QATAR University hosted a week-long visit by George Washington University (GWU) professor Susan Karamanian, who presented a series of lectures on legal writing to students at the College of Law.
In all, 30 law students attended lectures on legal research, case analysis and legal writing in the context of commercial law. They worked on a hypothetical case involving such issues as arbitration, warranties, liabilities and consequential damages.
Karamanian, associate dean for international and comparative legal studies at GWU, explained that the aim of the lectures was to introduce the students to a US teaching of legal writing.
“This style is focused on engaging the students to raise compelling legal issues and to encourage reactions and understanding of the issues. In so doing, students are better able to analyse issues and formulate opinions and decisions in a structured way,” she stated.
Clarity, conciseness and correctness form the principles of legal writing, Karamanian told the students.
“They are important elements to a successful brief or research paper”, she added.
Second year law student Sara Mohamed acknowledged the benefit of the lectures. “They helped not only in my approach to writing opinions but also in developing my listening skills,” she said.
The student also pointed out that the lectures have helped her to understand better the importance of structure and the need to avoid repetition, to be more clear and specific in presenting the issues.
First-year student Sara Ahmed Fakhroo was of the view that the lectures showed her the importance of fully understanding the background of an issue or a case.
“The result will be a better researched and prepared legal brief as well as added confidence to verbalise my arguments and conclusions in making a case,” she added.
QU vice president and chief academic officer Sheikha Jabor al-Thani observed that the lectures offered students an opportunity of exposure to techniques that would strengthen their writing and reasoning skills as prospective law professionals. |
