Research, Writing & Advocacy Program
The Research, Writing & Advocacy (RWA) Program at MSU Law is a two-semester, graded course required of all first-year law students that is worth two credits per semester. RWA I, offered in the fall, focuses on developing legal analysis skills through objective legal memoranda on various topics as well as through client letters. In RWA I, students also learn the basics of print and electronic research and citation form. RWA II, offered in the spring, continues training in research and citation skills and introduces students to persuasive writing and oral advocacy. Students write appellate briefs and present oral arguments to panels of alumni attorneys. In RWA II, students are also required to attend either appellate arguments or trial court motion hearings at federal or state courts in downtown Lansing.
The Writing Skills Workshops are taken in conjunction with RWA I. The workshops allow students more time to practice fundamental research and writing skills and are taught by RWA professors, research librarians, and the writing specialist. The workshop sessions taught by the writing specialist focus on the fundamental skills of grammar, punctuation, and style. In addition, the writing specialist offers small group workshops and individual conferences throughout the year. RWA students take a Writing Skills Inventory at the beginning of the year to help diagnose strengths and weaknesses in writing. All students must pass a Proficiency Test on writing mechanics and grammar to receive credit for RWA.