for the increasingly tech-integrated world of modern legal practice. The Rise of Continuous and Formative Assessment Another shift in legal education is the growing emphasis on formative assessment — an approach that prioritizes ongoing feedback and longterm skill development over one-time, high-stakes grading. Instead of a single exam at the end of the semester, students are now evaluated through short quizzes, reflective essays, and peer reviews that foster engagement and retention throughout the course. Portfolio assessments are also gaining ground, allowing students to compile and present a body of work that demonstrates their growth in analysis, writing, and reasoning. Importantly, the use of rubrics and detailed instructor feedback shifts the focus from chasing grades to pursuing genuine learning outcomes. This continuous model ensures that students build essential skills gradually and receive the guidance they need to improve over time. Technology and AI: Tools for Smarter Testing Technology and artificial intelligence are also reshaping how we assess legal ability, making exams more dynamic, interactive, and reflective of the workplace. Online platforms now deliver exams that include videos, documents, and other multimedia elements, allowing students to work through scenarios that feel more authentic. AI-driven grading tools are being used to evaluate written responses for logic, structure, The Shortcomings of Traditional Law Exams For decades, law schools have relied on high-stakes, timed essays to measure student ability. But while these exams may test memory and pressure performance, they fall short in key areas. First, they lack real-world relevance. Legal practice is collaborative and complex — rarely does it involve working alone in silence for three hours. Most law exams do not simulate the teamwork, context, or nuance of real legal scenarios. Second, traditional exams neglect soft skills such as communication, empathy, negotiation, and client interaction, all of which are essential in modern legal work. Third, the high-pressure nature of timed tests often distorts a student’s true understanding and discourages deeper, reflective learning. To build better lawyers — ones who are not just technically skilled but ethically grounded and client-ready — our methods of evaluation must evolve. Integrating Experiential Learning into Assessments One of the most promising innovations in legal education is the rise of experiential learning, which includes clinics, simulations, and externships that mirror actual legal work. Legal clinics, for example, give students the chance to work with real clients and handle live cases under supervision. This allows for assessments based on actual performance and application of knowledge, rather than abstract theory. Mock trials and simulations provide valuable insight into courtroom demeanor, advocacy, and the ability to think on one’s feet in high-stakes environments. In some schools, students even step into virtual reality courtrooms or client meetings, gaining exposure to lifelike legal situations. By incorporating these tools, law schools are not only enriching the student experience but also preparing graduates SPECIAL FEATURE 33 Rethinking legal assessments isn’t just about innovation — it’s about equity, effectiveness, and preparing future lawyers to lead, decide, and serve in a complex, fastchanging world.
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