MPT CLINIC Summer 2019 MPT SESSION

1. MPT CLINIC Summer 2019MPT SESSION

2. Multistate Performance Test

3. What We Will Cover Today • Parts of MPT • Strategies for MPT

4. The Breakdown • Two Questions • Weight: 20% for two questions • Drafted by National Conference of Bar Examiners • Designed to challenge you to finish in time • 90 minutes each - 45 reading and outlining - 45 writing answer

5. Skills Tested Under Tight Time Constraints

6. Problem Solving • Identify & diagnose problem • Generate alternative solutions • Develop a Plan of Action • Implement Plan • Keep plan open to new information

7. Legal Analysis & Reasoning • Identify & formulate legal issues • Formulate legal theories • Evaluate legal theories • Criticize & synthesize legal arguments • Prioritize legal arguments

8. Factual Analysis • Identify Relevant Facts • Evaluate information gathered • Determine whether there is a need for additional information

9. Communication • Audience • Organization • Express Ideas with - Precision - Clarity - Logic - Efficiency

10. Organization & Management • Allocate Time, Effort & Resources • Perform & Complete task as described within time constraints

11. Ethical Dilemmas • Knowledge of nature & source of ethical standards (MPRE) • Knowledge of how ethical standards are enforced (ARDC) • Ability to recognize & resolve ethical dilemmas (personal conflicts)

12. Don’t Forget • Read Carefully - But Efficiently • Think • Common Sense • Answer Question Asked • Use Given Format • Use Proper Tone • The Law is Already There

13. Parts of the MPT

14. Task Memoranda • Vital to follow exactly • Gives assigned Task • Read very carefully

15. Case File • Contains info about your case • Transcripts, documents, interviews, pleadings, wills, contracts, etc.

16. Library • Legal Authorities • Cases & Statutes • Regulations • Rules • Authorities may come from a variety of sources

17. 90 Minutes • Read & Organize File • Read & Organize authorities • Write Answer

18. Manage Your time • 35 Minutes: Read Materials • 10 minutes: Organize Answer • 45 Minutes: Write

19. Suggested Strategy: Organization

20. Suggested Strategy • Read General Instructions • Read Task Memo & make notes • Read & Organize Case File • Read & Organize Library • Re-read task memo • Write Document

21. Memo of Law Persuasive Brief Memorandum to Judge Trial Brief Appellate Brief Opening statement Theory of Case Memo Client Letter Letter to Opposing Attorney Position Paper Will Closing Argument What is the Task

22. Organizing Answer • DIRAC - always to organize - sometimes to write • Use Headings • Decision • Conclusion • issue

23. Identify sources of fact Develop Plan Do not make assumptions Admissibility Interrogatories Document Requests Depositions Request for Admissions Request for exam Subpoena Duces Tecum Fact Gathering

24. Fact Analysis • Know Your Audience • Persuasive v. Objective • Purpose of Document • Know Client’s goals

25. Fact Analysis Documents • Closing Argument • Opening Statement • Jury Instructions • Declaration or Affidavit • Witness Cross-Examination • Will, Contract, other documents

26. Problem Solving & Tactical Considerations • Identify problem in terms of client’s goals • Consider options • Prioritize strongest option

27. Ethical Dilemmas • Identify ethical problem • Suggest alternative ways to solve it • Select solution • Keep within ethical rules

28. And Now Specific Organization Approach

29. The Four Blocks