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Hi.

I am a very shy person and I don't enjoy public speaking.

I am aware that all law schools involve public speaking and I know that there is no way I can avoid it.

I am considering attending UC Hastings and I am curious how extensive public speaking is in their curriculum.

I've read somewhere that this school puts stronger emphasis on oral skills than other schools.

Is this true? Is there much more public speaking involved compared to other law schools?

Thank you for taking the time to read the post!!

I'm a 3L at Hastings.

I don't think there is really any more focus on oral argument than there is at other schools. You are only required to give one oral argument in order to graduate (15 minutes long, for your 1L moot court class). Of course, because the argument is for class, you will have to give a couple practice arguments as part of the class, but these are shorter, and in front of a very small group (8-10 students).

Now, if you want to give more oral arguments, Hastings does heavily promote its moot court competition team, which is probably why you heard about a focus on oral argument. However, that's all voluntary during your 2L and 3L years, and you never have to give another argument after 1L if you don't want to.

I think OMLH's experience generally extends to almost every law school.

besides an oral argument or two, most public speaking in law school is answering cold calls