Writing Center

For accessibility and convenience, the writing center is located on the main floor of the library.

ARWC Spring 2013 Detailed Calendar

Now available: new online legal writing workshops

Programs & services

Writing Workshops
The director and writing center staff offer a series of mini-workshops for all students. The workshops support the Legal Skills curriculum and serve as refresher seminars to upper-level students on topics such as:

Bluebook citation format
drafting legal memoranda
writing and grammar mechanics

Each fall, the weekly seminar schedule is posted in the center and online.

Individual and group instruction
The ARWC director and staff offer individualized writing instruction to students whose legal writing and essay exam writing skills need improvement. Additionally, students may submit writing projects in various stages of completion for guidance on:

organization
grammar
citation
effective word and sentence choices

Computers
Students are free to bring their own laptops to work or study in the AWRC. Two computer stations are also available for student use. Printer use is available; the center's computers are connected to the circulation area’s printer.

English as a second language
Students whose native language is not English will find the help and resources they need to improve and enhance their written communication skills. Students may request an individual appointment with the director or staff, or they may be referred to the director by one of their professors.

Lending library
In addition to a variety of study guides and hornbooks that students may take out for home use, the AWRC complements the library’s resources by offering a selection of writing and resource guides specifically for legal research and writing.

Resume and cover letter assistance
Students are encouraged to make an appointment with Careers Services for career counseling, advice on resumes and cover letter content, and for information about job and internship opportunities.

Cover letter and resume samples that students may want to review for guidance as they begin the job search process are located in the AWRC. The director can help edit and organize resumes and cover letters before a student's meeting with career services.

Legal Skills Assistance e-Resources

ARWC staff and Dean's Fellows are available to review and edit all writing projects including submissions for Upper Level Writing. The following electronic resources can provide additional help:

The Bluebook

Legal Dictionary

General Thesaurus and encyclopedia