MISSION STATEMENT

The Center for Applied Legal Ethics is dedicated to fostering ethical behavior in the practice of law. The CALE creates a forum for dialogue about teaching and applying legal ethics. The Center's focus is on the everyday practice of law, with the goal of enriching the legal community's understanding of ethics and morality. The Center builds on over twenty years of success at the University of San Francisco School of Law teaching legal ethics in an innovative, interactive classroom setting, consistent with the university's Jesuit mission. Students debate real world problems and reach conclusions based on norms and theory, while also exploring their own sense of morality.

The Center is committed to four principal goals:

  • Addressing the realities of practicing law ethically
  • Exploring how law schools can and should shape student values
  • Maintaining an inter-disciplinary dialogue about ethics
  • Building an ethical legal community, both in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

To attain these goals, the Center explores these critical issues, among others:

  • How can lawyers be effective advocates while maintaining their integrity and values?
  • How can law schools prepare students to deal with the ethical issues presented by the realities of legal practice?
  • What educational methods best explore these issues?
  • What values should law professors promote, and what teaching techniques should they use?
  • How can the academy and the profession work together on issues of ethical and moral concern?

The Center for Applied Legal Ethics was formed in 2000 to promote a real-world focus on ethics and morality in the practice of law. The Center provides an environment for law students and lawyers alike to engage in a dialogue about emerging ethical issues, and is a forum for law professors to explore ways to enrich the learning experience of their students. The Center builds on USF's successful law school ethics curriculum, which was recognized in 2000 by the ABA Section on Legal Education at its Presidential Showcase Program as one of "four innovative programs that inculcate a heightened awareness of professionalism issues."

top

 

 

have you responded to our online survey?