Learning Outcomes

The following is the A.B.A. Standard 301 Statement Regarding Learning Outcomes for the Legislative Practice Certificate.

Knowledge and understanding of substantive law

• Understand Iowa’s Constitution and  Iowa Code requirements impacting the state legislative process
• Understand judicial interpretation and construction of statutes
• Understand separation of powers doctrine and the functioning of the legislative and executive branches
• Understand the distinction between functioning of state and local government (State and Local Government)
• Understand  federal and state law that controls the administrative operation of government (Administrative Law)

Knowledge and understanding of procedural law

• Understand the legislative process
• Understand how to advocate for passage of legislation
• Understand how to represent a client as legislative counsel
• Understand how to comply with the Rules of Professional Responsibility and the Iowa House and Senate Ethics Rules in the practice of legislative law

Legal analysis and reasoning

• Be able to analyze bills and amendments
• Be able to draft changes to existing bills and amendments

Legal research

• Be able to research the legislative history of bills and amendments
• Be able to research other states and other relevant information

Problem-solving

• Be able to interpret statutes
• Be able to work effectively with other legislative lawyers, associations, legislators, staff, and lobbyists to proactively advocate for passage of legislation
• Be able to understand the impact of potential changes on existing law

Written communication in the legal context

• Be able to draft legislative bills
• Be able to prepare appropriate advocacy materials

Oral communication in the legal context

• Be able to advocate for passage or oppose passage of legislation to legislators, staff, lobbyists and other parties
• Be able to advocate for passage of legislation in the context of a subcommittee process
• Be able to advocate for passage or oppose passage of administrative rules to state executive branch officials and legislators
• Be able to effectively communicate with client

Exercise of proper professional and ethical responsibilities

• Understand and show commitment to the defense counsel’s duty of zealous representation
• Understanding and applying the duty to keep attorney-client communications confidential
• Understand and show commitment to counsel’s duty to be respectful of the legislative process and legislators
• Understand and show commitment to acting professionally toward opposing parties during passage of legislation

Other professional skills needed of a competent and ethical practitioner