Grading Criteria

Grades for the College of Law Domestic Violence Clinic will be based on student performance in the following areas:

Grades will be assessed on the following scale: A, B+, B, C+, C, D+, D, or F.

An A represents exemplary quality in all aspects of the student’s work. To earn an A, a student must attend and actively participate in all classes and status conferences; demonstrate a complete and thorough understanding of the facts and legal issues involved in each of her cases or projects; show that all of her files and case action sheets are complete, up-to-date and well-documented; conduct herself in a courteous, respectful and professional manner at all times; demonstrate initiative and significant case and project development; adopt a genuinely client-centered approach to her work; develop the habits of a reflective practitioner; arrive at all appointments, including interviews and court appearances, on time and thoroughly prepared; collaborate well with colleagues; fulfill each and every core course requirement; support every decision with sound research, critical analysis, and consideration for all reasonably foreseeable consequences; and keep the clinical faculty fully and completely advised of all matters pertinent to her representation –all in an exemplary manner.

A B+ represents outstanding quality in all aspects of the student’s work. To earn a B+, a student must demonstrate that she achieved all of the goals that an A represents in a manner worthy of special recognition but not perfect in every respect.

A B represents excellent quality in all aspects of the student’s work. To earn a B, a student must demonstrate that she strived to achieve all of the goals that an A represents.

A C+ represents above-average quality in most aspects of the student’s work. To earn a C+, a student must make substantial progress towards the attainment of the goals set forth above.

A C represents average quality work. To earn a C, a student must fulfill every core course requirement.

A D+ represents below-average work. To earn a D, a student must have failed to fulfill one or more core course requirement.

A D represents unacceptable work. To earn a D, a student must not only have failed to fulfill one or more core course requirement, but must also have neglected a client or a legal matter in a non-fatal manner.

An F represents failing work. To earn an F, a student must have knowingly or recklessly committed an act that would constitute malpractice if the student were licensed to practice law.