complemented by a wide array of opportunities to gain practical experience.
Achieve a Balanced Schedule
Colorado Law alumni suggest achieving balance when selecting courses by taking some subjects to see what will spark your interest, because you enjoy the professors, or because they are on the bar exam. Think about your personal objectives, and strive for a schedule that will achieve them.
Seek Individualized Advice
No set of recommendations can fit all students. Fortunately, there are many resources available for students to get personalized advice. Professors make up a rich resource pool of individuals who are happy to meet with students. The Career Development Office is an enthusiastic source of guidance, and students may also reach out to other mentors, like current or former employers.
