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What is the general consensus on whether legal writing classes suck or not?

The effectiveness of legal writing instruction can vary greatly depending on the teaching approach.

Classes that emphasize active learning techniques, such as frequent writing exercises and peer review, tend to be rated more positively by students than those focused solely on lectures.

Many law schools are now incorporating more technology-driven tools and platforms into their legal writing curricula, such as automated grammar and style checkers, to help students improve their writing efficiency and precision.

Research has shown that law students who participate in extracurricular legal writing competitions or journals tend to have stronger writing skills upon graduation, suggesting that supplemental practice can be just as important as the core legal writing course.

The level of practical relevance in legal writing courses is a major factor in student satisfaction.

Classes that closely mirror the types of documents and writing tasks encountered in legal practice, such as client letters and appellate briefs, are often viewed more positively.

Professors' teaching styles and feedback methods can have a significant impact on how students perceive the value of legal writing instruction.

Constructive, individualized feedback is generally preferred over generic, one-size-fits-all commentary.

Some law schools have begun experimenting with "flipped classroom" models for legal writing, where students engage with instructional content outside of class and use in-class time for interactive exercises and peer collaboration.

Studies have found that students with strong pre-existing writing skills tend to be less critical of legal writing courses, as they are able to more readily apply the lessons to their own work.

The integration of legal writing instruction across the curriculum, rather than siloed in a single course, can help students better understand the contextual relevance and application of the skills they're learning.

Neuroscience research suggests that the act of handwriting, rather than typing, can enhance the retention and application of legal writing principles, leading some schools to incorporate more handwritten exercises.

The rise of legal technology, such as automated document generation and e-discovery tools, is prompting law schools to adapt their legal writing curricula to prepare students for the evolving demands of the profession.

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